Needed a wireless solution
Needed a wireless solution
Using 5GHz on Wireless N will significantly restrict your speeds when compared to connecting with a Wi-Fi AC card on the 5GHz band. Keep in mind that marketing teams may set specifications they believe are possible, but actual performance can fall short. Consider real-world network speeds—expect around 50-100mbps TOPS from a budget model you might find online. Be aware of your budget; this isn’t a recommendation to avoid it, but a warning about potential disappointments later if you end up needing a more advanced card.
Wireless marketing schemes are misleading. They often mention combined speeds even though you can't truly use both channels simultaneously. They also frequently boast about fast performance for small devices, but these usually need double the bandwidth for larger ones. This becomes problematic when many neighbors are using WiFi and a suitable channel isn't available, or your router lacks sufficient capacity. With 200Mbit connections, 802.11n is risky—it may not actually hit 200Mbit under real conditions, especially with 2x2 MIMO and perfect signal. Unless you're in the same room, it's unlikely to succeed. It's wiser to opt for a faster option than what you technically need, rather than something that barely works. Trying to compensate for driver issues, distance, or interference can help, but chances are slim to reach 100Mbit or more unless you're close and on a budget. If you're not in the same room, a USB device could be a better choice, as long as the back isn't obstructing the antenna on your PC. With USB, you can use a short cable to place it conveniently on your case or desk.