Recommend Wireless Accessories for me

[WheelsCSM]

I'm looking to get a wireless AP/Router for my cable modem since I don't want to have to run cables. I'm looking at the Linksys BEFW11S4 from Newegg. I'm not sure if I should use USB or PCI adapters with my computer. The USB one is cheaper, but there is a review on Newegg that states that it looses it's connection every minute, and I don't want that. I'm looking to use the network mostly for web surfing, but I will use it for on-line gaming occasionally, so I want something that doesn't have high latency (like the USB one seems to have). The AP will be just down the hall from the 2 computers, about 50 ft away on the same floor.

Anyone have this setup that can comment on its performance?

I'm also open for any suggestions on other equipment I should look at. I think I'll stick with 802.11b since I don't think the extra cost of the G stuff is really worth it for what I will use it for. Thanks.

 

[MikeMike]

usb will allow you to "strategically" locate the receptor for better connections.

MIKE

 

[hjo3]

I prefer the USB. The latency increase is really minimal; maybe 1-3 ms. My sister's computer is on a USB wireless adapter while I'm wired; in online games, our average pings are the same (within 4 ms, at least). I've never had problems with the two wifi-USB-adapter systems on our network. Of course, we use Netgear rather than Linksys, but I'm sure they're pretty much the same.

 

[cmetz]

USB as a bus sucks and introduces problems like latency. However, the added flexibility in placing the antenna helps signal quality - and thus performance - a lot. Having an antenna hanging out the back of your big metal PC case is not good for signal. If you can find a PCI adapter with a detached antenna, go that route. Otherwise, go USB.