Choose between a 5GHz USB adapter or a 2.4GHz PCI-e Wi-Fi card based on your needs.
Choose between a 5GHz USB adapter or a 2.4GHz PCI-e Wi-Fi card based on your needs.
You're weighing two Wi-Fi adapters: one with 2.4GHz only and another that supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. Both are similar in price, and you're concerned about reliability since USB adapters can sometimes be problematic. You're considering upgrading from your current phone-based tethering setup to something more stable.
USB adapters aren't very effective. 2.4GHz offers broader reach, works through materials easily. 5GHz provides faster speeds but has limited range and struggles with solid barriers.
My Wi-Fi router is located in this room, which means it won't pass through many materials. The main benefit I gain is that the PCI-E card will perform better.
I get it. Use whatever fits your budget. I’d still choose the 5GHz option since it offers faster speeds over short ranges.
It’s unlikely you’d fully enjoy the advantages of a 5GHz connection. Perhaps being in a city and using a weaker antenna would make the difference more noticeable.