Does it matter what wireless USB adaptor you use?

Glock26

Glock26

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Have been thinking of going wireless at home, and I think I am going to settle on the Netgear DGN2000 RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N modem/router as they seem to be fairly good with decent reports.

2 Pc's at home that need to connect, so I will need 2 usb adaptors.
Of course Netgear (or any modem manufacturer) will tell you that for best results you should buy a Netgear usb adaptor. However the Netgear WPN111 costs R670 each (http://www.expansys.co.za/p.aspx?i=121332) and i was wondering how important it is to use the same brand of equipment? I am looking for the easiest and most reliable setup I can get.

Looking at Expansys, they have the LM Technologies one at R250 each (http://www.expansys.co.za/p.aspx?i=161271) and the Belkin one at R460 (http://www.expansys.co.za/d.aspx?i=182167) so I would save a lot of money by going for a different brand of usb adaptor.

Those with wireless setups, can you advise how important it is to keep to a matching brand, and how reliable it is if you go for all different equipment (assuming I stay on wireless N-specs)

Appreciate any advice. Also if the DGN2000 is a decent modem/routes for a basic user. Am going to go with Expansys because i can use Paypal and have a balance i need to spend (can't withdraw it)

G26
 
Glock26 said:
Have been thinking of going wireless at home, and I think I am going to settle on the Netgear DGN2000 RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N modem/router as they seem to be fairly good with decent reports.

2 Pc's at home that need to connect, so I will need 2 usb adaptors.
Of course Netgear (or any modem manufacturer) will tell you that for best results you should buy a Netgear usb adaptor. However the Netgear WPN111 costs R670 each (http://www.expansys.co.za/p.aspx?i=121332) and i was wondering how important it is to use the same brand of equipment? I am looking for the easiest and most reliable setup I can get.

Looking at Expansys, they have the LM Technologies one at R250 each (http://www.expansys.co.za/p.aspx?i=161271) and the Belkin one at R460 (http://www.expansys.co.za/d.aspx?i=182167) so I would save a lot of money by going for a different brand of usb adaptor.

Those with wireless setups, can you advise how important it is to keep to a matching brand, and how reliable it is if you go for all different equipment (assuming I stay on wireless N-specs)

Appreciate any advice. Also if the DGN2000 is a decent modem/routes for a basic user. Am going to go with Expansys because i can use Paypal and have a balance i need to spend (can't withdraw it)

G26
Click to expand...

I don't think its necessary to match them but the quality of the one you choose is important. Try to find some reviews on them.
I have had a horrible experience with some Gigabyte ones.
 
Not important to match them, though there will be absolutely no compatibility issues if you go Netgear. Also I am about 80% sure I have seen them say on the box that there is an improvement if you use their brand for everything. Not sure if it is true though.

However, Netgear will most likely be your best bet for performance and quality. With computing, you get what you pay for. No point spending that kind of outlay on the most kickass router and then going cheap on the USB adapter.

Having said that, the store I work at sells an Airlive usb adapter for about R500 (wireless N ofc) and we have had no complaints.

If you want to save cash - the Belkin would probs be your best bet.
If you want to spend some cash later, get the LM tech one as a temp solution (cheap and nasty will bomb out eventually).
If you want no hassle straight from the get go - Netgear ftw.
 
I have used a mixture of wireless equipment on my home network with no problems. I have a Siemens Gigaset router, with Canon USB adapters, Netgear PCI card, Atheros card in laptop etc. All running wireless G. The point is, all wireless equipment is designed to support one or more standards (eg A,B,G and now N) and so the actual manufacturer does not matter. Having said that, you can receive a performance boost if you go with one brand, particularly if you are using the G standard. This is because they introduce proprietary methods to improve throughput. However, since you are going with the N standard, many of these improvements have been incorporated into the standard (eg MIMO antenna) so it makes less difference.

PS: Make sure to secure your wireless network!
 
Someone was complaining incompatibility problems between his INTEL 5400 wireless with the Billion router, and I know that for the latest draft N standard, it's preferred to use the same chip as there are known compatibility issues.
 
cyberarmy said:
... and I know that for the latest draft N standard, it's preferred to use the same chip as there are known compatibility issues.
Click to expand...

Can't believe that! Can you imagine going to a local hot spot, paying for your voucher, and not being able to connect because Mugg&Bean (or whoever) are using a Netgear access point, and I have a laptop equipped with Atheros chipset (very popular). This would kill any chance of public hot spots taking off in a big way. Can you point out where in the draft N-Standard (which for all intents and purposes is meant to be final) where they state that you should stick to the same chipset for your wireless equipment?
 
Quasimodo said:
Can't believe that! Can you imagine going to a local hot spot, paying for your voucher, and not being able to connect because Mugg&Bean (or whoever) are using a Netgear access point, and I have a laptop equipped with Atheros chipset (very popular). This would kill any chance of public hot spots taking off in a big way. Can you point out where in the draft N-Standard (which for all intents and purposes is meant to be final) where they state that you should stick to the same chipset for your wireless equipment?
Click to expand...

I have seen on other forums that people who intended to stream HD media at home using devices with different chips and same chips, and the speed variation is quite big between the two.
 
Make sure it will work with Vista or Windows 7 or any operating system or known coming OS you may need it to work with...
 
Thanks for the advice folks, much appreciated and helpful.
Sounds like I would be fine, but will probably go for all Netgear anyways just to be sure and for the quality aspect.

I guess I get to test out Expansys ordering too...

G26
 
antowan said:
Make sure it will work with Vista or Windows 7 or any operating system or known coming OS you may need it to work with...
Click to expand...

My netgear DG834GT + Windows7 works perfectly with streaming to PS3 via RF.
 
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