Wifi: advanced-n 6230 vs ultimate-n 6300

[ShadowKntSDS]

What are the pros and cons of each? The cost difference is negligible, and I don't currently have an access point that can take advantage of either at the moment, so i can buy what ever best suits my needs. But, am I correct in reading that the 6300 doesn't have bluetooth? Would this leave a 8170 with a 6300 without any bluetooth capability at all?

[wmalinowski]

Advanced N 6230 was two antennas,transfer 300 Mbps (using N), and has bluetooth.

Ultimate N 6300 was three antennas (better signal reception), transfer 450 Mbps (using N) and no bluetooth.But you can get bluetooth by USB if you wanted to (that is a option you when you customized the Sager 8170).


So put in simply...If you want bluetooth, the 6230 might a better option. Otherwise get 6300.


Hopefully,I didn't confused you any more. :p

[Maverick494]

3 antennas does not mean better reception. The 3 wires run right next to each other in a small space, if you were to get better reception it would take the wires running in different locations and directions.

Proof is I get exactly the same reception on multiple wifi networks that I commonly use out of this 6200 in the G73 as I did from the 6300 in my sager 8690.

[acheronx1]

While I was at home, I notice a huge difference compared to just any normal wifi adapter I used in any other laptop.

Speeds were significantly increased (2.8mb/s when normally it was 2.3mb/s), signal quality was 98% when others show 92%, and I was able to detect many more networks that my old laptops never discovered.

It's hard to compare because my old laptops were stock, no modifications. So they were no where near as powerful as my JW.

But I did find a difference, even if it's a minor difference.

[ShadowKntSDS]

It only takes a few cm spacing for high frequency signals to get better reception from multiple antennas if the processing is done properly.

I'll go with the 6300 since I can add Bluetooth via usb later.

[james832001]

It only takes a few cm spacing for high frequency signals to get better reception from multiple antennas if the processing is done properly.

I'll go with the 6300 since I can add Bluetooth via usb later.

I was told that all the antennas will be right next to each other. I was hoping that there would be one antenna at each side of the LCD and one at the top. Would this help with the reception???

By the way, I changed my order from a 6230 to a 6300. I do not use any bluetooth peripherals now and I don't foresee myself using one in the future. Plus, its only $10 more for Intels Ultimate 6300.

[powerpack]

Yea bluetooth you can live without.

[ShadowKntSDS]

From the pictures I've seen, the WiFi cards are roughly 2" x 2". That's not to say some other laptop doesn't have the antennas spaced out more, but not the removable types on sagers.

They put multiple antennas in cell phones as well to cancel out em echos and reflections. They are fairly close together as well.

[SmogHog]

From the pictures I've seen, the WiFi cards are roughly 2" x 2". That's not to say some other laptop doesn't have the antennas spaced out more, but not the removable types on sagers.

They put multiple antennas in cell phones as well to cancel out em echos and reflections. They are fairly close together as well.

The wireless card is in the base of the laptop.

Off the card runs the antenna wires.They are snaked through the right side or left side hinge and terminate at the antenna itself.

In 2 antenna deployments there normally would be 1 on each side of the LCD inside the housing.

The 3rd antenna would ideally be placed at the top near the cam.

If space is an issue in placing at the top then 2 antennas will be on one side as far apart as possible.This may require moving the original up or down and using an adhesive.

[singleshot71]

ACTUALLY, more antennas are B A D for output. More antennas means the card has to split the signal coming out. A single antenna putting a single wave makes a stronger wave than ANY combination of antennas. When more than one is placed close to another, they make more of a focused rather than mutidirectional wave. As far reception, it does help a little.


How do I know all of this? I have had setup in my truck with 1 and 2 antennas. I could talk to Australia with single antenna with only 2800 watts of power. When I put 2 antennas on my truck(18 wheeler) I could hear then talking, but not able to send signal back. Back to 1 and they were picking me like I was sitting next to them.

Currently I have a Cradlepoint wifi in my room, about 40' away. The box said it was only good for 60', but I am getting full reception with it in my livingroom, and so is my phone when I'm out in the yard (about 200' away). So, it is working well beyond its capabilities for some reason.

[SmogHog]

Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time (Figure 1). MIMO technology takes advantage of a radio-wave phenomenon called multipath where transmitted information bounces off walls, ceilings, and other objects, reaching the receiving antenna multiple times via different angles and at slightly different times.

http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/sb/img/mimovssisotechnology2.jpg



MIMO technology leverages multipath behavior by using multiple, “smart” transmitters and receivers with an added “spatial” dimension to dramatically increase performance and range. MIMO allows multiple antennas to send and receive multiple spatial streams at the same time. This allows antennas to transmit and receive simultaneously.

