802.11n USB wireless adapter (5 ghz mode)

Dazza · New Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

I am looking for a 802.11n usb wireless adapter for my mac mini so that I can move my wireless network to the 5 ghz band. I am currently running mixed mode in the 2.4 ghz band.
Needless to say it will need to have Mac drivers.

dungeon92 · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am Post subject: well

There is the option of using an Airport Express and use it as an access point.
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"You must control your future by taking command of your present, and fixing and learning from your past."

"When history is forgotten people don't realize when it repeats."

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Dazza · New Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

Thanks for your reply. However, would using an AirPort Express as an access point change the fact that the Mini still has an 'g' card inside & can only operate on the 2.4 ghz band, from what I understand.

Dazza · New Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

Will using a 'n' enabled Airport Express as an access point, connected by an ethernet cable to a Mac Mini, allow the Mini to connect at 'n' speeds on the 5 ghz band?
Does anyone have this set up?
Is it an effective workaround to the Mini's 'g' wireless connectivity?
Any thoughts?

Rightondamark · Senior Member Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 287

I wouldn't worry about keeping everything 5GHz. It's overrated and the range is worse than 2.4GHz. Plus, I don't know of a USB adapter out there that supports it. You might try contacting Quickertek. That said, you can set up a WDS network and keep it all at 5GHz. I mean using an AirPort Express and Extreme. Or just separate them like dungeon92 suggested. That keeps your network open to 802.11 b and g devices.

I would also take a look at this article.

TonyMontana · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 4:08 pm Post subject:

I too poked around for a mac compatible USB 5Ghz "n" unit. It doesn't seem to exist. Head over to OWC they have a few different "n" USB devices.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/wireless/
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hackersmovie · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:08 pm Post subject:

Dazza · New Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

If it was down to a choice between the MaxPower USB wireless adapter and an Airport Express set up, which way would you go?

devo · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

I'm using the MaxPower USB with my old G4 Mac mini. The software can be a pain in the ass, but it does an ok job. Just don't expect blistering performance or throughput from it. I have an 802.11n AirPort Express coming later in the week. It's going to be connected in client mode to an AirPort Extreme for AirTunes. So I might be able to give you a better idea on how it performs later in the week. Right now, I'm thinking that would be the better solution for you. Your main router is an AirPort Extreme, right?

Dazza · New Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

Yes, I have an 'n' enabled AirPort Extreme. I have 2 Intel Mac Mini's that i would like to bring up to 'n' speed and join an all 'n' network.
The Airport Express option appeals to me, as it should work well with the existing wireless network.
Whereas, relying on 3rd party software can be fraught with trouble.

devo · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:24 pm Post subject:

It sounds like we will have most of the same hardware then. That said, I'm keeping mine in 802.11n b/g compatible mode. I have a bunch of stuff connecting using 802.11g. An iPhone 3G, Mac mini and PS3 amongst other things.

dungeon92 · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 12:33 am Post subject: Another option

For anyone who doesn't have a AP Extreme and wanys to use an adapter with an RJ-45 port (eathernet) you could try the Linksys WGA600N since I may use that since I would need something that has administration accessable via a browser and the AP Express can only extend a network hosted from an AP Extreme (though if I ever have the money I may buy one for airtunes in my room and for when I travel to a hotel that only has wired network or a weak wi-fi signal).
_________________
"You must control your future by taking command of your present, and fixing and learning from your past."

"When history is forgotten people don't realize when it repeats."

Going to Missouri S&T!!

devo · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject:

Got my refurbished AirPort Express from Fed Ex today. Shocked

I didn't think Fed Ex made standard ground deliveries on Saturday.

It came it great shape. Now, I'm waiting on an AirBase from Griffin. I bought one from Onsale.com for $9 bucks. It's going to sit up next my receiver, so it should look nice.

Dazza · New Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 16

That's great! Let us know how you go with your set up.

devo · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 11:43 pm Post subject:


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