Thread: WLAN better signal with PCI card or USB dongle

I would steer clear of both of those types of wireless cards. I have had HORRIBLE experiences with the pci type, mainly because half of the signal has to travel through a metal case, which is almost certain to kill the signal almost completely on that side.

In my house I couldn't even have a computer across the hall from the router with one of those cards. I'm guessing usb dongles are similar.

It's not a big problem with internal laptop wireless cards because they have less metal to go through.

I would ditch both of those in favor of a good usb wirless module (the ones with a little antennta and a long cord)... you could mount it anywhere you need, just make it away from the computer.

Hope that helps.

what about a pci card with a 7dbi antenna on the roof of the car?

Ok, thanks for quick answer. I already have PCI card tested in the trunk. I live in 3rd floor and I also have an access point there, I parked the car on a parking place (about 30 meters air-distance) and signal was low. So I wonder if it will be better with USB dongle.

>the ones with a little antennta and a long cord
Do you mean, that exist an usb dongle with antenna like antenna on PCI card on the picture? Can you give me some url to look for it?

EsKALad: How 7dbi antenna looks like? Where is it possible to buy it?

i saw a few on ebay..they are magnetic and cost like 10 to 20 bucks...im thinking about doing that with a pci and external antenna OR sliding in a pci to pcmcia adapter and use tmobiles lan card...i dunno yet..opinions?