Linksys WUSB11 Wireless-B USB Network Adapter

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
If good things come in small packages, the WUSB11 from Linksys makes a great addition to a wireless network. Measuring about the size of a deck of cards and weighing just shy of 3 ounces, this little device fits nearly anywhere and is easily stowed in a notebook computer case. Simple USB connectivity makes it compatible with any modern PC, and also makes it easy to swap from one computer to another.

Provided you already have a wireless router or Internet gateway set up, installing the WUSB11 is a snap. We plugged it into a USB port on a test PC, executed the installation program on the included PC, and once the system rebooted we were connected to the network without being tethered to any wires. The unit draws its power directly from the USB port, leaving users with one less cord to lug around and one less device to plug into a wall outlet. We tested the device on a PC located 40 feet laterally and one floor above the wireless router and didn't even need to extend the tiny antenna to get good reception. Should you need to use the antenna, it extends at either 90 degrees or 180 degrees, meaning it will work whether the unit is sitting flat on a desk or mounted vertically on a wall using the included Velcro strips.

Performance was impressive. As an 802.11b product the WUSB11 supports a maximum speed of 11 Mbps and real-world speeds hovered around that mark in our tests. The signal was strong and consistent, making it great for gaming or transferring large files without worrying about a disconnect halfway through. There are only two indicator lights on the unit itself that tell you it's working--a power light and another light that blinks when data is transmitting--but the included software tools allow for a much more detailed picture. Using these utilities we were able to keep an eye on the signal strength (it never dipped below 95 percent), configure the built-in encryption settings, and perform other security and monitoring tasks.

The device is designed to fall back to lower speeds instead of cutting off trans missions completely when it reaches the limits of its range or experiences signal problems. In a normal-size home you should have no trouble maintaining the 11 Mbps signal, but if you wander outdoors with a notebook or are plagued by signal interference, overall transmission speed can step down to 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or even 1 Mbps depending on conditions. Even at the lowest speed the device is fast enough for speedy Internet browsing (most users won't see any slowdown at all in that area, even for downloads), although transferring files across the network is painfully slow at the lower speeds.

No matter what, if you plan mainly to transfer large files over your network, you'll probably want the extra speed 802.11a or 802.11g devices offer. Of course, you'll also have to absorb the extra cost associated with those products. The WUSB11 is a fantastic 802.11b device for the money, working perfectly straight out of the box, and its low weight and small size make it a viable alternative to a PCMCIA wireless network card for notebook users. Just make sure the computer you want to connect it to doesn't use Windows 95 or NT, because the unit is incompatible with those two operating systems. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

Cons:

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

  • 802.11b
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.



Product Description:
The Linksys WUSB11 USB Wireless Network Adapter is perfect if you're looking to start a wireless network, or just want an easy way to connect to an existing one. With this external adapter you can access a wireless 802.11b from any notebook or desktop's USB port. Free driver/firmware upgrades Free technical support - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (for North America only) Includes - USB cable & driver utility CD-ROM

Linksys WUSB11 Wireless-B USB Network Adapter
Linksys WUSB11 Wireless-B USB Network Adapter v4
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A great little unit.
  • Very happy they still provide this version!
  • Performs fine if and when it works.
  • BEAUTIFUL
  • Awesome
Linksys WUSB11 Wireless-B USB Network Adapter v4

Manufacturer: Linksys
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

WirelessWireless | Networking & Connectivity | Computer Add-Ons | In-Store Pickup | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
All WirelessAll Wireless | Wireless | Linksys | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Network AdaptersNetwork Adapters | Wireless | Linksys | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Wireless-B (802.11b)Wireless-B (802.11b) | Wireless | Linksys | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
802.11b Standard802.11b Standard | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Notebook CardsNotebook Cards | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
USB AdaptersUSB Adapters | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Up to $50Up to $50 | by Price | Gifts | Specialty Stores | Computers Features | Electronics
NetworkingNetworking | by Type | Gifts | Specialty Stores | Computers Features | Electronics
LinksysLinksys | by Brand | Gifts | Specialty Stores | Computers Features | Electronics
Network Adapters for Desktop PCsNetwork Adapters for Desktop PCs | Networking | Data Storage & Networking | Technology | Categories | Office Depot
Wireless Network AdaptersWireless Network Adapters | Networking | Data Storage & Networking | Technology | Categories | Office Depot
USB AdaptersUSB Adapters | Ethernet Cards | Wireless | Networking | Computing | Products |
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Product Features:
  • Connects desktop or laptop computers to your wireless network
  • High-speed transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps
  • Operating range of up to 300 feet indoors and 1,500 feet outdoors
  • Compatible with Microsoft Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP
  • Easy plug-and-play installation

ASIN: B00005AW1H

Product Description

The Linksys WUSB11 USB Wireless Network Adapter is perfect if you're looking to start a wireless network, or just want an easy way to connect to an existing one. With this external adapter you can access a wireless 802.11b from any notebook or desktop's USB port. Free driver/firmware upgrades Free technical support - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (for North America only) Includes - USB cable & driver utility CD-ROM

Amazon.com Review

If good things come in small packages, the WUSB11 from Linksys makes a great addition to a wireless network. Measuring about the size of a deck of cards and weighing just shy of 3 ounces, this little device fits nearly anywhere and is easily stowed in a notebook computer case. Simple USB connectivity makes it compatible with any modern PC, and also makes it easy to swap from one computer to another.

