I remember reading/hearing that a PCI interface for a wireless network adapter is your best bet for reception and reliability. Any thoughts if that's true? If so, between USB vs PCMCIA is there a difference? Thoughts?
PCI vs USB vs PCMCIA wireless network adapters
- Thread starter MrMiyagi
- Start date
If a usb nic is connected with a cable, it offers the best opportunity to position the antenna for best reception. Pci will be used in a desktop box and the metal case will block the rf from some directions. Pcmcia is a little better than pci. These are just general considerations as even random placement of antennas may just happen to put some in very good spots.
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Uh, interface?
- M4H
Uh, whatever....
lol when I read that back I knew it was stupid but kept it there anywayIf you are using USB, make sure the USB NIC is USB 2.0 high speed compatible ( and your PC too). Regular USB can barely cope with 11mbps 'B' speeds. If using 802.11 'G' and above, using regular USB will slow you down. I think the best in real world situations is still PCI, followed by PC card wireless NIC's. PCI uses higher gain antenna's and is not hampered by power or bandwidth issues.
The PCI ones with the fixed antenna on the mounting plate are garbage.
Order of preference:
1) PCI adapters with an antenna on a cable. This allows you to move the antenna around for better reception.
2) USB adapters. USB cable allows you to adjust the position for better reception.
3) PCMCIA adapters. At least you can move a laptop around for better reception, so the PCMCIA adapters are better than nothing.
4) PCI adapters with fixed antennae. Avoid at all costs.
Order of preference:
1) PCI adapters with an antenna on a cable. This allows you to move the antenna around for better reception.
2) USB adapters. USB cable allows you to adjust the position for better reception.
3) PCMCIA adapters. At least you can move a laptop around for better reception, so the PCMCIA adapters are better than nothing.
4) PCI adapters with fixed antennae. Avoid at all costs.
PCI = 1, why: more stable and longer range
PCMCIA =2 why: laptos= stable and good signal range
USB = 3 why: sucks, Not as stable, the signal range it bad,
PCMCIA =2 why: laptos= stable and good signal range
USB = 3 why: sucks, Not as stable, the signal range it bad,
I have had mixed experiences with USB adapters. I had a SMC 802.11b adapter that got great reception and never a dropped connection. I upgraded my network to 802.11g using a Linksys router (WRT54G) and a D-Link DWL-G120 adapter. The DWL-G120 worked fine when I was just surfing the net but if I was doing any video streaming to my other pc the connection would drop and I would have to "Repair" the connection to get it back. I RMA'd the DWL-G120 and the replacement did the same thing. I think there is something wrong with the hardware and/or drivers. I saw the DWL-G122 on sale this week. I bought it just to see if this one would work. I was able to stream video for 3 hours last night without any dropped connection. The newer adapter receives a better signal even though it is placed in the same place the old adapter was. So it's trial and error with each adapter.
The lesson from this story is to buy something and make sure that you can return it if it doesn't perform up to your standards. Unfortunately I'm stuck with the first card because I cut the UPC for a rebate before running it through its paces.
I would go with a USB adapter so you can move it around to get better reception. Or you can go with a PCI card with an antenna. I looked into this route and it seems to cost more. That's why I've always stuck with the USB route.
Drew
The lesson from this story is to buy something and make sure that you can return it if it doesn't perform up to your standards. Unfortunately I'm stuck with the first card because I cut the UPC for a rebate before running it through its paces.
I would go with a USB adapter so you can move it around to get better reception. Or you can go with a PCI card with an antenna. I looked into this route and it seems to cost more. That's why I've always stuck with the USB route.
Drew
- Oct 25, 1999
- 29,527
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When it comes to Entry Level Wireless Clients almost all of them are based on PCMCIA cards.
The so called USB is PCMCIA card connected under the plastic to a USB interface.
The so called PCI is PCMCIA plugged or soldered to PCI interface board.
Since the PCI and the USB are PCMCIA with additional interface circuitry and different buses the performance resultant is some what less (about 5%-10%) than pure PCMCIA.
What shell I use?
For Laptop the regular PCMCIA is the best solution,
For Desktop (or tower case) USB Wireless Client Card should be considered as the preferred solution.
Why?
Wireless is depending on signal propagation.
PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.
However a PCI card is a good choice when a powerful external Antenna is needed for long distance. Many Wireless PCI cards come with a removable Antenna.
Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?
Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.
:sun:
The so called USB is PCMCIA card connected under the plastic to a USB interface.
The so called PCI is PCMCIA plugged or soldered to PCI interface board.
Since the PCI and the USB are PCMCIA with additional interface circuitry and different buses the performance resultant is some what less (about 5%-10%) than pure PCMCIA.
What shell I use?
For Laptop the regular PCMCIA is the best solution,
For Desktop (or tower case) USB Wireless Client Card should be considered as the preferred solution.
Why?
Wireless is depending on signal propagation.
PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.
However a PCI card is a good choice when a powerful external Antenna is needed for long distance. Many Wireless PCI cards come with a removable Antenna.
Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?
Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.
:sun:
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