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USB vs. PCI Wireless CArd - Which is better

J

JJordan

Golden Member
I have ordered a Netgear MR814 Wireless router and need to get ONE wireless part for a compuer that is running Windows 98. The new computer is running xp but it will be hard wired to the router. The otehr computer is only about 50 feet away on teh same floor. The wireless connections is primariy to share internet (cable modem) and printers. Circuit City is selling the Netgear Wireless USB connector for $80 with two $15 rebates Plus 20 % MSN -- making it pretty cheap. the Netgear Wirtelss PCI card is $80 with only one rebate. Will teh USB be SLOW for a network connection -- I thought USB did not allow fast enough sharing ?

Also, if the USB is slower then can you MIX BRANDS of wireless -- use the Netgear router and a Linksys PCI card -- Linksys is cheaper at Office Max.
 
Also, if the USB is slower then can you MIX BRANDS of wireless -- use the Netgear router and a Linksys PCI card -- Linksys is cheaper at Office Max.
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Yes, and i have the Linksys and it works real well for me. i get great connectivity and my wap is in the basement and my computers (2 of them w/ this card) are on the 2nd floor.

as to USB vs PCI the only advantage of the USB i see is that it can be used for laptops also where the PCI could not.

also if you have a reasonably modern computer w/ USB2 then bandwidth should not be an issue.
 
Basically, the USB and the PCI is the same PCMCIA Wireless Card inserted into interface circuitry

For Desktop use USB. The PCI end up being stuck behind the computer case, thus masking the transmission signal. The USB is a Module that includes the Antenna attached to a 2-3? USB cable. As a result, the Wireless USB can be place high above the computer for better transmission.

Laptop - PCMCIA or USB.

Desktop - USB.

PCI are OK if the computers are very close or in the same room.
 
the USB is 1.1 -- doesn't that mean I will get no benefit of the 11MB trasnfer speeds ? I am clueless on teh megabytes, megabits, speeds on this stuff. That is why i am asking 🙂
 
Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
jackmds

on the linksys PCI Card you have a removable antenna so that you can add a better antenna.
Click to expand...
Absolutely right.

Unfortunately external Antenna is like the ink in DeskJet printers.

They get you, i.e. it adds another $50 or more to the cost.

Quote: "the USB is 1.1 -- doesn?t that mean I will get no benefit of the 11MB transfer speeds."

Well, the Wireless we are talking about is 11Mb/sec. or in real life 5-8Mb/sec. So USB is not going to be the limited factor. USB Wireless will not affect the speed of the wired computers that are hooked directly to the Router?s switch.

Mixing brand is usually not a problem.

What ever you do treat it as though you are going to return it. You never know the outcome of Entry Level Wireless until you try.
 
Thanks Jack, what is the transfer rate on a 1.1 USB ? I know 2.0 is super fast, but thought 1.1 was super slow 🙂
 
So doesn't that mean the USB Wireless adapter will be limited by the USB portion of the connection to 1.5 Mbytes/sec when the speed of the wireless is really maxed 11 MBytes/sec ? Or am I combining Bits and bytes ?
 
No. 802.11b components are 11 Mbps. Small b. bits. Even that is just signalling rate. Real world data throughput on 802.11b equipment is in the 6 Mb range on enterprise level hardware and 4-5 on SOHO stuff. 500+Kilobytes per second.
 
The otehr computer is only about 50 feet away on teh same floor.
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If it is only 50 feet away, is there any chance you can just run a cable to it? It'll be cheaper and the connection will be faster.
 
Originally posted by: JJordan
No, a hard wired cable is a major problem -- two room away down the hall on the second floor. 🙁
Click to expand...

Be sure to follow Jack's advice and make sure whatever you get is returnable. Wireless seems to work fine when you have line of sight to it, but once you start having walls and other obstructions it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. In my own house, I'm kind of struck by how just moving 10 feet can sometimes make a difference.
 
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