Networks quick wireless question - .11g + PCI or USB

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by TJK, 7 Sep 2005.

  1. TJK

    TJK What's a Dremel?

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    Hey I am networking a house with 4 computers and no network lines between them. The house is a two story and isnt very large. I am using a linksys 802.11g router with 4 ethernet ports, and I want to set it next to one of the computers to have it plug into that computer. The other 3 computers will have wireless access. What should I use, a PCI card, or a USB adapter. All of the computers are desktops, 2 being Win98SE and 2 being XP home.

    USB or PCI?
    Do i need the range extenders for more throughput for 4mbps CAble internet?
     
  2. TJK

    TJK What's a Dremel?

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    does anyone know anything about this?
     
  3. Firehed

    Firehed Why not? I own a domain to match.

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    a) wait longer for answers...
    b) 802.11g supports 54Mb/s. Way more than enough for a 4Mb connection.
    c) personal preference imo. You don't get quite as much freedom of where to point the antenna with the PCI ones, but it's also a much cleaner solution. I've used both and prefer an internal PCI solution, because I have enough crap on my desk.

    Consider driver support when choosing for the Win98 boxes. Because most places won't do a whole lot beyond the first set for anything but XP nowadays.
     
  4. Shepps

    Shepps Slacking off since 1986..

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    in my experience the usb wireless cards have crap range compared to pci ones, so go pci.
     
  5. cjmUK

    cjmUK Old git.

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    I've got linksys kit and the I would recommend their USB adapters - unlike other USB adapters (which resemble USB flash disks) the linksys ones comprise of and antenna box at the end of a USB cable.

    No problems with range, and arguably better than PCI ones because you can place them in better possitions.

    So go for the WUSB54G adapters fron linksys...
     
  6. TheMuffinMan

    TheMuffinMan Minimodder

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    I've used both, they both work just dandy, I can't really say on distance and strength because the PCI is literally 1 floor directly above the router and the usb is across on the other side of the house upstairs. However I still get good speeds for being that distance. If you have room go PCI, it's a cleaner solution like said above and you don't have things dangling around on the pc
     
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