USB or PCIx Wireless adaptor?

[GheeTsar]

I'm about to replace my b/g wireless network at home with a n standard one and I would like some advice please.

Specifically, are there any drawbacks in terms of performance of using a USB based adaptor over a PCI or PCIe one? The reason I ask is that Netgear do a dual-band N adaptor in USB only:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Netge...USB-20-Adapter

Any advice much appreciated!

[kalniel]

Others have found USB adaptors to be fine. I haven't - I've had problems with them on all computers and with a variety of adaptors to the extent I will always use a PCI where possible.

[GheeTsar]

Thanks Kalniel. What sort of trouble have you had if you don't mind me asking?

[Lee H]

Some people experience the USB not getting a good enough signal and some have issues with them working as they thought. I've seen it myself when a USB adaptor wouldn't work on a friends PC, and when I got a replacement with another chipset for him, it worked fine.

A good way to combat this is to use a USB extention cable so that you can reposition the dongle to get a good signal. A positive side about the USB dongles is that if you do not want anyone to access the internet when you are not there, you can simply remove the dongle and take it with you in your shirt pocket.

Saying that, if your PC is in a desk and down the side, then a PCI card might be shielded from the signal more, obviously this is dependant on the PC's location and this is why I recommend the Edimax 802.11n PCI card and MARS relocation antennas which have cables and can be moved around to gain the best signal

[kalniel]

Thanks Kalniel. What sort of trouble have you had if you don't mind me asking?

Just poor performance - not so much low signal strength (though it was never good) as frequent disconnects (they'd reconnect fine moments later). I suspect they usually related to either cheap USB dongles or the way USB sockets are powered.

Changing to a PCI card (cheap edimax 7128G with remote antenna) made a world of difference - connection was 100% stable, signal strength excellent and things actually seemed much snappier.

[KowShak]

Typicall USB Adapters don't have great aerials, they tend not to have much in the way of shielding either (to protect their aerials from the interference they give off). The biggest advantage of a PCI adapter is that they come with better aerials which can be upgraded or relocated via a cable if needs be and of course, the aerial is shielded from the electro magnetic noise that the computer generates.

[abaxas]

As with all usb 'dongles'. The largest worry is accidently hitting it, breaking both the dongle and USB port in the process.

Buy an internal one with a removable aerial, might as well cover all bases.

[KowShak]

As with all usb 'dongles'. The largest worry is accidently hitting it, breaking both the dongle and USB port in the process.

Buy an internal one with a removable aerial, might as well cover all bases.

I've got a pci card that got broken because the aerial got caught when the compute was moved... extension cables would make both usb and pcs adapters less prone to be damaged.

[Forsak3n]

In terms of speed there is no real benefit, so it’s basically just a personal preference. (I prefer USB)

[Funkstar]

Have you seen this one: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edima...ain-Win7-Ready

Much better aerial than most, comes with a weighted extension cable so you can have it on your desk instead of behind the PC. And I like Edimax products, they've served me well.

[GheeTsar]

Have you seen this one: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edima...ain-Win7-Ready

Much better aerial than most, comes with a weighted extension cable so you can have it on your desk instead of behind the PC. And I like Edimax products, they've served me well.

Very tempting. A good price too. Thanks for the heads up on that.