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Top 10 Wireless USB Adapters

From , former About.com Guide

Wireless USB adapters provide mobile workers with a compact and easily carried way to enable their laptops to connect to wireless networks. Another advantage to wireless USB adapters is they can be swapped between laptops and desktops quickly and easily. If you need to enable your laptop for wireless connectivity, a wireless USB adapter is a great solution.

1. 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g USB Adapter

The 11g products are backward-compatible with 11b products, so both 11b and 11g clients can reside on the same network. Supports speeds up to 54 Mbps—nearly five times the speed of 802.11b networks at distances up to 100 meters. WPA encryption and 40/64-bit and 128-bit shared key WEP encryption for legacy clients. Has a hinged antenna and swiveling USB connector.
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2. ActionTec External USB 802.11b Wireless Adapter

High-level hardware-based 64-bit and 128-bit WEP Encryption. Advanced security features such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA-PSK and 802.1x support included. Pre-configured to work with Actiontec wireless products or connect to other devices that support the 802.11g or 802.11b standards. Works with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP. Designed around the “Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing”. Outdoor Range: Up to 1750 ft. Indoor Range: Up to 300 ft.
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3. BELKIN F5D7050 Wireless 802.11g USB Network Adapter

Fits any standard 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0 USB slot. Provides 3 times the wireless range of 802.11a adapters. Backward-compatibility with all 802.11b network devices and features wireless 64- and 128-bit WEP Encryption. Keep your notebook batteries running longer with an advanced, low-power consumption chipset. Compatible with with Windows (R) 98 SE, Me, 2000 and XP. Includes Belkin Lifetime Warranty and free 24-hour technical support.
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4. Buffalo AirStation 802.11g 54Mbps Wireless USB Adapter-g

The 54Mbps USB Adapter incorporates WEP support for security. The 54Mbps USB Adapter supports fast USB 2.0 and the addition of external antennas to boost range and performance. The 54Mbps USB Adapter is compatible for interoperability with existing 802.11b devices. It requires no external power supply. It has external 2.4GHz antenna support. Backwards compatible with 802.11b and weighs 3.1oz. Compatible with any Windows based laptop.
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5. D-Link 802.11G 54MBPS USB 2.0 ADAPTER

Wireless Operating Range Indoors: Up to 328 ft (100 meters) Outdoors: Up to 1312 ft (400 meters) Antenna Type - Omni Directional Throughput may be diminished when using USB 1.1 port. 802.11g Standard, 802.11b Compatible Protects network with WPA and 802.1x Security Includes an easy-to-use configuration that discovers available wireless networks wherever you go. Can also create detailed connectivity profiles to save most frequently used networks. Can also enable support for WPA and 802.1x.
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6. NetGear USB 2.0 54MBPS ADAPTER 802.11G

Setup is made quick and easy with a new Smart Wizard™ Install Assistant. High-level WEP encryption shields your network. The Wireless LAN Manager lets you create profiles that reflect specific WLAN settings for each place you travel. Compact, pocket-sized design can easily be carried anywhere. Also includes a 5-ft (1.52m) USB cable so you can locate your adapter where the signal is strongest. Compatible with both 802.11g and 802.11b.
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7. Proxim Orinoco 11B USB Adapter Gold

Connect your computer to any compliant 802.11b Wi-Fi network. Provides 11 Mbit/s operation in the 2.4 GHz license-free frequency band. Compliant with USB 1.1 standard. Offered in Silver and Gold versions, the card is equipped with a choice of security levels to protect your data, Silver has 64-bit WEP key, Gold has user selectable 64- and 128-bit WEP keys. Both versions can be upgraded to Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
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8. SMC USB ADAPTER 802.11G 54MPBS

Based on the IEEE 802.11g standard and PRISM Nitro™ technology, the SMC2862W-G is designed to handle bandwidth-intensive applications. Compatible with existing 802.11b wireless networks. Complies with USB 2.0 and backward compatible with USB 1.1. Compact, sleek design makes it convenient and easy to carry. Supports (WEP), 802.1x authentication, and (WPA). Has an auto-fallback feature providing scalable connectivity in noisy environments and enables a larger wireless operating range.
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9. Syntax Wireless LAN Adapter

The Syntax Adapter is IEEE 802.11b and uses USB 1.1. It is WiFi compliant and provides 64-bit or 128-bit WEP encryption. Works with Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP. The adapter has LED Indicators to indicate Data Activity Status. Indoor Range is 35M (116 ft) - 100M (265 ft) and the outdoor range is 100 M (265 ft) ~ 300 M (1000 ft). It only weighs 20g.
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10. TRENDware 54MBPS WIRELESS USB ADAPTER NIC 802.11G

The USB 2.0 interface facilitates a hassle-free Plug-and-Play installation, and 128-bit WEP Encryption provides robust network security. Offering seamless AP-to-AP roaming, auto-installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP, and auto-negotiation. Wi-Fi Compliant with IEEE 802.11g and 802.11b Wireless Devices. USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible. Built-in Antenna with LEDs indicate link status. Low power consumption and easy configurations. Range of 50~100 meters indoor and up to 300 meters outdoors.
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