New Business Hub

[jtennet]

When I joined BT Business a couple of years ago and supplied with a  2700HGV, I was disappointed that it didn't support 802.11n wireless networking and it has been a struggle signal strength around the house (my office).

The new hub does, indeed, support wireless n and what I would like to know is, am I, as a BT Business customer, entitled to an upgrade?

anybody know?

[kuerten]

802.11n just increase your speed in the local network yet it the wireless range is the same. If you have a signal issue inside your house, you might need to consider setting up a wireless repeater.

Someone should be able to confirm this if you are eligible for an upgrade.

[mydearcosmo]

 BT surely has an answer to that of your request to upgrade in case you're having problems with your connection. Try to coordinate with their support team for help.

[jtennet]

Thanks for your input folks.

I agree that BT could tell me, I was just hoping that somebody could help me without the usual lengthy telephone call.

While I also agree that speed is the main advantave of wireless n, there is also a distinct range improvement. From personal experience I have created workable wireless networks using n over distances where g did not work at all.

802.11 network standards

Protocol|Release      | Freq.(GHz) Bndwdth mHz | Data Rate mHz                                        |MIMO streams| Modulation       | Approx indoor range| Approx outdoor 

—	Jun 1997	2.4	20	1, 2	1	DSSS, FHSS	20m	66ft	100m	330ft
a	Sep 1999	5	20	6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54	1	OFDM	35m	115ft	120m	390ft
b	Sep 1999	2.4	20	5.5, 11	1	DSSS	35m	115ft	140m	460ft
g	Jun 2003	2.4	20	6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54	1	OFDM,DSSS	38m	125ft	140m	460ft
n	Oct 2009	2.4/5	20	7.2, 14.4, 21.7, 28.9, 43.3, 57.8, 65, 72.2	4	OFDM	70m	230ft	250m	820ft

[popcornuk]

The range improvement will only work if your devices are also wireless-N enabled. Any older laptops with a B/G wireless card will not get the benifit. 

As far as I know BT won't give you a newer hub for free. You'll either need to re-sign your contract or pay a one off for the hub.

[DanSmith87]

Paying one-off for the Hub would be nice, customer's have been waiting for the Hub three and it's wireless N capability for months (years, really) however BT don't seem to be offering to sell them on their own at the moment. New customers can get them okay, and some customers willing to re-sign can get one, but some have to upgrade the package if their original package, or a package that they have since moved to, doesn't come with a router. Where one can get a Hub 3 outright is beyond me, however. Their sales team didn't seem to be able to help me. I'd a appreciate any update if anyone manages to get one.

With regard to Wireless N, as above, the range and outright speed is indeed much better but you do need to have compatible wireless cards in your laptops/desktops.