Options for new network adapter

Little CuChulainn

I'm looking to get a new wireless adapter but I don't know much about them. Is a network card much better than the USB adapters you can get? Should I only get one that can receive 2.4 and 5 ghz signals? My current one only receives 2.4ghz. If my computer is being put into a desk such that the wireless adapter antenna would be between the pc and a wall is there any way to improve signal or should I just get a USB adapter for the front?

ED E

Best case for you is a PCI card with external antennas.



If your internet connection is good and your router is capable then this could make a big difference, if you're on 2Mb DSL itll have zero impact.

Little CuChulainn

I just got eir fibre in and although it's slower than it should be, the adapter is definitely the bigger issue. The external antenna seem exactly what I need. Any recommendations on a particular make and model?

ED E

Asus or TP would be my go to there. Or Intel if they offer one.

justsomebloke

Homeplugs?

Serephucus

justsomebloke wrote: »

Homeplugs?

If possible, pretty much always this. Otherwise, what ED said.

Depending on the house though, homeplugs aren't always feasible. Older houses can have problems with them, and they really don't like extension leads, so you need to have a spare socket at either end, which can be tricky as it's usually from router/junk to office, meaning lots of other devices at either end anyway.

Blazer

justsomebloke wrote: »

Homeplugs?

+1 million..miles better

Redfox25

You can buy homeplugs with a socket on them so you dont loose the socket

Little CuChulainn

What exactly are homeplugs?

Fian

Little CuChulainn wrote: »

What exactly are homeplugs?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessories/networking/powerline/321_3076_30123_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html

That page was no 1 on google search - I am not suggesting curry's are teh best place to buy them - just answering your question.

Little CuChulainn

I mean how do they work? Do they use the mains to transmit a signal or something?

Fian

Little CuChulainn wrote: »

I mean how do they work? Do they use the mains to transmit a signal or something?

You plug one in near your modem/router. You run an ethernet cord to it. You plug the other in near your computer. You connect an ethernet cord from it to your computer. the plugs modulate a signal over the electrical wiring to effectively transmit the internet signal over the wiring. In fact they are just communicating with each other but in practical terms that is irrelevant. You now have a wired connection rather than wifi.

Little CuChulainn

Fian wrote: »

You plug one in near your modem/router. You run an ethernet cord to it. You plug the other in near your computer. You connect an ethernet cord from it to your computer. the plugs modulate a signal over the electrical wiring to effectively transmit the internet signal over the wiring. In fact they are just communicating with each other but in practical terms that is irrelevant. You now have a wired connection rather than wifi.

Man that sounds useful indeed.

ED E

Blazer wrote: »

+1 million..miles better

Not always

HPs max out about 150Mb effective, decent WLAN can easily top 250, so if you really really care about single client throughput a decent WLAN is better.

NB: For most houses there are more than one client, thus use homeplugs.

Little CuChulainn

Gonna go ahead with the plugs but it looks like I'm going to have to get a new network card anyway. Any suggestions for a regular wireless card without the external antenna?