Provided you already have a wireless router or Internet gateway set up, installing the WUSB11 is a snap. We plugged it into a USB port on a test PC, executed the installation program on the included PC, and once the system rebooted we were connected to the network without being tethered to any wires. The unit draws its power directly from the USB port, leaving users with one less cord to lug around and one less device to plug into a wall outlet. We tested the device on a PC located 40 feet laterally and one floor above the wireless router and didn't even need to extend the tiny antenna to get good reception. Should you need to use the antenna, it extends at either 90 degrees or 180 degrees, meaning it will work whether the unit is sitting flat on a desk or mounted vertically on a wall using the included Velcro strips.

Performance was impressive. As an 802.11b product the WUSB11 supports a maximum speed of 11 Mbps and real-world speeds hovered around that mark in our tests. The signal was strong and consistent, making it great for gaming or transferring large files without worrying about a disconnect halfway through. There are only two indicator lights on the unit itself that tell you it's working--a power light and another light that blinks when data is transmitting--but the included software tools allow for a much more detailed picture. Using these utilities we were able to keep an eye on the signal strength (it never dipped below 95 percent), configure the built-in encryption settings, and perform other security and monitoring tasks.

The device is designed to fall back to lower speeds instead of cutting off trans missions completely when it reaches the limits of its range or experiences signal problems. In a normal-size home you should have no trouble maintaining the 11 Mbps signal, but if you wander outdoors with a notebook or are plagued by signal interference, overall transmission speed can step down to 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or even 1 Mbps depending on conditions. Even at the lowest speed the device is fast enough for speedy Internet browsing (most users won't see any slowdown at all in that area, even for downloads), although transferring files across the network is painfully slow at the lower speeds.

No matter what, if you plan mainly to transfer large files over your network, you'll probably want the extra speed 802.11a or 802.11g devices offer. Of course, you'll also have to absorb the extra cost associated with those products. The WUSB11 is a fantastic 802.11b device for the money, working perfectly straight out of the box, and its low weight and small size make it a viable alternative to a PCMCIA wireless network card for notebook users. Just make sure the computer you want to connect it to doesn't use Windows 95 or NT, because the unit is incompatible with those two operating systems. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

Cons:

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

  • 802.11b
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Linksys wireless USB network adapter easily connects any PC or laptop to your wireless network with no additional wiring. The plug-and-play USB adapter connects directly to any USB-ready PC, so you can share data, printers, or high-speed Internet access over your existing wireless network. This convenient yet powerful adapter offers data transfer rates of up to 11 Mpbs with a built-in antenna capable of connecting at distances of up to 1,500 feet.

The wireless USB network adapter provides data security and reliability with its automatic fallback rate for data transfers and ensures secured networking with 128-bit WEP encryption capability.

This adapter comes with a one-year limited warranty.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere -- without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports -- great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

What Wireless Standard is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

  • 802.11b
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A great little unit........2007-06-27

Installing on a Gateway box with XP Media Center, I had no problems whatever. We were up and connected within minutes of opening the box. Considering the price, this was a great little unit.

5 out of 5 stars Very happy they still provide this version!.......2007-06-26

I am very happy they still sell this version. It is a great device to have when fixing or repairing older computers that don't support USB 2.0. It works flawlessly, easy to install, and can be portable since it doesn't need any external power source. It gets all it's power from the USB hub on your PC or laptop.

2 out of 5 stars Performs fine if and when it works........2007-06-20

This little box works fine when not using WEP or WPA. When I use WEP, networking dies after 150-200 megs of data transfer. When using WPA-PSK-TKIP it's even worse. My drivers are up to date.

This is a cheap way to get unwired, but I wouldn't recommend this for secure networking. It is just not stable enough.

5 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL.......2007-06-14

This product is awesome! Very cheap yet very powerful! It's was plug and play for the most part. I just had to have my Windows XP Wizard look for the drive in the CD drive with the Linksys CD. After it was installed, all I had to do was match the Wireless Network Connection Properties with a another laptop which uses to the same internet connection. I was good to go after that with no problems.

5 out of 5 stars Awesome.......2007-06-08

I bought this less than a week ago from the time I wrote this review. The adapter is simply awesome, its incredible. I just plugged it in and automatically a window came up with the wireless connections available nearby. There was really nothing to configure, just plug and play. I recommend this to everyone.

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