USB Gloves

What's the difference between a WIFI router and a WFI USB adapter?

I've been thinking of connecting my pc to a WIFI router so that I can get wireless internet on my laptop downstairs. I have broadband with Telewest/Virgin Media. However, I've just seen that I can also buy a wireless USB adapter, that you plug into the USB when you need it. What's the catch? Is it as powerful, efficient, reliable, secure as a conventional router? Will I still be able to lock the network so that outsiders can't hack onto my signal?

Public Comments

1. You connect the internet line (ethernet from modem) to the router, then you connect to the router using the adapter.
2. your wifi router would be the device that's 'sending' out the wireless signal. the wifi usb adapter is usually used on desktops to 'receive' the wireless signal given off by the router there are a lot of different ways to secure your wireless network :) it depends on the brand of your wireless router :) call your router manufacturer tech support and find out :)
3. usb adapter- expensive, bu you can connect to any computer with an usb port, also little bit slower
4. Ok, to put this in simple terms. The adapter connects you to a wireless internet connection near your PC. The Router is the wireless internet connection, basically.
5. •Wireless Router- This is the "controller" of your wireless network. Provides the features of a router, and are connected to a high-speed connection (i.e.: DSL or cable modem.) Routers generally can serve at least 50 users, so exceeding the connection limits is rarely an issue. Remember that when you are networking, your connection is shared with all active users. Having a 108 Mbps network connection does not make your Internet connection "faster," however; it will allow faster data transmission between the users on the same wireless network. So, if you are planning on copying a bunch of files from your bedroom computer to the living room computer, or watching a video you recorded in your living room on your bedroom computer, the data transfer speed is great. While surfing the Internet, you may see a decrease in access speed to the Internet if your son is downloading MP3s in his bedroom and you are trying to watch an online video. Your wireless connection speed will vary based upon your location (i.e. out by the pool vs. across the room from the access point), however proper placement of your router can assist in providing the best service to all areas you intend on using a wireless connection. •PCMCIA Wireless Adapter - This is generally used for laptops. A PCMCIA card simply plugs into your notebook PC Card slot, and after configuration with the software provided with the card, will connect to any detected network. Some routers allow for configuration of security so only "allowed" cards are provided access. This will alleviate any problems if your neighbor decides to ride on your Internet service for free once they see you using the Internet out by your pool. •USB Wireless Adapter -Great for use with desktop or Notebook PCs, a USB wireless adapter allows you to connect your system to the wireless network without installing any adapter cards or opening your PC whatsoever. These are a convenient and easy way to add wireless networking to an existing PC in your home. Additionally, based on user feedback, an external USB device has better reception than an internal PCMCIA card in the back of your computer, as you can move it around for the best reception.