[SOLVED] Recommended USB dongle?

[King_V]

So, I don't do a lot with WiFi . . oh, I mean, my printer uses WiFi, and phones and laptops, even some PCs of mine have built-in WiFi...

Typically, however, I go for physical ethernet cables as much as possible.

BUT - I'm gonna move my son's PC into his room. I plan on running wires through the walls, but for the time being, I need to connect him with WiFi, which is not built in to the motherboard (ASRock B450M Steel Legend)

Any particular recommendations for a USB WiFi? Doesn't have to be one of those super tiny ones... if it needs to be larger, with an antenna (or remote antenna), so be it.

Plus, once I get things wired for physical connections, it still won't hurt to have that USB WiFi module handy.

 

[bill001g]

You pretty much have the correct idea for a desktop machine. The best units are physically larger and many come with a stand and usb extension cable so you can place them away from the machine.

Those very tiny units are designed primarily for mobile use where small size and low batter consumption are important. They sacrifice performance with small antenna and low power radios.

Unlike a router where almost all transmit at the legal maximum USB nic cards may not. You would have to read the FCC reports to be really sure. But devices designed for desktop like the ones that come with a stand tend to be more likely to be full output devices.

 

[King_V]

Any brands/models you have a preference for?

 

[bill001g]

In general all the major brands will be about the same. Asus makes top end stuff but also has top end price. TPlink has quality equipment but is cheaper. Still netgear,linksys etc have good support also.

What many people do not realize is all these companies are buying the wifi chips from the same 2-3 manufactures. So they are more or less the same and difference is in the customer support. I think intel is the only wifi chipset maker that actually sell their own products.

 

[King_V]

Gotcha, yeah, that makes sense.

And thanks. I will likely go with TPLink, as my router and my umanaged 8-port switch are both TPLink, and they've been rock solid for me thus far.