Cnet 54m Wireless Usb Adapter Driver
Netgear WG111 wireless USB adapter Adding Wi-Fi to your computer doesn't get much easier than with the Netgear WG111 54Mbps wireless USB 2.0 adapter. Setup takes a mere two minutes, after which you can conveniently plug this pint-size 802.11b/g adapter into any USB port on your desktop or laptop. You'll also enjoy quick data transfer with the WG111: the device earned excellent throughput scores in CNET Labs' tests. And with the adapter's support for, your data has a better chance of remaining secure.
Jan 24, 2005 The Netgear WG111 is one of the best all-around wireless USB adapters we've seen.
All told, the Netgear WG111 is one of the most simple and secure ways to add fast wireless access to your system. The Netgear WG111 features the same pack-of-gum size and shape as many wireless USB adapters. The WG111's diminutive design makes it extremely easy to put the adapter in a pocket or a purse-though we wish it also included a convenient keychain hole as some do. Another gripe: this and all stick-shaped USB adapters jut out of your system's case, where you might accidentally bump them, making them awkward to use in tight spaces. If you'll be installing the WG111 in a desktop that offers USB ports only on its back panel, you can use the handy USB cable to attach the adapter to your system. Not only does this save you the pain of reaching behind your computer each time you want to connect and disconnect the device, it also lets you adjust the adapter's position to achieve optimal signal strength. If you don't want the device dangling around, Netgear bundles a plastic cradle for the WG111 that you can stick on your wall, desk, or elsewhere with the included Velcro tape.
A removable cap protects the WG111's USB connector, but you'll have to be careful not to lose this tiny detachable piece. After following the WG111's clear installation guide, we had the device installed and plugged into our laptop's USB port in a couple of minutes. We then used Netgear's intuitive wireless utility to take advantage of the adapter's features. For example, we created and saved different configuration profiles for our home and office networks, associating the correct security settings with the corresponding network name,.
Ultra Wireless Usb Adapter Driver
Profiles save you the hassle of having to type in encryption keys in order to connect to a secure network. The Netgear WG111 supports both and security schemes. Another utility trait that we particularly like is the Network tab. Clicking the tab automatically triggers the utility to list the vital signs of each network in the area, including SSID, channel, address, security capabilities, and signal strength on a percentage scale of 0 to 100.
The Netgear WG111's speedy data throughput in CNET Labs' benchmarks made a good impression on us. With its 44.4Mbps maximum throughput, the device is far and away the fastest USB Wi-Fi adapter we've tested, beating its closest competitor, the, by 21.3Mbps. In our Labs' long-range throughput tests, the WG111 earned a less remarkable 6.2Mbps score at 200 feet, which is still nothing to scoff. For more details on how we test networking devices, see the.
The WG111 ships with a lengthy three-year warranty that includes toll-free telephone support available around the clock seven days a week. The company's support Web site is nothing special, listing the standard firmware updates, documentation downloads, and thin FAQ info, as do the sites of most manufacturers. However, the site also offers a fairly unusual and definitely helpful user forum.
Tp-link 54m Wireless Usb Adapter
Review summary Buffalo's WLI-USB-G54 wireless USB adapter is designed to perform. It delivers better throughput at greater distances than any adapter we've tested to date. Unfortunately, its user documentation is incomplete, so for those new to networking, it could be challenging to set up. The WLI-USB-G54 is also a tad bulky for an adapter-compact USB adapters such as the may be a better solution for frequent flyers or those with little space for accessories. However, if you want to put a stationary PC on the air with the fastest connection speeds possible, the WLI-USB-G54 is currently one of the best ways to do it.
It takes only a few minutes to install Buffalo's USB adapter, and a printed quick-setup guide walks you through the steps. The process varies slightly depending on the version of Windows you're using (Windows 98 SE or later), but in all cases you merely plug the adapter into an available USB port, insert the accompanying CD, and click through the ensuing onscreen prompts. Unfortunately, this card doesn't support Macs. The installation routine also loads Buffalo's Client Manager, which you'll need in order to configure security and other variables for the adapter. If you're running XP, you can use either Buffalo's Client Manager or the Zero Configuration Utility built into the operating system. The Buffalo and XP tools offer essentially the same features, so deciding between them is more a matter of style than utility.
We were disappointed to discover that the WLI-USB-G54 includes no documentation for the Client Manager, which could be a stumbling block if you're unfamiliar with 802.11 networking. /sc/30485741-2-300-DT1.gif' width='300' height='225' border='0' / A white cap on the back of the unit conceals a female MC antenna connector. A connector for an external antenna-a feature you won't find on many other adapters-graces the back of the WLI-USB-G54. The connector comes in handy when you're trying to increase the range of your network, and Buffalo sells an designed to mate with the connector on the company's AirStation line of products.
Unfortunately, this adds to the total cost and bulk of the adapter. /sc/21204239-2-200-0.gif' width='200' height='150' border='0' / The AirStation antenna can boost the range of the WLI-USB-G54. The Client Manager for the WLI-USB-G54 supports WEP but lacks support for WPA, a more secure encryption scheme that is gradually becoming the new standard. Buffalo is working on an upgrade to its Client Manager that will be freely available on its Web site in the next few weeks and will add support for WPA.
Not surprisingly, the WLI-USB-G54 runs circles around competing 802.11b adapters. But this holds true only if you're connecting it to your computer via a USB 2.0 port. USB 1.0 has a much lower practical throughput than USB 2.0 and can't keep up with the fastest data rates of an 802.11g-enabled device. Connecting the WLI-USB-G54 to a USB 1.0 port would slow the connection to 802.11b speeds. On the other hand, connect Buffalo's USB adapter to a USB 2.0 port, and you will see a fivefold speed increase over the rate of standard 802.11b adapters. That can make a big difference if you transfer large files across your local network.
It won't, however, speed up your ability to surf the Internet or download files from a remote server. Broadband connection speeds typically max out well below standard 802.11b rates, so a less expensive and more compact 802.11b adapter, such as the, would be a more economical choice for most Internet-related tasks. CNET Labs maximum throughput tests (Longer bars indicate better performance) Throughput in Mbps Buffalo WLI-USB-G54 21.6 5.3 5.2 5.2 4.4. Buffalo has a respectable two-year warranty for its products, which is longer than Linksys offers on its WUSB12 but shorter than the three years that Netgear gives with its. In addition, Buffalo includes 24/7, toll-free phone support, which is good for the life of the product.
The Buffalo Web site contains driver updates and documentation downloads for many of its products but lacks info for the WLI-USB-G54. Buffalo is currently working on a product manual for the WLI-USB-G54 and plans to host it on its support site soon. The Web site also lacks self-help options, such as extensive, thorough, and product-specific FAQs and a searchable knowledge base.