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    Alternative to Atheros 5006xs (or ex)... Senao?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by kthan, Jul 13, 2006.

  1. kthan

    kthan Notebook Enthusiast

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    By many users recommendation, I purchased Atheros 5006xs mini-pci card a while back. At that time, I have used Netgear WGT624 router (Super G, Atheros chip used) <put router in the first floor and use laptop in the 3rd>.

    Since my workplace is located on the opposite side of the location where my router is located (so many blocks and long distance), I only got one signal with frequent drops.

    After I installed 5006xs, compared to previous intel pro2915 card, I don't have no bar gain (in Windows connection utility), but number of dropping (due to weak signal) was significantly decreased. But, of course, transmission speed was horrible.

    On the other environment (at my school), I got only marginal gain (in signal range and reliability...I don't know what type of router they have). All in all, the performance of new pci card was little disappointing.

    Then, I switched my router to D-link DI-634M (mimo, used Atheros chip). I got one more bar gain <but frequently drops to one bar> at home (3rd floor, far end) and connect at 108mbps. I had to refresh my router frequntly with no known reason.

    So, based on the reviews, I picked Belkin Pre-N router (mimo, Airgo chip). It enabled me to use at solid two bar (or sometimes three bar) with no dropping/connection issue so far (two weeks). But, it connects only at 54Mbps.
    It looks like I will settle down with Belkin for a while. But, unfortunately, I will not get any super-G benefit from 5006xs card.

    I searched to find if there's any Airgo chip based mini-pci card available, but no go (only PCMCIA card available). Then, I remember that there's Senao NP-2511 mini-PCI about a year ago. They use older Atheros chip (5006x), but their power output is up to 400mw. I don't know the power output of my current card that had 5006xs.

    If I did not find Airgo (or other MIMO compatible mini-PCI) card, I would rather get another card that can get longer range (higher power output, I guess it maybe over the limit of FCC regulation).

    I want to have your comment/advice on this issue.

    Thank you for your help in advance.
     
    kthan, Jul 13, 2006
    #1