What is your USB network adapter of choice?

Off-topic Chatter
1

We have a detached garage with metal walls.

Half of the garage was converted into my bedroom.

In my bedroom, I have at least half a dozen USB network adapters for my desktop.

Only one of the adapters does a good job, the TP-LINK TL-WN822N.

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-N300-Wireless-Adapter-TL-WN822N/dp/B00416Q5KI

https://www.newegg.com/tp-link-tl-wn822n-mini-usb-2-0/p/N82E16833704053

That adapter has worked pretty well for two and a half years, but wasn't working very well today.

So I did a little research, and concluded that my best bet is to order another TP-LINK TL-WN822N.

Our internet is slow, but I use it a lot, and this adapter does not overheat.

Most (if not all) small USB network adapters overheat when used a lot, but this one isn't that small, so it doesn't overheat.

I have others that don't overheat, but they also don't work very well in my metal-walled room.

The technology of the adapter is old, but it works for me.

What is your USB network adapter of choice?

2

Alfa! Nothing else comes into my house.

I have the AWUS036H, *NEH, *NHRv2, 52NH and NHA.
Plus all the antennae, cable and power supplies (y-USB cable with extra supply).

www.alfa.com.tw

(they are mostly Kali compatible)

3

I just use the wifi adapter built into my laptop, although at times it does interfere with my USB DAC when streaming lossless audio while also browsing the internet. I’ve been thinking of trying one of these external USB network adapters to see if it’ll solve my issue, but so far the few that I tried either are too slow or don’t connect to my 5GHz network at all.

4

I have two different Alfa network adapters, and they don't work in my room very well.

(I'm glad they work for you.)

5

Although it is only wireless N

I used a TP-Link TL-WN8200ND in my Malaysian concrete walled home and always get full bars even when doors and windows closed.
I can’t guarantee how effecient 2.4GHz wireless can pass through your metal garage but if can I’ll prolly hang this outside the room enclosed in a waterproof plastic container since mine works fine without overheat

6

Is there a chance you could mount an external antenna outside of the garage?

7

Update on this… The one that had issues with my 5GHz network was this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V4R3QHW

The seller was nice enough to not only give me a full refund but they also sent me an updated version of it (new firmware). It now connects to my 5 GHz network, and I’m getting transfer speeds upwards of 40 MB/s within my local network. More importantly, this USB wifi adapter does not interfere with my DAC, like my old built-in wifi adapter does, so no more choppy audio when using a browser or transferring files. Yay!

8

I have been using a TP Link WN722N since forever. My primary reason for choosing it was its chipset firmware being plug and play with Linux.

Later I paired it with a longer 9db antenna and got some nice reception boost :slight_smile:

9

Alpha AWUS036ACH the best. Works fine with Kali Linux for network penetrations.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VEEBOPG/

10

I have two of the above wireless network adapters, and both of them drop my internet connection about once an hour.

It took me several days to figure out that the problem was both adapters.

I thought it was a software problem, and I tried many different things to fix it.

Now I know it was a hardware problem.

I hooked up one of my Alfa adapters, and it was slow as molasses.

I hooked up another of my Alfa adapters, this one...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VEEBOPG/

...and my internet connection has been fine for a few hours.

That network adapter is pretty expensive, but so far it gets the job done.

11

I have one of those.

I don't remember why, but I quit using it.

I'm guessing it stopped working.