Question

wireless adapter recommendations

Asked by: anushahanna

For my Linksys Access Point WAP54G, can you recommend some good wireless adapter to go on the PCs that can connect wirelessly to the AP, from your experience.

I will also need one for a PC that is connected wirelessly to a Linksys WRE54G Range Expander, also.

Thanks

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Asked On
2009-11-02 at 07:32:05ID24863890
Topics

Wireless Network Access Points

,

Miscellaneous Networking

,

Network Routers

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: SysExpertPosted on 2009-11-02 at 09:05:57ID: 25721206

If your AP is linksys, try linksys NICS, although I prefer netgear usually.

The standards are already pretty solid, so any good brand name should be fine.

I hope this helps !

 

by: scifikillrPosted on 2009-11-02 at 09:18:50ID: 25721327

If you're referring to the actual wireless NIC that needs to be installed in the computers that are connecting to the network, then I recommend the following USB connectors (their signal strength has been as good or better than internal wireless NICs, in my opinion. Additionally, they are portable and the drivers are much easier to install and manage than full-blown NICs).

A small wireless unit that can sit on your desk to achieve a better signal. I use these almost exclusively in our office, and have found that they work better than most of our internal wireless NICs.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124126

A small USB connector. The signal can be hampered by the fact that it sits behind the case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124183

 

by: anushahannaPosted on 2009-11-02 at 10:26:02ID: 25722068

Thanks for the reco.

WUSB54G looks good ; What if there is an USB slot in the front of the PC for WUSBF54G: would that do better, for signal pickup?

What about PCI Wireless Adapter? Do they have any benefits, compared to the above..
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WMP54G

Thanks

 

by: scifikillrPosted on 2009-11-02 at 10:36:57ID: 25722183

  • WUSB54G looks good ; What if there is an USB slot in the front of the PC for WUSBF54G: would that do better, for signal pickup? 
This completely depends on the location of your computer in relationship to the closest wireless router/AP. The age of the house you're in can also have a pretty drastic effect (ex: I used to live in a house built in the early 1900's. A small bathroom was in between my office and the living room, where my router was, and the old plumbing in the walls had a significant effect on the signal strength in my office).

If you're close enough to get good signal strength anywhere in the room, I wouldn't worry about where on the machine the USB NIC is plugged in. Other than that, I'd use the side of the computer closes to the WAP.

I don't know any technical specs about the cards (with regards to the amount of power that is drawn), but I haven't noticed increased performance when using a PCI adapter.

Another option, if signal strength is an issue, is to buy a high-gain antenna for your router, assuming it has external antennas, like the old Linksys WAP54G. This is a directional antenna that transmits a much stronger signal. Something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127063

Please note, this antenna will only work if your wireless router/AP has the appropriate connector on it (is there an external antenna)?

 

by: anushahannaPosted on 2009-11-02 at 10:42:14ID: 25722246

Thanks scifikillr
WAP54G has 2 bunny ears. You are meaning that, right?

WMP54G is little cheaper. You would think it would give reasonable service, as WUSB54G, not?

 

by: scifikillrPosted on 2009-11-02 at 10:46:46ID: 25722303

  • WAP54G has 2 bunny ears. You are meaning that, right? 
Yes, if you were to unscrew one of the two antennas, you'd see what looks like a smaller version of a coaxial hookup. The antenna I linked to should connect to that and increase your signal strength from the WAP.
  • WMP54G is little cheaper. You would think it would give reasonable service, as WUSB54G, not? 
Using the internal NIC will work just fine. I didn't mean to insinuate that it wouldn't. However, if you're using Windows XP, I recommend that you are using at least Service Pack 2, as anything older than that isn't very wireless-friendly. If you're using Vista or 7, shouldn't be a big deal.

 

by: anushahannaPosted on 2009-11-02 at 11:18:10ID: 25722643

Thanks very much for your inputs, scifikillr.

 

by: anushahannaPosted on 2009-11-02 at 11:23:15ID: 25722696

and welcome to EE!

 

by: scifikillrPosted on 2009-11-02 at 11:27:13ID: 25722742

Thanks, much appreciated!

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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