wireless usb adapters or wireless nic's? (WXP-Pro)

[nikoz]

Hi. I have installed Windows Xp pro 64bit in 4 pc's.
I want to have a wireless network for these pc's.My question is: What would be best for me? To get usb wireless adapters or wireless nic's(cards)? In which case the performance will be better? Any good company to suggest to get one of these devices(so i can find drivers for windows 64bit)?
Thanx in advance

[jdharm]

My $.02. Not based on any fact, just my experience as a network tech and trying to fix these things when they didn't work right...

I haven't seen a wireless NIC yet that worked very well. The biggest problem, as I see it, is that the antenna is behind the metal case of you computer and blocks signal. If you had a pigtail and a separate antenna that you could position on top of the computer, then maybe...

But then most of the USB adapters I've used and worked on haven't lasted more than a few days to a few weeks before quitting.

I've had much better luck with PCMCIA wireless adapters. I would actually be curious to know how a PCMCIA-to-PCI adapter and a PCMCIA wireless adapter would work out in a desktop.

I have had nothing but bad experiences with Linksys, Netgear, Dlink, and Belkin wifi products.

I have had nothing but good experiences with Proxim/Orinoco/Lucent, SMC, and Zxytel (Zxytel?! Yup. Who'd'a thunk it.) wifi products.

I haven't heard but would be really curious about the Hawking wifi products. The wired networking hardware is some pretty solid-performing low-budget stuff - much more reliable than the price would seem to indicate. Does that carry over into the wifi equipment as well?

So there it is. Another one for the 'for what its worth' file.



Josh

Yet another site soon to be neglected:<font color=green>
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.zachmax.com>www.zachmax.com</a></font color=green>

[Brf]

I have used PCMCIA cards with PCI adaptors in desktops, but they have never worked very well. In our shop environment, we have had better luck using a Wireless-Bridge that connects to the PC with a CAT-5 cable. Then you can set the bridge atop the machine where it can pick up the signal better.

[jdharm]

Hmm...more of the same as with the NICs I guess - antenna behind the case. So now I know; won't waste any money on that then. Thanks.

Josh

Yet another site soon to be neglected:<font color=green>
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.zachmax.com>www.zachmax.com</a></font color=green>