2007-08-15 17:06:59 · 13 answers · asked by smr_87_05 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
USB wireless adapters are good but for maximum range, a card with an external antenna usually has the best range. USB wireless adapters with an external antenna are rare.
Often there is a large difference in the wireless range for different models of USB and internal wireless adapters. Get only ones rated 5 stars with a lot of reviews. Read the reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=wi%2Dfi&bop=And&Order=RATING
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Recs=10&Nav=|c:2688|&Sort=2
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Start Here. Tutorial
Get up and running with our education essentials.
http://www.usr.com/education/e-main-menu.asp
Networking home basics
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Content_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1114037291160&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
Networking how to center:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx
How Home Networking Works
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm
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Set Up a Network in a Snap
http://pcworld.about.com/magazine/2001p154id68763.htm
4 steps to set up your home wireless network
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx
Router Configuration 101: Setting up the router
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5589161.html
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-45,GGGL:en&q=hook+up+a+router
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Using a Wireless Laptop at Work and at Home
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/tabletpc/expert/russell_tabletlaptop.mspx
Adding Wireless to Your Older Laptop
http://tech.yahoo.com/gd/adding-wireless-to-your-older-laptop/153158
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If you have wireless, you should secure your wireless network.
Ten Steps to a Secure Wireless Network
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,844020,00.asp
Improve the security of your wireless home network
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/wireless.mspx
Set up a secure wireless network using Windows Connect Now
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/bowman_05june13.mspx
How To Secure A Wireless LAN (WLAN) | Daily Wireless
http://www.dailywireless.com/features/secure-wireless-lan-021507/
Setting Up a Secure Wireless Network
http://www.intranetjournal.com/articles/200307/ij_07_10_03a.html
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USB Adapter with external antenna
http://ohgizmo.com/2007/01/22/buffalos-wifi-adaptor-will-boost-signal-210/
Example of an external directional antenna
http://www.cantenna.com/howtouseit.html
http://www.provantage.com/buffalo-technology-wle-myg~4BFLA00A.htm
http://wirelessgardenstore.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4
http://www.danets.com/wi-fi/antenna_e.htm
Other external Antennas
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/networking/mobile-wireless-kit.php
10 Ways To Boost Your WiFi Signal
http://www.voip-sol.com/10-ways-to-boost-your-wifi-signal/
10 tips for improving your wireless network
Extend the range and the strength of your wireless network
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx
General Notes On Increasing Wireless Range
http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=21
Wireless Forums
http://www.wirelessforums.org/
2007-08-15 17:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an Airlink USB adapter that was fantastic. I came upon the USB one while shopping for my third incompatible or malfunctioning wireless card.
The USB worked the longest out of all, and still would work if I didn't mess up the part where I plug in the usb stuff.
2007-08-16 00:14:03 · answer #2 · answered by censored_4_tv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a wireless USB adapter and it's been working great for me. I have a PC and I just put it in one of the back slots and it does the job fine. It might be more annoying if you only have 1 or 2 USB ports and you need them for other things.
2007-08-16 00:11:45 · answer #3 · answered by alexia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think so. i hear alot of people have issues with a usb wireless device then i do about about wireless pci cards. i would go with the card.
usb devices have compatibility issues with computers. i never heard of a card having an issue although i am sure they do, but when you search the internet you hear more about my comp wont recognise my usb wireless device and i had no problems before. for range they are the same except for the usb wireless device you have a cord attached wich you could move the reciever towards the signal due to it having a cord.
2007-08-16 00:10:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For what? Wireless USB gives you USB functionality. Wireless network cards give you network access. Beans and peas.
2007-08-16 00:10:45 · answer #5 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think other than technical-wise, which is about the same, people do have lesser complaints about faulty cards.
Furthermore, I personally feel that it depends on whether you are looking for a permernant one or portable one. 'Cos although cards are less faulty, if you need to keep changing computer, USB will be more convenient.
Good luck
=)
2007-08-16 00:14:22 · answer #6 · answered by DianaY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my experience is that some of them are really good and some are almost worthless .. some have great range others hardly none .. i just got an asus usb adapter and its better than my laptops internal so thats what ive been using ..
2007-08-16 00:10:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If usb is behaving well on your PC, definitely. But when usb starts acting wonky it can be very hard to fix.
2007-08-16 00:12:09 · answer #8 · answered by Dr. Souldogs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, USB 2.0 is faster than a PCMCIA card bus
2007-08-16 00:09:59 · answer #9 · answered by users_are_stupid 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i really dont know if they are or not but i dont know how in the world they could be.. i saw a wireless card that you could put in an sd slot the other day its freakin amazing
2007-08-16 00:09:47 · answer #10 · answered by j t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