Now desktop PCs can go wireless in an instant! NETGEAR's Wireless PCI Adapter makes it simple to connect to a wireless network. Just slide this high-performance network card into the computer's PCI card slot and experience the best that wireless has to offer: high-speed communication that's secure and protected against eavesdroppers, faster and larger uploads and downloads, and performance you can count on. Add a PC to your wireless network anywhere in your home or office, or easily move your network to a new site - you won't need to run any expensive cabling. Users will experience up to 72 Mbps wireless networking in conference rooms, classrooms, offices, and at home.With the ultra-fast HA311 Wireless PCI Adapter small business owners can network their PCs without new wiring and obtain reliable, IEEE 802.11a LAN connectivity that's protected with industry-standard security. The HA311 does not interfere with IEEE 802.11b and Bluetooth devices and supports desktop PC roaming with uninterrupted network access. Eight non-overlapping channels in the 5GHz band (5.15 to 5.35GHz) supply extensive coverage and bandwidth.
1 Excellent!
It's just a PCI card so there's really not much to say. I use it with my HR314 router, both work great together. The turbo mode works really well and it was a breeze to install.
I've tried the cheaper alternatives out there and they [are bad]...save yourself the headache and get the best, get Netgear!
2 solid performance
Solid for Windows 2000 and XP, Linux still missing, the missing star is for no linux driver. I bought competitor's pci (has linux driver) for my second pc. ALso there where some issues after I switched the cards. It needed some uninstalling, resetting, ...that less skillful people might find hard to figure out.
I downloaded all Red Hat and Mandrake Cd-s without any problem. Solid speed.
Note: My access point is on the first floor, pc-s on the second.
Regarding outside Distance, approx 25-35 ft if AP inside. Those with large back yards, you will need one AP outside. You could still have good signal on your patio.
Offers encryption, It's not a fool proof, but better something than nothing, plus I would recommend (hardware) firewall too. They are too many sniffs, snorts and so fort.....
but look for 802.11g devices that are backward compatible and also Access Points that are dual, meaning 802.11a/b and maybe g....