New Wireless Adapter for 5ghz Ch on AC router?

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fasthandfist

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Rosewill RNX-N250UBE this is what I currently have as a wireless adapter for my pc. We just got a new AC router and I can't connect to the 5ghz channel but can use the internet just fine. Should I upgrade so I can use the 5ghz or just keep my old one? Help please
 
Solution
techgeek
Here is one from ASUS and it's $75:

PCE-AC56 802.11ac Dual-band Wireless-AC1300 PCI-E Adapter

It's well reviewed, and I like ASUS.

Here is a Netgear USB 3.0 adapter:

Netgear A6210-100PAS AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter High Gain Dual Band USB 3.0

This is also well reviewed. I thought this was a safe bet since your router is Netgear and often times client adapters play nicer with routers of the same manufacturer.

Either of these should help maximize your connection provided that your signal strength is sufficient on the 5GHz band.
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techgeek

techgeek

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Apr 11, 2004
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Well that depends. First can you max out your internet connection? If you have a 20Mbit connection and you can get that over your present wireless adapter, then you aren't limited on the internet. Second, do you have more than one computer on your LAN that you transfer files between (this computer and another), if not then you aren't limited on your LAN either. In these situations there would be no need to upgrade your wireless adapter.

However if you can't utilize the full bandwidth of your internet connection and / or you regularly transfer files between this computer and another computer on your network, then it may be advantageous to upgrade your adapter.

One thing to consider though is the distance this computer is from the router. The 5GHz band doesn't penetrate walls / floors / obstacles as well as the 2.4GHz band. This means if you are getting a mid to low power connection to your router on the 2.4GHz band, you may find it difficult to get a connection on the 5GHz band, or it'll connect but could be slower than what you are getting on the 2.4GHz band.
 
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fasthandfist

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Well when I check my wifi status the speed is 144mbps and on speed test I average about 50-65 down but sometimes drop to 30-40. Also when I use my phone that can connect to the 5 ghz band, it shows 3/4 bars. Should I still get a newer adapter just to maximize connection?
 
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techgeek

techgeek

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Well it's important to understand whether the drop in speed is due to your internet connection or your wireless connection. What speed are getting from your ISP?

For instance I pay for 50Mbps down / 10Mbps up. I can maximize my connection on all the computers in my house, except one wireless adapter where it's too far away to get a good 5GHz band so I get an "OK" 2.4GHz on 802.11n, but it can't utilize the full 50MBps down.

The other thing to consider is whether the 2.4GHz band is crowded in your area. If it is, you may have adjust which channel is the least crowded and switch your router to that channel.
 
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fasthandfist

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So I just figured out we are paying for 100mbp, have a netgear ac1900 r7000 router, probably dropping because of other devices family is using around the house on the 2.4 ghz band. So am I getting the full utilization from my old adapter? Or should I consider switching to something like
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704241&cm_re=t9e-_-33-704-241-_-Product
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZWPPAYO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ZWPPAYO&linkCode=as2&tag=hardwarevol03-20
 
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techgeek

techgeek

Splendid
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Try going to www.speedtest.net and select a test server close to your location. Run the test and post the results here. For instance this is mine:

5143906576.png


Like I said I'm paying for 50 / 10 and you can see I'm getting about 110% of my advertised bandwidth.

It is unlikely that you could maximize a 100Mbps down on 2.4GHz (even on 802.11n), but try running the test anyway.
 
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fasthandfist

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http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/5143921709
sometimes I can hit 85 download but I dont check often enough
 
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techgeek

techgeek

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Do you have a computer close to the router? Is it possible to run that test again with a computer that is hardwired to the router?

I'm nearly certain that upgrading to a decent AC adapter will improved your performance (provided that the PC isn't too far away from the router), but I want to make sure that it's not something about your internet connection causing it to be that low. For instance cable can be slow during peak times if other users on your node are using the internet.

Since it's looking like a upgrade might be beneficial, it would be a good time to tell me what your budget is, and whether you want a USB adapter or a PCI-E adapter.
 
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fasthandfist

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This is the results from the pc connected directly into the router
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/5143944380
 
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techgeek

techgeek

Splendid
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Well that confirms it, you definitely have room for improvement with regards to wireless. As I asked do you have a budget and what are your preferences between PCI-E (internal) or USB (external) adapters?

I see that you tested to a server in Montana (though you used a different server each time) so is OK to recommend an adapter from Newegg?
 
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fasthandfist

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Oh I didn't realize that it changed, but no I don't have any preferences. As long as it does the job and is under 75$ it will do.
 
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techgeek

techgeek

Splendid
Apr 11, 2004
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29,965
Here is one from ASUS and it's $75:

PCE-AC56 802.11ac Dual-band Wireless-AC1300 PCI-E Adapter

It's well reviewed, and I like ASUS.

Here is a Netgear USB 3.0 adapter:

Netgear A6210-100PAS AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter High Gain Dual Band USB 3.0

This is also well reviewed. I thought this was a safe bet since your router is Netgear and often times client adapters play nicer with routers of the same manufacturer.

Either of these should help maximize your connection provided that your signal strength is sufficient on the 5GHz band.
 
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fasthandfist

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Feb 15, 2015
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Thank you so much for your time and help! I will definitely consider these 2 options.
 
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