Wireless know it all's

[mymaster]

I'd going to put a wireless antenna on the back of my desktop, I have a choice of pci slot or usb, any advantage one over the other, does a wired antenna help?

Pics not specific, reference only.

 

[captain]

Depends on how far away from the AP you are going to be...

 

[Black Sheep]

How will it mount to your bike? lol

:hmmm:

 

[omslaw]

I'm using a Linksys USB NIC in my desktop PC; no external antenna, just the one that is built-in to the NIC.

Like Cap said, depends on how far from AP. My AP is in the basement and the PC is on the second floor.

 

[mymaster]

Let's see, if I use my laptop in the same room (internal antenna), the signal differs depending on where it's at in the room if that helps. I guess my main question is is usb any better over pci or visa versa.

 

[zukracer]

they are all about the same really. As far as value for what you are attempting to do, Capt and Omar are spot on, distance from the access point/wireless router will really determine what you should get. Check for the gain settings on the devices, some are higher than others and will provide you with the range you might need/want


Also you'll want to check for updated drivers for your existing wireless card in the laptop, perhaps it will help with the variation in signal.

 

[twotonevert]

I use a D-link hub with USB antennas on two other desk tops. The laptops we use have built in wireless antennas. Running 3 desktops and 2 laptops on my network. Make sure you have firewall software and password protect your network.

 

[Jay Willie]

I use 2wire and Linksys...and all I know is you better keep access locked down. My neighbor piggy-backed on my system for a long time before I figured out what they were doing.

I know, I know...this is what I'm going to school for, but got a loooong way to go...

 

[dadofthree]

 

[theskaz]

15.4 dBi Comet Omni Antenna - Omnidirectional Antennas for 2.4GHz - Antennas - Fleeman, Anderson & Bird, Corp.

just slap this on your AP....

 

[zukracer]

15.4 dBi Comet Omni Antenna - Omnidirectional Antennas for 2.4GHz - Antennas - Fleeman, Anderson & Bird, Corp.

just slap this on your AP....

um... sure, and you can leave your network wide open so folks flying over in commercial aircraft can connect too

 

[theskaz]

but they're not supposed to have their wireless on, right?

 

[racerV]

I have used USB's before and they tend to weaken and break over time. I recommend going with the PCI.

 

[theskaz]

if you have the roon, go with PCI. the antennas are usually removeable so you cam remount it if needed. USB is a "quickfix"

 

[mymaster]

Thanks guys, ordered this
AZiO Corp.- AWD102N - 802.11n PCI Wireless Adapter

 

[theskaz]

Ralink... nice linux compatible too (not sure if 802.11n is though)

 

[flippnswitchez]

i used an antenna from an old bag car phone and some electrical tape

 

[ICEMANN]

the only thing about a pci slot type card is that if the desktop unit is inside a cabinet and you close the door, or push it agaisnt the wall you will effectivly cut off it's range or "shape" the signal which can affect your range. At least with the other type the ant is extendable. I install these things everyday and for the most part both are simliar, the usb type are less headaches and and extend via the cable. Now for a sad part in all this. get one from wally world then if you have problems you can exchange it usually with no questions asked. unplug, exchange, replug in. my 2 cents

jd

 

[skydivr]

I use a USB Linksys Adapter and have had few issues with it.