Help with WiFi and New hardware recommendations please!

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ld13

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WiFi (USB) Hardware recommendations please!

Hi,

I’m new to the whole Wi-Fi Arena. A Total n00b when it comes to anything wireless (excl Cellphones + Bluetooth +IR). But this noob is willing to learn. What I need, is a simple FAQ/Guide to WiFi. Because if anyone tells me they just bought a 9dBi antenna, I will be like…"cool man, I have a 5dBi one at home", but I would not have an idea as to what one is the better one.

With WiFi you get different specifications, a/b/g/n and also the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Then you get the directional/omni antennas (self explanatory). Then you get those weird TX things. You get PCI/USB/Ethernet, dBi/dBm, power output, range, I could go on (not really :p). Then there is also laws as to how strong your power output and these things may be.

With the AP/Client and WEP/WPA terms I’m ok. But these other things I’m rather clueless.

Let me explain what I plan to do: I just need a WiFi solution with MAX range without using Outdoor antennas (PC needs to be moved easily without worrying about LAN cables and whatnot). This would be used for 15minutes each night at 3am (so I can ignore the output strength laws :p) to sych 2PC’s that is quite a distance from each other. At the moment the other PC has an AP, so I’m looking for a PCI/USB adapter to be able to connect to this AP. But this is going to be bought in November sometime and because I know nothing about these things I thought it would be wise to start building up some knowledge about things and to start hunting for the best unit/solution available to me IN SA (I don’t have access to a credit card :( ).

What has been recommended to me is the TrendNet TEW-445UB 802.11b(20dBm)/g(19dBm) High Power USB Adapter. Any other help or recommendations would be Greatly appreciated!


This post is NOT Terminology Friendly – Please bear with me for now​
 
Last edited:
skydog said:
http://www.google.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

they will help you to learn.
otherwise. http://www.wug.za.net

how far apart are these PCs and what is in the way?
Click to expand...

The first two links was kind of the logical place to begin with, and I have already started going through the loads of information there. The WUG site is of little use to me, (http://www.wug.za.net/startterm.php), Is not exactly that jam packed with Information and they are into Long distance wireless connections (Outdoor antennas is not an option for a Mobile PC).

There is a few walls, trees. Max this PC would ever be from the AP is +-500m. But what I need to know, is what Product would give me the MAX power output/range without going with outdoor antennas. Even if that means that I would need to get an Amateur Radio Licence if needed.
 
ld13 said:
The first two links was kind of the logical place to begin with, and I have already started going through the loads of information there. The WUG site is of little use to me, (http://www.wug.za.net/startterm.php), Is not exactly that jam packed with Information and they are into Long distance wireless connections (Outdoor antennas is not an option for a Mobile PC).

There is a few walls, trees. Max this PC would ever be from the AP is +-500m. But what I need to know, is what Product would give me the MAX power output/range without going with outdoor antennas. Even if that means that I would need to get an Amateur Radio Licence if needed.
Click to expand...

As dar as I know nothing will give you that long distance range without an aerial ... but I stand to be corrected. If you are so worried about putting the aerial on the mobile pc ... why not stick it to the other one that isn't mobile?
What exactly are you using this for at 3am at night for 15minutes?
My first guess would be the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router ... although I have a Belkin router (an el-cheapo) and am not too happy with it, but coverage is pretty good though.
 
eitai2001 said:
As dar as I know nothing will give you that long distance range without an aerial ... but I stand to be corrected. If you are so worried about putting the aerial on the mobile pc ... why not stick it to the other one that isn't mobile?
What exactly are you using this for at 3am at night for 15minutes?
My first guess would be the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router ... although I have a Belkin router (an el-cheapo) and am not too happy with it, but coverage is pretty good though.
Click to expand...

Ok, so I get myself the TrendNet TEW-445UB USB Adaptor, as this unit seems to have the max power output. With a decent aerial (not outdooe one) connected to it, it could do the job I hope!

At 3am this Mobile PC connects to the other PC and the two Synch each other.
 
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