Motorola 498467-001-00 Wireless PCI Adapter (54 Mbps)

Features:

• Installation Wizard makes networking simple
• Enables users to place desktops whereever they want
• Automatically detects available wireless networks
• Includes 802.11g technology and is backward compatible with 802.11b access devices
• Provides a wireless range almost anywhere up to 328 feet inside the home and up to 1312 feet outside

Customer Reviews:

Not a Good Choice [Posted on 2005-01-07]
I have two computers which I wanted to ad hoc network with wireless. Previously, they were wired 100baseT. I decided to purchase two of these Motorola adapters because I could get them locally at a price cheaper than I could buy them off the Internet. Bad decision. The two computers, being only 30-40 feet away in wide open space, was a problem for these adapters. The connection was there, and the two PC's networked great. However, the signal strength was always low to very low (1-2 bars out of 5). It reminded me of my wireless phone service sometimes.

Anyhow, even though the adapters performed (at 1Mbps actual, 11Mbps reported), I would expect a better signal strength at such a short, open distance. I even re-oriented the PC's so the antennas were actually looking at each other... still, 2 bars, and sometimes a very temporary 3 bars.

Like I said, the reported throughput was 11Mbps, which is common for an ad-hoc environment, and that is sufficient speed until I decide to get a switch or router to take advantage of the 54Mbps. However, in an ad hoc environment, the signal strength should not be reduced, and the actual throughput should be more than 1Mbps.

I later read an Internet post of someone having the same issue. I even read that a larger PC power supply would help. Anyhow, these are going back to the store, and I'll be paying about $10 more for another brand. To bad since I was hoping to give Motorola my first wireless business.

It gets three stars because of the installation ease and definite operation. However, it misses out on stars 4 and 5 for insufficient power output.

And, oh yeah, there are no 2.4GHz phones interferring with the signal.

Not a bad card [Posted on 2005-03-08]
I experienced the same lack of signal strength after I first installed this card. The main issue seems to be the install sequence. You must install the software and drivers BEFORE you add the card to your system. After I actually read the instructions, everything worked perfect. I give this card a 4 star rating just because it can be very tricky to install right out the box.

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