Need help choosing the right usb adapter...

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lgodofgtal

16 posts

Geek

#103171 31-May-2012 19:11

HI,

I looking for a usb adapter with longer range and more power as I relocated my computer and the wireless
router is about 12 metres away from my computer (it was right next to my pc). I already have one
manufactured by dick smith which was working fine but now it's barely getting any wireless signal. I was thinking of getting one of the high gain usb adapters form trademe but don't really have any idea if it would actually work. Could someone please give me some idea on specific spec of the hardware that I should be aware of or even recommend me a brand and model?

Thank you.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek

#633694 31-May-2012 21:01

I have three of these tiny USB adapters.

When I bought it, it was to be used with USB 1.1
Didn't have much expectation, but was so impressed I bought a couple more.

http://www.cnetusa.com/product_CQU-906.php

I bought mine from PBTech priced around $39.00

I have mine running with no drops at 15metres at the other end of the house.

The bonus, it comes with hotspot software so a device can share it's network connection.

I could do a bandwidth test at 15 metres on USB 2.0
On USB 1.1 one gets -65dBm and approx 5Mbits with 12Mbits the max thoughput of USB 1.1

lucky015

743 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#633763 31-May-2012 23:02

http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=NETTPL0722&name=TP-Link-TL-WN722N-150M-Lite-N-High-Gain-Wireless-U

Something like that could be a good bet, Those type have replaceable antenna's too which is good if they don't work at first.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek

#633832 1-Jun-2012 03:18

Ran a test on my CQU-906 150Mbit USB dongle connected to an Alienware notebook with USB 2.0

Distance: 15metres
USB: 2.0
Stream: 1
Data Rate: 40MHz 150 Mbps
Signal: -58dBm to -70dBm
Bandwidth: 9.3Mbits/s

Now -58dBm at 15metres may sound like "You're dreaming mate", but it is correct. I cheated.
I use a Targus mini 4 port hub (which is an all metal construction) with a 0.5metre usb cable. The cable is coiled about six times thus massively increasing the signal.
Without the hub/cable and directly plugged into the notebook you get a signal strength of approx -70dBm

Now depending on your working environment and ADSL Internet speed, 9.3Mbits may not be enough. I have a solid 12.5Mbit Internet connection, a NAS(1GB access) and with my notebook I get approx 70Mbit on 300Mbit connection at 15metres so a CQU-906 wouldn't provide the access I require.

But on a 300MHz CPU, 192MB RAM, USB 1.1 netbook running WinXP, 9.3Mbit is fine.

I'd attempt to acquire a 300Mbps adapter. When it comes to WiFi data throughput, to much data is never enough.

I have no experience with the TP-Link TL-WN822N, but it looks like it means business

TP-Link TL-WN822N 300Mbits/s 2.4GHz adapter.

PBTech TL-WN822N

Now without knowing what router/modem you have (I'm guessing 150Mbit WiFi), I'd still say go with a 300Mbits USB adapter.

lgodofgtal

16 posts

Geek

#634553 2-Jun-2012 11:30

Thank you for your help :)

I bought TP- LInk TL-WN822N and it works perfectly!!