MIMO makes antennas work smarter by enabling them to combine data streams arriving from different paths and at different times to effectively increase receiver signal-capturing power. Smart antennas use spatial diversity technology, which puts surplus antennas to good use. If there are more antennas than spatial streams, as in a 2x3 (two transmitting, three receiving) antenna configuration, then the third antenna can add receiver diversity and increase range.

In order to implement MIMO, either the station (mobile device) or the access point (AP) need to support MIMO. Optimal performance and range can only be obtained when both the station and the AP support MIMO

In order to implement MIMO, either the station (mobile device) or the access point (AP) need to support MIMO. Optimal performance and range can only be obtained when both the station and the AP support MIMO.

Legacy wireless devices can’t take advantage of multipath because they use a Single Input, Single Output (SISO) technology. Systems that use SISO can only send or receive a single spatial stream at one time.

This applies to:
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wmax/6250/
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/6300_6200/
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/cen_n1000/
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/1000/
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/5300_5100/
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wmax/5350_5150/
http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/4965agn/

The new Advanced N 6230 and other 6000 series cards introduced with Huron River platform also apply to this.

[ShadowKntSDS]

The wireless card is in the base of the laptop.

Off the card runs the antenna wires.They are snaked through the right side or left side hinge and terminate at the antenna itself.

In 2 antenna deployments there normally would be 1 on each side of the LCD inside the housing.

The 3rd antenna would ideally be placed at the top near the cam.

If space is an issue in placing at the top then 2 antennas will be on one side as far apart as possible.This may require moving the original up or down and using an adhesive.

I didnt know the antennas ran off the card card in the form of wires. I guess you learn something every day.

[ShadowKntSDS]

ACTUALLY, more antennas are B A D for output. More antennas means the card has to split the signal coming out. A single antenna putting a single wave makes a stronger wave than ANY combination of antennas. When more than one is placed close to another, they make more of a focused rather than mutidirectional wave. As far reception, it does help a little.


This is true is the multiple antennas are transmitting an identical signal. Most multiple antenna systems use some form of dsp to use the spacial diversity to get a better result and its done by sending slightly different signals. If done property, multiple antennas actual make the signal more directional. Cell phone towers, as an example, have sets of many antennas in a triangle. Once the tower has the gist of you position, it uses lower power to get the signal to you by focussing the signal in your direction, rather than sending a high powered omni directional signal.

[james832001]

This is true is the multiple antennas are transmitting an identical signal. Most multiple antenna systems use some form of dsp to use the spacial diversity to get a better result and its done by sending slightly different signals. If done property, multiple antennas actual make the signal more directional. Cell phone towers, as an example, have sets of many antennas in a triangle. Once the tower has the gist of you position, it uses lower power to get the signal to you by focussing the signal in your direction, rather than sending a high powered omni directional signal.

well, I'll get to test out the 6300 sometime in late March or April..:eek:

[Angel]

My apologies if I am high jacking this thread to ask my own question, it just seems to be the appropriate place to ask.
Wireless Network options:
1. Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card
2. Intel® Advanced-N 6200 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module
3. Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna)
4. Intel® Advanced-N 6250 w/ WiMax

I can't quite tell what each one offers exactly?

I think it would be great to have the new WiDi adapters that let notebooks wirelessly stream 1080p content to HDTVs. I'm beginning to think the ability to take advantage of Intel's version of WiDi may be worth the upgrade, but which option offers this?

Now from reading this thread (if I am understanding correctly) 3 antenna is a bad thing? It sounds like acheronx1 sprung for option #3 and is pretty happy with his choice.

I also know Keeper got the same lappy I am considering but kept everything stock, which I originally was going to do seeing as I will mostly will be tethered down by Ethernet anyway.

Sorry if this is annoying I guess I'm just trying to figure out what each option offers and if it will be worth the upgrade.

[DSuds]

1. Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card
No name wireless + bluetooth

2. Intel® Advanced-N 6200 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module
Intel will support dual channel operation. Has bluetooth.

3. Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna)
Intel with three antennas and higher max performance. No bluetooth.

4. Intel® Advanced-N 6250 w/ WiMax
6200 with WiMax wide area wireless built in.
If you don't know it you probably don't need it. Like 4G cellular.


