Wireless adapter.... PCI or USB?

[mrsilv04]

I've decided to try the AT&T U-verse. The bonus $250 cash back for signing up and free install sealed the deal. I'll be placing my order online later today.

However, I have an older Dell desktop (running XP) that I will need a wireless adapter for. The AT&T U-verse system includes a wireless router that is built in, and I've never had wireless at home before.

What are the pros and cons on a PCI wireless card versus a USB one? I could install either one, just wanted to hear some opinions of others.

Thanks.

 

[uc50ic4more]

Assuming price is not a factor, and assuming that drivers are not an issue; any USB device versus it's PCI counterpart has one major advantage that probably outweighs any minor or theoretical disadvantages: portability.

 

[Volvohead]

PCI. One less box to find a home for and likely better performance, especially if you are planning any meaningful networking. But perhaps not as recyclable as a USB device, as PCI fades into its sunset.

It's a shame you can't run a wire with a desktop. Big difference, even on Internet. And less security headaches.

 

[beanoil]

1 vote for USB. Small, portable, works with any Winblows and a lot of Linux. And, in the event your new future computer (you know you will get or build one someday) takes a dump with it's internal network connection, you have a spare.

 

[OVERKILL]

Depending on the age your desktop, it may only be USB 1.1, which will give you a significant performance hint going that route.

If that's the case, I'd go PCI.

 

[Familyguy]

USB would be my choice. It's portable between devices, doesn't require that you open up your machine, and USB is likely to remain useful for a longer time frame than the PCI slot in your desktop.

As far as performance goes, USB 2 (which is likely what the USB adapter will support) is good for up to 480 megabits per second...far in excess of what you'll ever see excreted from ATT's network for the foreseeable future.

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Depending on the age your desktop, it may only be USB 1.1, which will give you a significant performance hint going that route.

If that's the case, I'd go PCI.


Even USB 1.1 is good for 12mb/sec.

 

[CivicFan]

I vote for PCI. It has a much larger antenna than the USB dongle.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Depending on the age your desktop, it may only be USB 1.1, which will give you a significant performance hint going that route.

If that's the case, I'd go PCI.


I just checked the Device Manager, and it shows the USB as being 2.0.

So... I will assume that means to go USB.

Brands to look for/avoid? Just stick to the well known brands?

I've read reviews where people state that the USB units have issues with heat and shut down during heavy use. Is this a common issue with USB adapters?

 

[greenaccord02]

PCI

 

[OVERKILL]

12Mbit vs 480Mbit for USB 2.0.

Add in the overhead from the wireless, and transferring stuff like Music over the LAN is PAINFUL.

 

[greenaccord02]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
12Mbit vs 480Mbit for USB 2.0.

Add in the overhead from the wireless, and transferring stuff like Music over the LAN is PAINFUL.


+1 my wife used to have a USB and network transfers were very slow. They may be portable, but it's a desktop after all.
And I think that wireless specifications will have changed before PCI has been completely done away with. JMO

 

[JHZR2]

It may depend upon your signal. Having a USB device may enable more placement options for the receiver, which can be a plus. THis may also be a non-issue though...

Given that you have a desktop, Id push for PCI, if possible, but recognize that you may give up some flexibility... likely not an issue though...

 

[tomcat27]

I've been using multiple USB wireless devices for years. a couple on desktops, and 4 on Tivo units. granted, Tivo only supports slower speeds, but I have never had an overheat or shutdown issue with any of them.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
However, I have an older Dell desktop (running XP) that I will need a wireless adapter for.

I guess it was accepted as a given, but why do you have to have this desktop connected wirelessly? It would be simpler, cheaper, more efficient, and more reliable to connect it with a wire. After all, just about every single wireless router I've seen also has a 4-port Ethernet switch built in. Is running a wire to the router not an option?

If you must do it over wireless, how far away from the router will the desktop be? If it's quite a bit away with a few walls thrown in, I'd seriously consider PCI. Like other poster mentioned, chances are, a PCI adapter will have a bigger/stronger antenna which may help maintain better speeds and more consistent connection.

 

[Volvohead]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
12Mbit vs 480Mbit for USB 2.0.

Add in the overhead from the wireless, and transferring stuff like Music over the LAN is PAINFUL.


Yup. Unless it's a very strong G signal or better, shooting heavy media streams over air can be an ordeal. If an AV or ASW decides it's time for an update, the whole mess can grind to a crawl.

A basic 10/100 PCI card is only $5 and is a stable, robust solution. Half the time, they're free pulls from cadavers if you have tech friends. I think I've got 4 or 5 in a box somewhere if the OP wants one.

 

[mrsilv04]

I just stopped by the local AT&T store.

The unit that controls the U-verse system has one ethernet jack built in, so a computer can be connected directly to it.

I guess I could have that unit placed in my den, and connect the computer directly with a 6' ethernet cable.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
I just stopped by the local AT&T store.

The unit that controls the U-verse system has one ethernet jack built in, so a computer can be connected directly to it.

If you're getting the AT&T residential gateway, then you should have 1 Ethernet WAN port and 4 Ethernet LAN ports:

link

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: tomcat27
I've been using multiple USB wireless devices for years. a couple on desktops, and 4 on Tivo units. granted, Tivo only supports slower speeds, but I have never had an overheat or shutdown issue with any of them.


Me either. I'm using a D-Link DIR-655 access point and their DWA-160 USB adapter. I'm about 40-50ft away from the access point and am getting throughput of 300mbits/sec to a server plugged into an ethernet port on the access point. I've got 3 other computers in the house that have "built-in" 54mbit "G" wifi. However, when I want extra bandwidth to one of those machines, it's a 10 second process to move the USB adapter to the other machine. Lastly, 54mbit/sec (standard cheapo "G" rather than the more expensive "N" standard) is more than enough to stream flac/mp3 audio and mpeg4 high definition (1080p) video to other devices on the same network without any issues.

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
I just stopped by the local AT&T store.

The unit that controls the U-verse system has one ethernet jack built in, so a computer can be connected directly to it.

If you're getting the AT&T residential gateway, then you should have 1 Ethernet WAN port and 4 Ethernet LAN ports:

link


If the location is convenient, wired ethernet is definitely the way to go. Your computer probably has a built-in ethernet port already so that would involve zero additional cost (compared to the internal or USB wifi adapter).