Need help picking out a new network adapter...

gigadager

Honorable
May 9, 2012
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For awhile, I've been using this little thing to make it by:

http://www.amazon.com/Medialink--150Mbps-Wireless-USB-Adapter/dp/B002RM08RE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375679618&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+network+adapter

It was functional, for the most part. I lived in a condo for a few months where the router was literally right next to me, so internet was never an issue. I've since moved out, and now I live in a house on the second floor while the crappy, weak, and unstable AT&T router is on the first floor. My adapter could barely pick up a signal, and it fluctuates wildly from four bars (at most) to an absurdly low one or a disconnect (Though, from my experience with AT&T, I'd imagine that the disconnects or errors are AT&T's fault, not the network adapter's).

As this router was only $20, I guess I shouldn't have expected so much. So I was wondering if you folks could help me pick out a new adapter that could accommodate my being on the second floor and having to deal with a weak connections.

Thanks!
 
Solution
I have one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704162 and reviewed it on 02/04/2013. It is really good, BUT I should point out my router is a dual-band N router, so it matches the capability of this card. Still, as I pointed out in my review, it detected some five other networks in my neighborhood, and NONE of the houses are adjacent. The closest one is probably 50'-60' away, and I don't think anyone is living in it now. Next closest is probably closer to 100' away.
I have one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704162 and reviewed it on 02/04/2013. It is really good, BUT I should point out my router is a dual-band N router, so it matches the capability of this card. Still, as I pointed out in my review, it detected some five other networks in my neighborhood, and NONE of the houses are adjacent. The closest one is probably 50'-60' away, and I don't think anyone is living in it now. Next closest is probably closer to 100' away.
 
Solution
I've got something like that too, the Rosewill version. I've used it many times just after builds to update new systems that aren't near my router, but it is perhaps half the speed of the TP-Link or a wired connection. It has been reliable, but then my router would only have been perhaps 30' away.
 

gigadager

Honorable
May 9, 2012
51
0
10,630
Haha, yeah, I don't think that'll do. >_< Trying to game with the adapter above means having to deal with crap latency on a daily basis. Hopefully I could get something where I can go online or game smoothly without having to stress over my connection.