[subego]

That is, when I get a wireless-n network.

I figured this would be an easy answer to google, but everything I've found frustratingly refuses to answer this question. Everything I get is along the lines of "any added device will slow down your network, this is called bandwidth". That's obviously the answer to a slightly different question.

[ghporter]

In general, N routers don't handle allowing B or G devices to join the network like we'd prefer. All of them that I've read about will slow down to G speeds at the most if a lower-speed device joins the network. That means that ALL members of the network will run at those reduced speeds. So, if I understand what you're asking better than those Google sites did, the answer is a qualified "yes" because if a B or G device joins the network it will slow down for everyone to accommodate the slower device.

[subego]

You have understood, answered precisely, and are, as always, sorely underappreciated.




If you could suffer one more question, since I already have a g-network, would it be crazy talk to just lay the n-network over it? Literally. Like a foot above it, on a different channel.

[Simon]

I wouldn't go so far as to say it will slow down your n network to g speeds. Here are some numbers I recently got (timing large file transfers) when I played around with my AEBS at home.

• Mixed g/n 2.4/5 GHz network: ~68 Mbps to MBP
• Pure 5 GHz n network: ~75 Mbps to MBP

I was surprised to not see a larger difference.

[ghporter]

Maybe the latest AEBS is more capable than the run-of-the-mill N routers...

There's NO problem with having both a G network and an N network connected to the same broadband connection. Different channels (is this actually applicable? I need to look into it...) would be smart, but the physical location of the base stations you've stated should work fine. I'd set up the N system to run in the 5GHz band exclusively, which would minimize radio interference, but other than that, go for it. The basic method is to just plug your N router into a wired port on your "main" router, and to configure the N router as an access point (turning off NAT and DHCP, among a few other things). It should work fine.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by subego 

If you could suffer one more question, since I already have a g-network, would it be crazy talk to just lay the n-network over it? Literally. Like a foot above it, on a different channel.

That is actually what many people including Apple (see pages 48-49) suggest you do for best performance. You run your previous g network as before. Beside that you also run a pure 5 GHz n network. They are in separate frequency spaces so they shouldn't interfere. Make sure your n devices connect to the n network.

Glenn already posted the important details on how to set it up. The link I posted above points to Apple's advice on doing the mixed network.

[Sherman Homan]

Glenn nails it, emphasize the part about turning off the N router's default DHCP and NAT service. You do not want two routers in a digital fist fight over network services!

[subego]

Excellent and useful answers!

I had no idea N was 5GHz, so I don't necessarily think my channel question was relevant.