|
All About Wireless Cards and Adapters
Wireless Internet Access is comprised of four components:
Wireless Customers
Customers only need a computer and a wireless card/adapter to access the Internet. Cards/adapters are either built-in to the computers, can be purchased separately at a local consumer electronics store or can be sold or rented at your location.
PCMCIA Cards (or PC Cards) can provide enhanced signal strength and stabilize connection speeds if you are having trouble using your built-in wireless in an RV park environment. PC Cards have power outputs that range from 30mW to 200mW. Some even have built-in connectors that will allow you to attach an external antenna, enhancing signal even further.
 One drawback to PC Cards is their location in reference to the “signal.” Most PC cards have an omni-directional antenna built-in to the part of the card that hangs out of your PC. Placing your computer on a desk or table effectively blocks the lower half of the card’s built-in antenna. Many times you will find that moving your PC a few inches so that the PC Card is slightly over the edge of the desk (free air space around the card), will increase signal substantially.
PC Cards range in price from $20 to more than $100. A good quality card that will perform well should run you $40 - $60.
USB Adapters are probably the single best option for using Wi-Fi in a RV park. They combine good output power with the ability to place them where signal is strongest, without having to move your PC around. Typically, placing your USB adapter in a window that has visibility to the nearest Wi-Fi antenna will provide optimal results.
 If the cable that came with your USB adapter is not long enough to allow you to place the adapter where you want, extension cables are available from most computer stores. You should keep your overall cable length to no more than 15’.
USB adapters range in price from $15 to $90. A good quality USB adapter that will perform well should run you $40 - $60.
Finally, here is a solution for RVers that are at an extreme distance from the nearest Wi-Fi antenna, have lots of trees blocking your line of sight to the antenna, or just want a wireless solution that is going to work just about anywhere. This is an outdoor radio/antenna all built into a single enclosure that you mount outside of your coach (on the roof of your RV, or attach to your roof access ladder). Then, run a single piece of outdoor rated CAT5 cable from the radio/antenna to your PC and plug into your Ethernet port (via the included DC injector).
 These outdoor units cost around $200 - $250, but you will probably never have to contend with low signal again!
The most important thing to keep in mind when you are considering a new wireless adapter is quality. When it comes to radio equipment, you really do “get what you pay for.” While you don’t have to purchase the most expensive item available in the category in which you are interested, you should probably stay away from the least expensive option as well. |
