Decent wifi adapter?

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farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#108285 28-Aug-2012 11:29

I dont know anything about networking, going to replace my $8 ebay noname usb wirelessN stick and see if it stops random disconnects and freezes. Its fine for the most part. In heavy use the stick warms up slightly
There could be other issues but I should probably have a better adapter anyway so Ill try that.

Router is a TPlink W8960N , single-band I think. There is a 1.8ghz cordless phone next to it. Its about 8m away through two internal walls and a heavy desk.

Id rather use USB vs PCI/PCIE, any small speed differences dont matter much, I just want a reliable connection.
Was thinking about something like this TP-Link USB with an antenna?
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=387812

Or should I get an internal card?

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

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Vocus

#678087 28-Aug-2012 11:50

I should think a PCIE card would be better especially for N, maybe that's me being old skool but 100+Mbps through USB seems like it woudl be bad for overall system performance.

farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#678092 28-Aug-2012 11:59

Its just to connect reliably to internet and at good speed , nothing much gets sent between PCs on the network apart from text emails

ChevronX

280 posts

Ultimate Geek

#678106 28-Aug-2012 12:10

We sell the Tenda 11N Wireless USB Adapter's at work, other then the "junk" software it comes bundled with so far they have been reliable, letting Windows manage the wireless connections still seems to be the best way of managing Wifi connections at the moment.

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Laworder

40 posts

Geek

#678248 28-Aug-2012 16:26

I second the recommendation for the Tenda USB sticks, having just got one to replace a dodgy ASUS one that died on me after a week.

farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#678256 28-Aug-2012 16:31

Anyone know if Tendas etc last? My noname stick was good to start with too, Im thinking perhaps its a heat issue as its definitely warms up in that confined space

richms

28168 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#678494 28-Aug-2012 23:11

They all warm up. Small size and reasonable power going thru them will do that.

I have had good luck woth some of the "high power" ones off dealextreme. Power ratings are total BS but they push out enough to get thru walls ok.

Richard rich.ms

farns

97 posts

Master Geek

#678660 29-Aug-2012 11:04

I figured build quality might make a diff with the heat over time but no prob, do you mind linking which "High Power" one you bought? I got mine off dealextreme too but their search function is terrible and doesnt narrow stuff down enough

Has anyone found these cheap ones work just as well like a year later?

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richms

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#678679 29-Aug-2012 12:13

Its like the alfa ones with the big antenna but not an alfa. Its got whatever chipset is needed for web cracking on it, but I end up using it on my lappy at work where the built in wifi cant reach.

Think its only 54 meg but its not like that matters when the cruddy dsl here is only delivering 5ish.

Richard rich.ms