phantom1421
Level 1 (1 points)

Q: Router Compatibility Mode Worth?

so on my router i have both 2.4ghz and 5ghz which i know is relatively good for the router however my question is, is it good running the 2.5ghz router in compatibility mode for 802.11b/g/n or just 802.11n? does it reduce speeds if i choose one or the other and which one? overall will my speeds stay constant and better if i stay with 802.11n instead of the compatibility mode? please help

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10), MID 2012 edition

Posted on May 6, 2015 5:47 PM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (104,884 points)
Wireless
A:
is it good running the 2.5ghz router in compatibility mode for 802.11b/g/n or just 802.11n?

If you run in the 802.11n only setting, then only "n" capable devices will be able to connect to the network. This could act as a bit of an informal security measure if all of your devices are "n" capable, since any other "g" or "b" devices would not be able to connect to the network....even if they had the password.

 

Performance wise, I doubt that the network will improve if you do this, but it would not hurt to try.

 

You might not be aware that in Apple's newest and highest performing routers.....the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule.....the radio mode setting is locked in the compatibility mode of 802.11b/g/n, and cannot be changed. I doubt that Apple would have done this if performance in an 802.11n only mode were significantly better than the compatibility mode.

Posted on May 7, 2015 4:10 AM

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phantom1421

Q: Router Compatibility Mode Worth?

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  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 7, 2015 4:10 AM in response to phantom1421
    Level 10 (104,884 points)
    Wireless
    May 7, 2015 4:10 AM in response to phantom1421
    is it good running the 2.5ghz router in compatibility mode for 802.11b/g/n or just 802.11n?

    If you run in the 802.11n only setting, then only "n" capable devices will be able to connect to the network. This could act as a bit of an informal security measure if all of your devices are "n" capable, since any other "g" or "b" devices would not be able to connect to the network....even if they had the password.

     

    Performance wise, I doubt that the network will improve if you do this, but it would not hurt to try.

     

    You might not be aware that in Apple's newest and highest performing routers.....the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule.....the radio mode setting is locked in the compatibility mode of 802.11b/g/n, and cannot be changed. I doubt that Apple would have done this if performance in an 802.11n only mode were significantly better than the compatibility mode.