USB wireless NIC devices...do they work?

[StealthyV]

hi all! I was wondering if those usb flashdrive-sized wireless ethernet adapters work as well as pci wireless ethernet cards?

I have an old Dell Inspiron laptop and a mini-itx puter i wish to share files between, and they are seperated by a set of stairs and some drywall (the mini is in the basement). total distance is about 30 yards away by 11' elevation difference.

I am not looking for a bluetooth device; I am looking for a device that looks like a flash drive, and that could be removed easily to be used in multiple machines. I would get a wireless card for the laptop, but in all reality, I just want two usb devices that I could bring anywhere i wish to make a temporary LAN.

links to NewEgg and TigerDirect wireless USB devices:
NewEgg usb devices and alsoTigerDirect usb devices

some questions:

[color=dark red]what kind of security can I implement with these devices to ensure my data isn't compromised?[/color]

are they plug and play with win2k and winXP?

[color=dark red]what is the range?[/color]

are the 802.11G devices backwards compatible with earlier wireless standards?

[color=dark red]how stable is the connection; can they be used for LAN-based gaming?[/color]

can they be used without a router?

[color=dark red]will they share my dial-up connection?[/color]


testimonials and personal experience with the devices is helpful. I'm interested in spending less than $35 for each adapter (not including shipping).

thanks all for your help!

~Branson

[Tazzin]

The bigger the antenna.. the better the connection/power.

I have a Syntax USB-400 ... WUSB dongle.

It works ok. I can get a signal (low) out in the garage about 60 ft away.
You can get one for free here
after MIR.

WEP Encryption on Wireless B.
most are PNP.. comes with drivers tho.
range... see antenna above.
backwards compatible... yes.
depends on how far you are from the router as to how stable/good the connection is
you need a wirless router or wireless access point to use them.. ( I think).. maybe if ICS is setup on the main computer?
might be able to share dialup using ICS... not sure.. DSL here..

[GroundZero3]

what kind of security can I implement with these devices to ensure my data isn't compromised?

the same as a regular PCI or PCMCIA card secuirty features. all the secuirty is done in the software.

more information on wireless secuirty

are they plug and play with win2k and winXP?

yes checking to see if they are compatible is a different story and something you will need to look into

what is the range?

several factors effect the range, depends on the adapter, the router and the interference in the house

are the 802.11G devices backwards compatible with earlier wireless standards?

G is backwards compatible with B

more on each standard

how stable is the connection; can they be used for LAN-based gaming?

I surf the web, transfer files, and game on wireless network all the time with no problems. I wouldnt reccomend large file transfer over the wireless because it can take a while

can they be used without a router?

usb wireless device? yes

[StealthyV]

thanks for the quick and thorough responses. I've got to work a second job though to afford all these toys...my first job is "enjoying 'summer' after 5 years of college" and my second job (don't have it yet) will be the source of my income.

lol

the price is right...two devices for under $50...I think I'll buy it!

~Branson

[M_Six]

The only issue I've had with USB wireless devices is an intermittent connectivity problem. But that was with a Linksys USB adapter. You may have better luck with another brand. And for short-term connections, they work fine.