Need advice on best setup for one 2.4 device

[msmisfit]

Originally Posted by sabretooth

Yes, just plug in th USB adapter, load the driver and go!

SUPER! If I don't break down and have someone install a new card, I'll definitely try a USB adapter. Thanks for the recommendation!

[StratmanX]

Originally Posted by msmisfit

The laptop is a Gateway MX 6440. I wrote down yesterday that the chipset is a Broadcom BCM 4318, board BCM 944318MPG/Rev. 4.2. [Don't have access to it now.] Is that what you need to know?

Gateway has a driver update since mine of 2/18/05, which I could download. I await your advice. TIA...

Updating your NIC card driver may produce improvements.

Here are instructions on replacing your NIC card. It is easy breezy if you can handle a screwdriver. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/...de/8511418.pdf (see end of PDF)

It appears your Gateway uses a 2 antennae NIC card. Good. Your Netgear 3800 wireless router also uses two antenna (and two radios) so a replacement card should have 2 antenna posts for the 2 antenna in your notebook to connect to.

Your current NIC card is a wireless b/g 54 Mbps card. Upgrading your card to a 2 antenna, 2 radio card capable (theoretically) of speeds up to 300 Mbps may give you a substantial boost in wireless throughput speeds, particularly if you can utilize the 5 GHz band. It may be true that a replacement card will also improve 2.4 GHz band throughputs significantly as well. There are many variables involved. Bottomline -- I would anticipate noticeable improvements either in throughput speeds, decreased dropouts, range, or a combination of any or all.

What needs to be known now is whether your NIC card is a "full height" mini or a "half-height" mini card. The dimensions of the card will determine the type height of the mini card. Manufacturers make minis and half-height minis to fit the space requirements of notebooks. Gateway should be able to provide the necessary information. It could be in the paperwork or manual that came with your notebook. Looking directly at the card in your notebook should provide the answer either by measuring it or the text on the card's label. Follow the easy instructions above to look at your NIC card.

[msmisfit]

Thanks so much Stratman for all the great info. I've read it and many, many reviews of the USB adapters now, and even though the reviews are miserable on the adapters' performance everywhere, I think I'm too chicken to try installing a new NIC myself.

So for now, I think I will try an adapter first, and then if necessary, pay someone to install a new card. I really appreciate everyone's help and advice on a solution to my problem.

[StratmanX]

Good luck. Let us know how things work out.

[msmisfit]

Thanks so much! I found a WNDA3100v2 adapter to try first, and it should be here soon.

I will let you know how it goes.

[msmisfit]

Originally Posted by StratmanX

Good luck. Let us know how things work out.

I'm happy to report the Netgear 3100v2 Adapter has solved the connection stalls/drops on the older XP laptop.

I really appreciate all the helpful info, and have bookmarked this thread to keep that nic replacement info handy. Thanks everyone!

[StratmanX]

Great to hear all is well. Enjoy!