I have been looking for a usb wireless adapter that works on Linux and within my pocket’s budget, yesterday i went to my favorite computer peripherals store and found out that they are selling wireless adapters already both pci and usb types.

I decided to buy the usb type for convenience sake. When i got home i hurried to my computer and booted its windows xp os, I inserted the usb wireless adapter and my computer detected the newly inserted device and asked for its driver cd, to cut the story short the installation goes no sweat, all at breeze.

I then restarted my computer and boot the Ubuntu Linux (feisty) and switched to text mode boot loader display so i could i see if it will be able to detect the then inserted usb wireless adapter, and it did. I configured it and connect to my wireless router without a hitch. all in all, my usb wireless adapter works pretty well and stable.

Anyway, below are the features and technical specifications of the usb wireless adapter. I’m going to try using this wireless adapter together with the chillispot captive portal so i could create a hotspot, and will try to mod it to support external antenna whenever i have time. until then, this will have to stay in my todo list.

Features

• Works with IEEE 802.11b/g standard (at 2.4GHz) for compatibility & mobility

• Up to 54 Mbps data transfer rate

• Support USB 2.0

• Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure mode

• Soft AP feature creates AP (Access Point) function

• Compact pocket-sized design, lightweight

Specifications

Standard IEEE 802.11b/g
Antenna Connector SMA
Frequency Range 2.400GHz~2.4835GHz

Operating Frequency / Channel

• 2.412~2.462GHz (Canada, FCC) / 11 Channels

• 2.412~2.484GHz (Japan, TELEC) / 14 Channels

• 2.412~2.472GHz (Euro, ETSI) / 13 Channels

Modulation Technique

• Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)

• Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK)

Security 64/128bit WEP WPA WPA2 802.1x and 802.11i
Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) with ACK

Output Power

• 11g: 14dBm (Typical)

• 11b: 17dBm (Typical)

Data Rate

• 11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6Mbps with auto-rate fall back

• 11b: 11, 5.5, 2, and 1Mbps with auto-rate fall back

Sensitivity

• 54Mbps: -68dBm

• 11Mbps: -80dBm

Working Mode Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure
Throughput 22Mbps@54Mbps; 5.5Mbps@11Mbps
Host Interface A-Type USB 2.0 connector
Operating Temperature 0~55 celsius ambient temperature
Storage Temperature -20~70 celsius ambient temperature

Power Consumption

• Continuous transmission mode: 290mA at 5VDC (Max.)

• Continuous reception mode: 240mA at 5VDC (Max.)

Operating & Storage Humidity 90% maximum (non-condensing)

Operating System Support

Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Mac OS 10.4, *Linux Ubuntu Feisty

*Tested to work by the author

If you are interested to buy this usb wireless adapter and it cost $17 (excluding shipping) , please post it on the comment. All payments shall be made thru paypal.

Keywords: wireless lan usb adapter, Realtek RTL 8187