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Desktop Wireless Adapater Card or USB Wireless Adapter???

I have just setup a wireless network through a Netgear router (supplied by ISP) and have two USB Wireless Adapters setup on each of our PCs.

The Broadband speed is very poor... we're getting download of around 150kbs, according to www.speedtest.net!

When I open the Netgear routers configuration webpage it tells me that its downloading at around 4.2Mbps! Therefore it would indicate to me that its losing the speed from the router to the USB adapters.

Its only a medium-sized three bed detached and the router is downstairs, while to two PCs are upstairs in the bedrooms. Surely this isn't out of range and therefore losing the speed?

Anyway, my question to the techies is would a desktop wireless adapter card (such as this) give better performance and receive the full 4.2mbps being received from the ISP at the router???

Comments

  • Thankyou for your speedy reply, Albertross. Don't fear, I have enable WEP on the router!

    So what your saying is that I should connect the router to a PC with an ethernet cable and then do a retest on www.speedtest.net and if the spped is increased then it implies it the strenght of the router to usb signal?

    In your opinion would I not expect better results with a wireless adapter card for the PCs?
  • BillScarab
    BillScarab Posts: 6,027 Forumite
    WEP is very poor encryption and very easily broken. Unless a device conencted to your network only supports WEP (e,g, a DS lite) then you need to change it to WPA-PSK. Also use a complex key, you can use this site to get a strong, random key.

    GRC
    It's my problem, it's my problem
    If I feel the need to hide
    And it's my problem if I have no friends
    And feel I want to die


  • I'd do the test first before wasting your money. It may be nothing to do with the wireless usb adapters. In an average house, they work fine and don't affect the speed (unless you have an old usb 1/1.1 usb port).

    Things usually speed up between now and midnight, so do more tests to get a reliable comparison between wired and wireless.

    As Bill says, wep is a bit naff, wpa-psk/tkip is more secure.
    Ever get the feeling you are wasting your time? :rolleyes:
  • Ok Albertross will try your advice. I have "thanks" your replies!
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