usb network anygood?

[VH]

I'm building a HTPC using the Monarch Hornet case. It has 2 PCI slots + PCI express for video card. Its a Winfast Foxcon motherboard. I didn't do enough investigation and I now find the SPDIF out is a 3 pin connector on the mother board.....no header for external connection. So I need to find a backplate (which will use one of the pci slots) or add a sound card which will also use a pci slot. I need a wireless adapter......which will use the remaining pci slot, SO, the question will a USB wirless adapter from Linksys provide just as good a connection for networking as an internal network adapter? Anyone used one of these? They are for sale at Sams with theLinksys wirless G hub.

 

[airfoil]

I'd say a USB wireless adapter will do almost as good a job as a PCI adapter. A USB adapter will increase your system load very slightly and this and the fact that you're going to have to deal with external wires and adapter (clutter) are jus about the only downsides I can think of.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Will this wireness networking connection be used for just simple internet connectivity, or actual streaming-media transfer to the rest of your LAN? Wireless just isn't good enough for the latter right now, but for the former you should be fine.
I've been using a LinkSys WUSB54Gv1 for some time now for internet for this box, works fine for my 1.5Mbit/sec DSL.

 

[VH]

Thanks for the reply. It would just be internet connectivity and possible music from another computer. It sounds like saving the pci slot would be worth it.

 

[V00D00]

Make sure you have the drivers and whatnot to make it a usb 2.0 highspeed connection. USB 1.1 is only 11mbits, while 2.0 is 480mbits. You can see why it's a necessity.

 

[Blain]

U could try something like this.

 

[Gunbuster]

The USB wireless will be better as you can place/move the antenna to get a good signal.

Just make sure you get the 54 megabit or higher gear.

 

[JackMDS]

802.11b Wireless would work with USB1.1

802.11g Wireless needs USB 2.

For desktop USB might be better than Internal Wireless card.

Why?

Wireless is depending on signal propagation.

PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.

However a PCI card is a good choice when a powerful external Antenna is needed for long distance. Many Wireless PCI cards come with a removable Antenna.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

:sun: