your modem/connection speed is more important than the router........doesn't help to have 10+ MBs router on a 3 MBs connection...

right....but most will broadcast b,g & n as default...you will need to configure the router to just n

a good router will have wep or better security....make sure to change your ssid to something other than the default and then you can set it to not broadcast the ssid...additionally you can limit access by registering each computer's MAC address

best receiver I've had is the one built into my laptop, but common sense tells me a corded USB receiver would allow you to find the sweet spot

DAUNTLESS:  a couple of additional notes...

Because of this I play my online games mostly on WiFi connections and thought that maybe an N band router would give me better WiFi gaming performance since I can’t always use an Ethernet connection.


your modem/connection speed is more important than the router........doesn't help to have 10+ MBs router on a 3 MBs connection...

DAUNTLESS:  note that G and N connections do support higher though puts.  yes, the internet connection speed is the first bottle neck, but limiting the bottle necks within the network are also important.  also remember g and n networks do take advantage of newer technologies to help improve connection stability. 


Also if there was an N band wireless signal around I should not be able to pick it up with anything other than an Wreless-N receiver right?


right....but most will broadcast b,g & n as default...you will need to configure the router to just n

a good router will have wep or better security....make sure to change your ssid to something other than the default and then you can set it to not broadcast the ssid...additionally you can limit access by registering each computer's MAC address

 
DAUNTLESS:  i agree here as well.  i would suggest however using WPA2 security instead of WEP or WPA since both are fairly exposed now.  shutting down the SSID and locking connections to specific MAC addresses is a sure fire way to secure your wireless.  however, ive used WPA2 for a couple years now and have never had an issue.  just keep an eye on your DHCP address table in the router and if you see addresses pop up that shouldnt be there, you know you need to take additional steps to secure your network.

by experience would a MoBo with bilt in WiFi be better than a WiFi card for my desktop? I have a USB receiver at the moment but know it’s not good enough.


best receiver I've had is the one built into my laptop, but common sense tells me a corded USB receiver would allow you to find the sweet spot

DAUNTLESS:  I have to disagree with the above comment.  i would stay away from USB wifi receivers.  they can cause a ton of performance bottle neck issues.  if they are the only option, then great.  but every usb wifi dongle i have used has been a pain.  if you have the option to install the N card into your desktop system, then go for it.  also, try to stick to a single brand for the N componets (router/card).  b/g/n routers are designed to speak to other brands. but for your gaming pc, stick to the brand you like.  so...linksys router, linksys card. dlink router, dlink card. etc.  the minor pc's on the network could/should stay at G speeds which will save cash.  if you beleive you really need all n equipment for security, of course that is your call.

a client of mine has a highly mixed network.  they use a belkin n+ router set to both G and N broadcasting a public net and a private net.  they have macs, pcs, servers all connected via ethernet and wifi to the router and use WPA2 security.  they have had excellent success with speed and connectivity.  point being, you can have success in on your network even if it is mixed mode g/n.

So basically when it comes to gaming, n or g bands are somewhat the same? I was wondering since I see n around a lot lately but is more expensive I figured it would be faster apart from better security.

I plan on building a new PC for my kids, one that can handle the COD series but won't break the bank. I figured if I could I would upgrade to n band while I was at it. I will need to but a wifi card for it so want to amke sure to buy the right thing right off the back.

One last question, linksys, d-link or netgear?

Far as I'm concerned there's not much difference. I've got them all...currently prefer the the D-Link for setup configuration......Linksys seems to have more customization potential if you ever get into them that much. I've got an old Linksys b/g set up as a repeater to reach into my backyard shop.