Question 1

Is this used to connect to a router like a laptops connection?

Accepted Answer

This unit is simply an external wifi  radio it can connect to a wireless router or WAP whichever you choose I curently have uswed it with my home linksys54wgrt wireless router, an enterprise aerohive system I installed at my office and several cisco units found in conference halls and hotels. Be sure you have a free USB port.  I purchased it to extend my wifi range and to use the n protocol which I did not have on my b/g older Dell.  It increased my throughput and range significantly on N and also helped with APs that only broadcast b/g.  I bought 2 and both were easy to install in Win7 and functioned well.

Question 2

I read one review that said a cd was included for installation.  Do I need it?  I don't have an optical drive and I'm looking to improve my wifi speed.

Accepted Answer

It depends on what Operating System you are going to use it with.

But in most cases no, you would not need that CD.

I did not have to do anything for both Windows 7 x64 Ultimate as well as Linux Ubuntu 12.04

If you will encounter problem however and device is not recognized,  you can download all necessary drivers from Rosewill's website. Just search for "Rosewill RNX-N180UBE" in google, it should be the first link. And then choose the right driver/software for your Operating System.

Question 3

How does this perform in gaming?

Accepted Answer

I purchased the Antenna because of the price and a need for a wireless connection for my msi MB.  I did not want a card to insert as I wanted its portability due to it being usb connection.

I plugged it in and both Windows 8 and Linux Ubuntu 13.0 recognized it.  Great connection and it is light.  I have it plugged into my usb hub.  Throughput I think is great although haven't checked it.  I have to unplug and reconnect it as linux disconnects it when the computer is in suspend state, which is no biggie as I rarely put my computer into suspend anyways.

Question 4

does this product work with windows xp service package 2?

Accepted Answer

I tested on two laptops, one with xp x32 sp3 and other with win7 x64, also one desktop with win7 x64. All 3 worked fine. Never tested with xp sp2. You should upgrade to sp3 because sp3 includes support for the Wi-Fi Access 2 security standard, a standard previously unsupported by XP.

No need to install the whole program from the CD that comes with the antenna. Just plug the antenna USB cable to the laptop or PC (works on both USB2 and USB3), when ask for the driver location, then direct the search to the CD drive, the OS will pick out the needed drivers from the CD.

The antenna extends the working range from no antenna 100 feet to 150 feet with antenna.

Question 5

how does this compare with an internal card adapter? I have an older desk top Dell Dimension 3100 any comments appreciated

Janet

Accepted Answer

as far as I can tell it seems pretty comparable I guess the downside is you have to use a USB port. the plus side is you can probably get a bit of extra range due to the longer cord and the antenna able to be placed higher. performance wise I really couldn't tell a difference I've had both this USB one an internal adapters.

Question 6

Will this work with my Dell Optiplex 755 ultra small factor desktop computer?

Accepted Answer

I don't see why not, I use it to establish a connection to my router on a touch screen industrial computer, and it works like a champ!

Question 7

Will this work with windows 8.1, and is it good if i am going to be gaming lightly?  I would go ethernet but i am not going to run a cable from my attic to my basement.

Accepted Answer

I have not installed in windows 8.1 so I can not say for sure but it should work. As far as speed, it is not real good at maintaining connection if there is any interference so I would say unless you are close to the router or the wireless access point it would not be my first choice for gaming. It is good for internet browsing and pretty reliable if you have a clear path to the router .

Question 8

Would you recommend this external wireless adapter more or an internal PCI adapter more?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how you are going to use it, like me my laptop stays on a desk so it works great that way. If you want it for mobility it still works that way also but you do have a big antenna out the side or back depending where your USB ports are located. It does have great speed and solid connection all the time as i don't turn my laptop off and it is always connected. If you want a small unit this would not be the one, but if you want a reliable connection this is the unit for you, alo has great thru-put never connects below 145Mbps, hope this helps you to decide on wich way to go but i am happy with this unit.

Question 9

can this device be used with other windows products like windows xp, vista, or windows 7, or  8.1?

Accepted Answer

Yes it can work with windows from version 2000 to windows 7 in 32 bit or 64 bit versions, hope that helps you. Also my wireless rosewill adapter works great and i get speeds to 145Mbps from computer to computer on my network.

Question 10

will this work on an iPhone 5?

Accepted Answer

NO, first and foremost the iphone 5 should already have wireless antenna. and secondly the hardware will not naturally interact. It would be like putting a tractor tire on a factory smart car. And if that is not enough of an issue for you think about small battery of the phone supporting power load of that big antenna.

Questions & Answers