Selecting a wireless network adapter

[Revolution09]

I'm planning on temporarily moving my desktop into the basement of my house, and I don't really want to re-wire my ethernet cable down there.
I have a Linksys WRT54G (Wireless G) router on the main floor and I'd like to just buy a wireless adapter for my computer. What is your suggestion on PCI vs. USB? How do the speeds, range, etc. compare? My computer will be one floor directly below the router.
I'd like to spend as little money as possible... I was looking at this ASUS usb. Thoughts, comments? Sorry for the sorta long post

 

[Madwand1]

Infonec has a deal on a Buffalo WBR2-G54S at the same price -- $29 CAD.

http://www.infonec.com/site/ma...odule=detail&id=309861

This router should be flashable with DD-WRT v23 SP2 firmware, which will expand its functionality, and give it wireless client bridge mode support. This mode connects to wireless routers/APs as a standard wireless client, and shares that connection with its wired ports.

If you do this, it should be more flexible and reliable than most PCI/USB wireless NICs, and you'd get additional advantages of always-on capability, multi-device support, driver-free and OS-independent, in addition to being able to use it as a standard router / AP in the future.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind...#Other_Buffalo_Devices

Bit of an adventure, but potential longer-term benefits. Of course you could try any old wireless adapter as well...

 

[Revolution09]

So basically I would run an ethernet line from that Buffalo router to my desktop, and the Buffalo router will pick up the wireless signal from my Linksys?

Exactly what advantage will this give me over just using a USB or PCI wireless adapter? What do you mean by more flexible and reliable?

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: Revolution09
Exactly what advantage will this give me over just using a USB or PCI wireless adapter? What do you mean by more flexible and reliable?

I've basically described the advantages above. E.g. Always on, driver-free, OS independent, multiple device support, can be used as router as well, can be moved around, etc. -> more flexible, and reliable (always on, driver free, etc.). Having a full-sized external device can also give some advantages.

It's an option to you; if it doesn't immediately appeal, then you have obvious alternatives which would probably be less trouble in the short term.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Revolution09]

Alright, thanks alot for your help. I'll look into it some more.

 

[JackMDS]

I agree with Madwand1, technically this type of solution is the best.

However if you are looking to save you can try this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833315041

Basically most PCI cards are yielding similar results, but this one comes with external Antenna, and relatively long cable. so it can be positioned much better the other similarly priced cards.

 

[Revolution09]

Thanks. Is there much of a difference between USB and PCI adapters?

 

[JackMDS]

Nah not performance is quite similar.

However many of the current USBs are thumb type, there heat dissipation is bad and they tend to overheat after a while and shut off or even get ?Kaput?.

So if you need a Wireless card for a Desktop that would be On for long time, get PCI or the USB that is actually a Module box connected with A/B USB cable.