USB or PCI adapter

Question

I am about to set up a wireless home network (3 Dells - two 4400's w/ ME, 1 4600 w/XP) and think I am going with the Linksys Super G Speedboost router connected to the 4600. For the other two PC's I have the option of adding a Linksys PCI adapter, or new USB 2.0 cards (they currently only support 1.0) that are then connected to Linksys' USB adapter. My question is whether there is any meaningful difference and/or user experience between using the PCI or USB adapter. I have been told that PCI is a bit faster, but USB allows for more fiddling with antenna placement. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

volcano11 · Answer

If you want to take advantage of the Linksys proprietary speed boost technology, then you need Linksys PCI wireless network adapters that are compatible with the speed boost feature. Note that speedboost will not speed up your internet connection. Thus, the only reason to have the speed boost feature is if you plan to transfer lots of large files between the computers.

Steve

hrova · Answer

I have the Linksys WRT54G, and the kids' computer has a Linksys USB network adapter, the WUSB54G. The speed difference between that computer and a Dell Latitude with Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3A Mini PCI Adapter is not noticable... Remeber, like Volcano said, your internet connection is more limiting than the wireless feature (even 802.11b is 11 Mbps, wiht most cable internet seeming to be about 1.5 Mbps....)   A benefit to me of the USB was that it is easily removed, meaning I can take away the kids' internet pretty easily.....   If you do use a Linksys USB (or I'd guess their PCI as well) and have installed Windows XP SP2, note that I had to remove the included Linksys software and install just the drivers only. I seem to remember hearing that other wireless adapters from other companies have had similar issues....   Good luck.....

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

USB or PCI adapter

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