802.11G WiFi Adapter -- USB, Cardbus, CF, or RJ45 Ethernet?

**Bailey** · 01-19-2005, 08:22 PM

Here are some examples:

Linksys Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
Linksys Wireless-G Compact Flash
Linksys Wireless-G Notebook Adapter (with SpeedBooster)
Linksys Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter

I have an MII. So in addition to USB and Ethernet ports, I also have a Cardbus and CF slot that I am not using (PCI can be used for something better). Range and signal strength are important to me (wardriving and whatever...). Also I'd prefer the option for an external antenna.

I like the idea of not using Cardbus or USB because there are many other devices that could use these ports, whereas only a few can use Cardbus or CF.

I like the idea of using a wireless bridge, but I hear that this limits features in some wifi software. Can anyone explain?

I like the idea of using CF, but I don't see one with an external antenna.

**Bailey** · 01-19-2005, 08:27 PM

I just found out the CF cannot be used with Windows, only Pocket PC 2002 and higher?

**Hcomplyr** · 01-19-2005, 08:34 PM

wrong! i have a sandisk 128MB + WIFI card on my laptop

**Bailey** · 01-19-2005, 08:48 PM

Huh? At the same time?

**darkhalo** · 01-19-2005, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by Hcomplyr

wrong! i have a sandisk 128MB + WIFI card on my laptop

how does that work out for ya.. i was thinkin of getting one of those... how $$ was it?

**Bailey** · 01-19-2005, 10:04 PM

Okay, CF is out of the question. Its speed is limited below the 54Mbps spec and it doesn't allow for an external antenna. It's wireless range and strength are questionable also. Great solution for a palm user or something, but not for us.

The ethernet bridge seems to be the route I'm going to take, if I could just find a good one. I would definitely choose the Linksys but it got a not-so-good review here:
http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Review...dID-WET54G.php

Still reading...

*EDIT: BLOODY HELL! They have to be externally powered!

I think I'll order a Cardbus and call it a day.

**Bailey** · 01-19-2005, 10:20 PM

Can the Opus power it? 5v DC

ftp://ftp.linksys.com/datasheet/wet54gv2_ds.pdf

**Teknoledgi** · 01-21-2005, 06:46 PM

Don't know where you get one from in the states, but here in Australia, I use a Shuttle XPC wireless network adapter (internal) with an external antenna.

See link: http://global.shuttle.com/Product/Ac...ec.asp?A_id=34

I takes up one usb header on your board, so you won't have two ports at the front, but is very neat and fits just behind the rear panel on a morex case.

**Zharvek** · 01-21-2005, 09:25 PM

Buffalo USB 2.0 54MBPS 802.11G Adapter also has an external antenna port. Works great, I have one myself.

EDIT: (With an external antenna)

**Bailey** · 01-22-2005, 12:33 PM

So I was over on netstumbler.org reading about how the pro's do it. They convinced me that for a carputer, G is useless. You spend most of your time searching for a signal, not transferring files. In other words: for half the amount of money I could get a better signal using B, but I sacrifice bandwidth. So I went ahead and bought a top of the line wardriving 802.11B cardbus card with antenna jack. When the prices on powerful G cardbus's come down I will grab one.