iTX wireless adaptor

rosphite1

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Oct 31, 2013
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Just completing a build and had intended to use powerline as the internet transfer/connection but for some reason my cables in my house are a bit screwed up and do not provide any benefit - actually its terrible

Hence I'm resorting to a USB connection (dongle or wired stand-up with antennas are fine)
Requirements are a stable connection over a distance of approx 20meters through a few stud-partition walls. I need the signal to be as stable as possible and transfer rate needs about 6Mb/sec or so (so not much). I have a "n" virgin super hub 2 router (i think it's 60Mb/sec connection) but i am happy to buy an "ac" USB adaptor if there is added benefit - strength and stability being the priority

Any suggestions are much appreciated - even a few options would be great - I'm in the UK
 
Solution
First I would download the free version of inSSIDer and analyze the signals in the area where you plan to use your computer -- you can run it on a laptop to most conveniently test various areas.

Then if you fine a good spot near (like within 10 feet or so) that has a good signal strength on your channel and no other powerful signals, you can use up to a 5m USB extension cable (although I would recommend using a shorter cable to get you well inside the USB 2.0 maximum cable extension standard.

I would also suggest considering an adapter with a better antenna, which will not compensate for a poor signal, but it will help -- I've used many of THIS ONE and have never had any issues.

As 60 feet plus some walls...
"Hence I'm resorting to a USB connection"

If you are already using a USB wireless adapter I don't really understand what alternative device you are looking for or asking about?

If you haven't yet bought a USB wireless adapter, there is not much to choose between them as they are all pretty much the same in all respects, but don't be fooled in to thinking a more expensive one is necessarily any better than a cheaper one because while that might be true of some things, it's isn't true of USB adapters.

If I had to recommend one particular brand though, it would be Netgear.
One not to recommend? - - Belkin.
 
Thanks I'll take a look at Netgear -

From old threads (couple of years) there were suggestions on best USB dongle and then there were suggestions on types that were free standing antennas connected to the computer via USB - these appeared to get stronger recommendation
I raised the question now as new standards are in place and new tech products have been built.
Unfortunately i picked an itx board that didn't have wireless, by accident.

Right now I use a laptop that has it's own wireless card inside


 
First I would download the free version of inSSIDer and analyze the signals in the area where you plan to use your computer -- you can run it on a laptop to most conveniently test various areas.

Then if you fine a good spot near (like within 10 feet or so) that has a good signal strength on your channel and no other powerful signals, you can use up to a 5m USB extension cable (although I would recommend using a shorter cable to get you well inside the USB 2.0 maximum cable extension standard.

I would also suggest considering an adapter with a better antenna, which will not compensate for a poor signal, but it will help -- I've used many of THIS ONE and have never had any issues.

As 60 feet plus some walls (depending on the composition) is a considerable distance, it will be difficult to get a fast enough connection for high end gaming or HD video streaming and you may need to consider alternative based upon your budget. I've used paired ASUS AC routers with one as the router and the second in media bridge mode where running Ethernet or using powerline is not feasible.
 
Solution


Thank you this was very useful - the sweetspot appears to be just greater than 5m (approx 7m) away from the location of the Computer so I may have to break those USB 2.0's protocols (i.e. use a slightly longer cable than 5m!! - of course, not if someone suggests otherwise)

Can anyone suggest a good cable make/brand or at least a make/brand to avoid?
 
The problem is not cable quality as long as the cable meets standards, it is how long it takes signals to move the distance, which is why 5m (16.5 ft) is the limit for the USB 2.0 standard for non-powered attachments. After a total time of 26ns you start to get unpredictable results and USB 2.0 cables work at about 5.2ns/m. While I occasionally stretch Ethernet standards of 100m, 7m is pretty far over standard for USB.

While I rarely recommend a wireless extender, as it cuts bandwidth in half, I would recommend trying one over using a 7m USB cable. If possible buy it from somewhere that accepts returns like Walmart or BestBuy or your local equivalent (and be sure to check on the return policy before purchase).

I do not believe that your router supports AC, so an AC adapter would not be useful. And 2.4GHz has better penetration through matter than 5GHz so I would try to optimize the N 2.4GHz channel to 1,6, or 11 (the three non-overlapping channels) such that there are no other nearby networks showing up on that or nearby channels.
 



Both answers were excellent - you may note i chose the above one as it was more relevant with the title of the thread
Thanks again