USB wlan

I have used Belkin and also have another USB dongle type wlan adapter which
does not have a name on it but the config program that came with it is zdlan
!!

I have problems with both products they just aren't stable, keep loosing
connection and frequently fail to initialise on start-up. Usually a
combination of re-booting and/or running the config tool I manage to get it
working but if I'm not around it drives the wife and
kids barmy with frustration.

I also have a Dell laptop with built-in wlan and I never have a problem so
I'm confident that my wlan router is OK

Anyone else have similiar issues with USB wlan devices or know of a good
reliable make ???

url:http://myreader.co.uk/gp/1021-1.aspx

 

All USB Wifi adapters are shit. All of them. Without exception.

 

Castledine
says...

USB networking never seems to work very well - a wireless ethernet
bridge should do a better job.

 

But they have the advantage over PCI adapters that the aerial is not
potentially in the shadow of the PC's case and the adaptor (plus aerial) can
be positioned on the end of an extension USB lead higher up in a position
that gets better singal strength with the router. Of course you could get an
external aerial for the PCI card as an alternative. Similarly, a USB device
can be more convenient than a PCMCIA card for a laptop because it is easier
to plug in and remove when the laptop is being transported, and is less
prone to being bent or snapped off than a card when the laptop is placed on
a soft surface like a bed or settee. I'd advise that a USB device should
always be used on an extension lead rather than plugged directly into a
laptop.

 

Ethernet Bridge.... any recommendation ?

url:http://myreader.co.uk/msg/10214081.aspx

 

Completely negated by the piss poor transmitting and receiving
capabilites of the USB adapter.

 

So how do you explain the fact that a PC and router can communicate by USB
adaptor and not by PC adaptor? I've seen several networks where this is the
case. Typically the PCI card will communicate fine if the PC is turned the
wrong way round (CD drives facing towards wall, PCI card facing towards
router).

This is with Netgear DG834G or PN router and Belkin Wireless G or Netgear
WG511 PCI card (do I mean 511 or 311 - never can remember which is which).
Netgear WG111 USB gives better reception providing it is located correctly,
away from case of PC and movded around for best reception.