Question regarding Linksys router made wireless

[Dnana]

I may have made a mistake but I bought a wireless ready router from Linksys instead of the wireless router (the one with the rabbit ear antennas). So, to make it wireless I bought the same PCMICA cards that plugged into the back of the router and another card for the laptop.

My question is that I now need to make my PC wireless, in addition to the notebook, so I am concerned about whether 1) the existing router/wap will provide enough range as the wireless router with the rabbit ears and whether it would be as fast as that type of router. Should I buy the wireless router or just buy a pci wireless adapter and try to feed off of the router made wireless? Thanks

 

[rw120555]

I've never heard of a "wireless ready" router before (but there are lots of things I have never heard of). What is the model #? Is this a newer piece of equipment or something real antiquated (like a year or two old)?

I suspect you'd be better off with a wireless router or a router + WAP combo; at least that is how everybody else in the world seems to do it! But maybe you are ok.

 

[JackMDS]

Joining rw120555, I never heard about this new gizmo.

However, the rabbit ears antenna is probably Higher in dbi then the Integrated Antenna of PCMCIA Card.

Better Antenna means better propagation, and better distance.

In addition, I would not be surprise if going the way you went make the all thing more expensive. (The Network Blue has very good marketing ploys).

 

[rw120555]

Are you talking about the BEFSR41W? it seems like kind of an odd device. I'm with Jack -- I bet it doesn't work as well as a wireless router or router + wap, and even if it does there may well be cheaper alternatives. Maybe it is handy if you already have a pcmcia card or want to buy a really great card (or at least something better than what Linksys has).

 

[Dnana]

 

[Dnana]

Sorry about the last post, not sure how to edit that out - yes, I have the BEFSR41W and to make it wireless I had to plug in the WPC 11 2.5 version card. So my concern is that will having this arrangement affect the overall quality (measured in terms of length of signal and speed of my internet connection) as compared to the routers or wireless access points that have the rabbit ear antennas?

 

[skyking]

If you use one of the cards that has a provision for an external antenna in your router, you'll get comparable performance.
Just get an antenna that suits your needs. What is said above is true, this is a more expensive solution.

 

[ktwebb]

Wow, that's somewhat of a marketing screw job by linksys.

I didn't see it mention that you had to stay with their product line so I would definitely NOT get a linksys 802.11b PC card for it. Orinoco not only makes the best "bang for your buck" client card, with excellent range, but it also has an antenna jack. Proprietary, but if you have to add an additional external antenna, any online reseller of 2.4 Ghz antennas will have orinoco pigtails for thier antenna line.

Edit: While it doesn't mention exclusivity, it does say "wireless capability with available with optional WPC11" so you might want to email them about non-linksys compatibility for the radio part of this equation. If you MUST use their client cards then this really IS a screw job. I'd be looking to return if possible and sell if not and just take the bite.