I think it would be great to have the new WiDi adapters that let notebooks wirelessly stream 1080p content to HDTVs. I'm beginning to think the ability to take advantage of Intel's version of WiDi may be worth the upgrade, but which option offers this?
Seems any of them, but not if you have discrete graphics:
http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/technology/wirelessdisplay.htm#fragment-a-2

Now from reading this thread (if I am understanding correctly) 3 antenna is a bad thing?
Look at the specs of the adapter. It's significantly better in range and max speed (if the other end is similar tech). Oddly Intel had a bit more idea what they were up to then our collective wisdom here. :)
6300: Delivers up to 450 Mbps and 2X2 greater range with 3 antennas for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity in more places.
6200: Delivers up to 300 Mbps and 2X1 greater range with 2 antennas for faster, more consistent wireless connectivity in more places.

[SmogHog]

Stock cards that are not defined by name and model are usually single band 2.4ghz and have 150mb/s bandwidth.They can have 1 or 2 antennas.

The Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 is an IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless network adapter that operates in both the 2.4 Ghz and 5.0 Ghz spectra. This adapter is available in a Pcie Half Mini Card form factor. It delivers up to 450 Mbps of Bandwidth, in additional to providing a host of features that enhance today's mobile lifestyle.

The Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200/6250 are an IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless network adapters that operate in both the 2.4 Ghz and 5.0 Ghz spectra. These adapters are available in a Pcie Half Mini Card form factor. They deliver up to 300 Mbps of Bandwidth.

Ultimate N 6300
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/7JV6ljF2zUY0ewKiIAhp25AACwg7ptPCHI8768IZpnZu1bMrAz dvWVcOGpEqUE_4YWF96ZzoTswbvK2L27xSNjVlnHoZGOiJzlyp 7JmSb-JcvoPjZb4l1DfDjEJJA0y2q1ep8GIA5g

Advanced N 6200
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/C_CLFRyf_XXj3Fk6JqswCFpaPm_YsjYpn6iOUTGt0mArI8xicc-1dEjF1C-LNfiI_IB1NxM_wlf7oQbPwyC6_q1t9YoyLdJCjNNIhywO_oKrG zgqcAFWZvtq8_8bTxe5j31csXV-gA

Advanced N 6250+WiMAX

http://webobjects2.cdw.com/is/image/CDW/2148245?$product_230$

At the top of each card,between the screw holes,are the posts for connecting the antenna wires.You can see the Ultimate N 6300 has 3 posts while the other 2 have only 2.

To get optimal performance from an Ultimate N 6300 3x3 you will need a 3 antenna Mimo wireless router that supports duel band and 450mb/s bandwidth.

The quality of your broadband service also comes into play to complete the system.

Widi is subject to the requirements Intel places on it's implamentation.

http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/technology/wirelessdisplay.htm#fragment-a-2

Intel beta driver/software version 14.0.1.2 contains Widi software.

[Angel]

1. Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card
No name wireless + bluetooth

2. Intel® Advanced-N 6200 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module
Intel will support dual channel operation. Has bluetooth.

3. Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna)
Intel with three antennas and higher max performance. No bluetooth.

4. Intel® Advanced-N 6250 w/ WiMax
6200 with WiMax wide area wireless built in.
If you don't know it you probably don't need it. Like 4G cellular.




Wow thanks man really appreciate you breaking down each option for me!


Seems any of them, but not if you have discrete graphics:
http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/technology/wirelessdisplay.htm#fragment-a-2



So even the Stock Wireless Card can? Also (correct me if I’m wrong) but it appears that none of the options will work then seeing as the SW dose have a discrete graphics?

[Angel]

At the top of each card,between the screw holes,are the posts for connecting the antenna wires.You can see the Ultimate N 6300 has 3 posts while the other 2 have only 2.

To get optimal performance from an Ultimate N 6300 3x3 you will need a 3 antenna Mimo wireless router that supports duel band and 450mb/s bandwidth.

The quality of your broadband service also comes into play to complete the system.

Thanks for the pictures, I do see the 3 posts.
It seems I will be needing a new router if I were to go the rout.
Thanks for the info!

[DSuds]

Wow thanks man really appreciate you breaking down each option for me!Click the reputation button on my post so people don't think I'm a bot any more. :)


So even the Stock Wireless Card can?
I think it's software limited. Intel software written to Intel drivers so you would need to be using Intel graphics and wireless card.

[lusich]

Hi,

this is a most informative thread. Thank you all for sharing all this information. I am thinking of upgrading my old Intel wifi link 5100 card to a newer card. I think 5100 has two antennas. How hard is it to install a 3rd antenna into a laptop? Perhaps this way I could upgrade to N-6300?

