Wireless for desktop

Peter B

I have a desktop which I would like to get connected to my wireless network at home. It does not have a wireless card (internal) so i would like to know the best option for connecting it to the internet through wireless.

I have been looking at usb wireless antennas but it seems they are all for laptop only. My other desktop has a wireless card which works fine but I was thinking a USB wireless antenna could be handy for disconnecting, changing to different computer etc.

Is there any disadvantage in getting a laptop USB wireless antenna for my desktop or are they laptop specific only? Is there any advantage an internal wireless card has over a USB antenna?

Thanks

Peter

christophicus

i would think that the internal card would be stronger at sending, receiving info. But aside from that the onternal card has an adjustable antenna which is far better then not having one, because sometimes the difference between getting a sinal and not getting one, is simply moving the antenna a few cm.

Peter B

christophicus wrote:

i would think that the internal card would be stronger at sending, receiving info. But aside from that the onternal card has an adjustable antenna which is far better then not having one, because sometimes the difference between getting a sinal and not getting one, is simply moving the antenna a few cm.

I have had problems with my wireless network in my house. I think the broadcast distance of my router is very poor so I am thinking of upgrading or looking for another solution. It is a router I recieved free with BT broadband, Zyxel (I think).

If a USB antenna is just as fast I may well go for that. I am surprised that the antenna is not as strong as a internal wireless card as it is not hidden in behind the machine and is bigger in size.
Could someone help shed some light on this?

Thanks

limklad

Peter B wrote:

I have had problems with my wireless network in my house. I think the broadcast distance of my router is very poor so I am thinking of upgrading or looking for another solution. It is a router I recieved free with BT broadband, Zyxel (I think).

If a USB antenna is just as fast I may well go for that. I am surprised that the antenna is not as strong as a internal wireless card as it is not hidden in behind the machine and is bigger in size.
Could someone help shed some light on this?

Thanks

I have used Zyxel and I could easily receive it two doors down and across the street in my neighbor’s house. Most of the problems I have seen are the receiving end not setup correctly with wireless cards drivers.

Is the wireless card is on a laptop or desktop? I have notice that laptops are worst than desktop wireless cards on signal strength at the same distance.
1/. Is it the signal strength weak?

2/. If the signal strength is strong, then you could have conflict with another wireless network with the same channel and SSID (Network name). I have seen this happen with my neighbors.

Use netstumbler (Free to download) to search around for other networks of the same name.

limklad

Peter B wrote:

Is there any disadvantage in getting a laptop USB wireless antenna for my desktop or are they laptop specific only? Is there any advantage an internal wireless card has over a USB antenna?

Thanks

Peter

No, it should work the same.

Peter B

Anyone know of any decent USB wireless antenna?

Anyone have one which they would recommend or know where is a good place to get one?

Thanks for the info!!

formatman

What router do you have , are the Antenna /s removable , if so can Recommend a Dlink booster antenna , that way your choices of card for the desktop are wider