[NTLUG:Discuss] [OT] PCI Wireless Adapters for PCs

[Terry Henderson]

Below is a pretty comprehensive list of 802.11b PCI adapters that work
with Linux, (reported to have Linux drivers).

VENDOR   WLAN TYPE      PRODUCT ID  HOST I/F    CHIPSET
                                         (Model#s)
Eumitcom        802.11b       WL 1100P       PCI          Prism2/2.5/3
Netgear           802.11b       MA 311           PCI          Prism2/2.5/3
Samsung         802.11b     SWL-2000P       PCI          Prism2/2.5/3
Samsung         802.11b     SWL-2100P      PCI           Prism2/2.5/3
Samsung         802.11b     SWL-2210P      PCI           Prism2/2.5/3
3Com              802.11b    3CRWE777A  PLX/PCI       Prism2/2.5/3
TwinMOS         802.11b         B103        mini-PCI       Realtek
TwinMOS         802.11b         B111          PCI            Realtek
Widelink/Ezwave802.11b    WWL-1100P   PCI
Z-Com            802.11b            XI626        PCI            Prism2/2.5/3
ZoomTelephonics            ZoomAir 4105    PCI            Prism2/2.5/3
Zyxel-Zyair     802.11b           B-300          PCI            Prism2/2.5/3
Ovislink          802.11b       WL-1120PCI   PCI             Realtek
Sitecom         802.11b         WL-012         USB            Prism2/2.5/3
SmallBig        802.11b     SBT-2100P
Sweex           802.11b       LC 700010      PCI              Realtek
3Com            802.11b       3CRWE777A  PLX/PCI       Prism2/2.5/3
Toko          802.11b         TMW 1026     mini-PCI
TRENDware   802.1         TEW-223PI      PCI             ADMtek
=================================================


There's also the option of "Wireless Bridges".  Wireless Bridges will
do the same job as the Wireless PCI adapters.  Actually, the "Wireless
Bridge" is better to use, no drivers to load, they just work, (sort of
same concept as with external modems, NO DRIVERS NEEDED & EASY TO
USE).  Although wireless bridges cost a little more, you actually get
more for your money; they have their own power supply, they're more
powerful and more reliable.
Here are a couple of those to look for.

Brand         TYPE         Model#

Netgear    802.11b         ME101            Wireless Bridge
D-Link      802.11b       DWL-810+         Wireless Bridge
Linksys    802.11b       WET11 *           Wireless Bridge 

* author's pick

Those are the three major brand names Netgear, D-Link, and Linksys.

Another thing about the Wireless Bridges, you'll find them almost
everywhere, maybe even at Wall Mart.

[Yet] another thing about Wireless Bridges, they plug into an ethernet
port on your PC, so it also means that you'll have to have a regular
Ehternet card in the PC as well, and although that may seem
complicated, it's not.  If you don't have one in it now, just put most
any PCI ethernet adapter in it, and it'll more than likely be
recognized and configured on boot up, [automatically], and even if you
add an ethernet adapter, it's still an easier route in the end.  So
don't hesitate to get a wireless bridge if the opportunity comes
along, or if (and especially if) you find one on sale.

-- 
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