Thanks

[Mike93]

6230 is already very good. But I don't think there is a big difference between 6300 and 6230.

How hard it is ? Probably hard but I can't really tell you.

[james832001]

I'm going to be installing Intel's 6300 soon. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to install the antennas to the wifi card?

Thanks.

[scar]

I cannot help you there, but your laptop is awesome!

[Maverick494]

I'm going to be installing Intel's 6300 soon. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to install the antennas to the wifi card?

Thanks.

Just want to point out that if you put a 6300 in you lose bluetooth in that laptop. attaching the antenna's is easy, if you only have two antenna's installed though you will need the third antenna in order to take full advantage of th N6300. I don't know where the third antenna would run, but I would imagine that you will need to know the normal installation place for it.

If you aren't installing a third antenna, then you are wasting time installing a 6300.

[wildjim]

Consider this:

http://download.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/prodbrf/323017.pdf

[james832001]

Just want to point out that if you put a 6300 in you lose bluetooth in that laptop. attaching the antenna's is easy, if you only have two antenna's installed though you will need the third antenna in order to take full advantage of th N6300. I don't know where the third antenna would run, but I would imagine that you will need to know the normal installation place for it.

If you aren't installing a third antenna, then you are wasting time installing a 6300.

I originally ordered the 6300 yet my laptop was shipped with the Bigfoot card.

I don't really care for having BT. All I wanted was a reliable wifi card in my machine :P

Im assuming theres already a third antenna installed. If not, i'll just send my laptop back to get it corrected.

[scar]

I'm pretty sure the Bigfoot card does not have a third antenna. :(

[james832001]

I'm pretty sure the Bigfoot card does not have a third antenna. :(

it doesn't.

[SmogHog]

Wow,they can't sell them so they stick them in the notebooks of customers that ordered Intel upgrades?

The Bigfoot 6103 that is not offered uses 3 antennas.

IMO,Bigfoot is a company who's products you should avoid.

Just a lot of marketing hype.

If they continue to have trouble getting takers while offering them as a paid option they could become the stock card on some models?

[shootdaj]

Yea bluetooth you can live without.

I dunno man I use a bluetooth printer and it would be a pain to have an external bluetooth attached at all times. Also I do android/arduino development and bluetooth connectivity to an arduino through an android phone is pretty useful..

but yeah those are very specific applications that most people probably don't use (printers have wifi capabilities now, which makes it a lot easier), but i feel like bluetooth is still pretty prevalent in the market for IO devices like speakers, printers, mouse, keyboard etc.. the connections seems to catch faster and if your wireless drops for some reason you're still able to use your bluetooth devices.. with IO devices I would avoid a scenario with a single point of failure (the wireless router) and ive always prescribed to the philosophy that just like money, with wireless channels, you should diversify your assets..

[wildjim]

For me the 6230 is more useful than the 6300 and the 6250 would be even better for me with 4g

[Godaemon]

Hi ppl,

I am bit confused because i ordered an asus laptop (G53SW) with an atheros wifi and i want to replace with intel.

Here in my location i can only find 6300 and 6200 wifi cards.
My laptop has 2 antennas so i think 6300 is useless , so i am now between 6200 and 6230.

Are there any major differences between these two that worth ,in order to avoid ordering from abroad?

Thanks! :)

[Maverick494]

Hi ppl,

I am bit confused because i ordered an asus laptop (G53SW) with an atheros wifi and i want to replace with intel.

Here in my location i can only find 6300 and 6200 wifi cards.
My laptop has 2 antennas so i think 6300 is useless , so i am now between 6200 and 6230.

Are there any major differences between these two that worth ,in order to avoid ordering from abroad?

Thanks! :)

The 6230 has bluetooth on it, which would conflict with the bluetooth already in your laptop, so you want the intel 6200 or 6205 as a direct upgrade/replacement to your current atheros card.

[Godaemon]

The 6230 has bluetooth on it, which would conflict with the bluetooth already in your laptop, so you want the intel 6200 or 6205 as a direct upgrade/replacement to your current atheros card.

Thanx a lot but i am not sure if it has an independent bluetooth module or if atheros is a bluetooth+wifi combo card..

Leaving this behind the only difference is the bluetooth then?

[Maverick494]

Thanx a lot but i am not sure if it has an independent bluetooth module or if atheros is a bluetooth+wifi combo card..

Leaving this behind the only difference is the bluetooth then?

the G53SW has an independent bluetooth module.