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    Recomend me a good USB WiFi Adapter

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by CastlBravo, Dec 30, 2020.

  1. CastlBravo

    CastlBravo Notebook Consultant

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    Hello.

    Just looking for a basic but good quality portable USB Wifi Adapter.

    Must: Be compatible with WinXP, Win7-10, and Linux.
    Must: Have good range and/or a removable antenna.
    Must: Be known to NOT be a pain-in the-ars (reliability/drivers/etc)

    Optional: Would be nice if it was not made in China.

    Several years ago there was a thread here where someone recommended a RealTek version that seamed good and standard.

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2020
    CastlBravo, Dec 30, 2020
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    If you can find a card that works with Linux, then you should be good given that Linux can be picky about WiFi cards. Normally, I'd say an Intel card as they have excellent Linux support, but they don't make USB cards. I have a USB Panda card that works well in Linux, but I'd google for some good cards and buy somewhere easy to return should it go awry.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 31, 2020
    #2
    Aivxtla likes this.
  3. Tech Junky

    Tech Junky Notebook Deity

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    Why USB? USB tends to lead to more problems, slower performance, and tend to not last long.

    There are adapters you can use to house a laptop sized WIFI module for stability and opens the door to the latest cards combined would only be $30. I've used quite a few of these and have some sitting around after testing them.

    I would pair up an AX210 (Intel AX6E) and an adapter and you'll be future proofed for several years as there's maybe 1 6E router on the market at this point but, the card itself is more stable than just prior AX200 released earlier this year.
     
    Tech Junky, Dec 31, 2020
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  4. CastlBravo

    CastlBravo Notebook Consultant

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    Going with USB wifi because all I have is a cellphone for internet right now, and a multiple computer(desktop and laptop).
     
    CastlBravo, Jan 9, 2021
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  5. Tech Junky

    Tech Junky Notebook Deity

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    Are you sharing the CP as a hotspot or just connecting single clients to it through the USB adapter?

    There are devices that are USB that you can simply pop the SIM into and use that way and avoid the whole WIFI (802.11) thing all together.
     
    Tech Junky, Jan 9, 2021
    #5