Wifi Adapter -- Seeking Recommendations

[mikeslr]

ozsouth has reminded me that the wifi adapter I use with my desktop is "very old", https://forum.puppylinux.com/viewtopic. ... 30#p133030. By my calculations about 190 in 'computer years'.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new (preferable inexpensive) replacement. Preferably a 'dongle' even though I do know how to open the box and install pci adapters.

I did try replacing it once only to discover that despite an advertised description 'works with Linux', the replacement didn't.

@moderators: if this posts receives responses perhaps move it somewhere it can be found: Tips & Tricks?

Above thought suggested there might already be such list. Searching, I found don570 started it with a link under "Board index House Training Instructional HOW-TO Section Network/Server", to a post at github. Thanks, don. I see that the github list is maintained. Any further recs based on experience under Puppys might be added to don570's thread.

[rcrsn51]

These days, most cheap n-mode USB adapters that you see on ebay are supported by the Linux kernel. The new ac-mode adapters will be more trouble.

If the item description on ebay identifies the chipset, it's easy to confirm if it's supported in Linux.

FWIW, I build the combo wifi driver pack in the Starter Kit to guarantee that all the common adapters work.

[bigpup]

The Puppy version will have an affect.

The newest hardware is going to be supported in the newest versions of Puppy.

Older versions, will most likely, need to have added the driver and firmware, to run the WIFI adapter.

I would not get anything using Broadcom hardware.

[rcrsn51]

I would not get anything using Broadcom hardware.

You are unlikely to find a Broadcom USB device. If you are switching to an internal wifi adapter, read here.

[Jasper]

@mikeslr

As a precursor to your request, it might be useful to location for the intended purchase.

It bit pointless if I were to suggest a product available here in the UK or EU and not available in the US.

If you are looking for an 'in-kernel' Usb adapter, this might be useful (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz) :

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/bl ... rivers.md

I would include in my search for the term "Raspberry Pi" as these are Linux specific.

Good luck

[bigpup]

These days, most cheap n-mode USB adapters that you see on ebay are supported by the Linux kernel. The new ac-mode adapters will be more trouble.

Just followed this advice and got this micro USB WIFI adapter.

Works with no issues, on every version of Puppy, I have tried using it on.

$7.99 US with free shipping from where I got it.
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Screenshot.jpg (37.7 KiB) Viewed 1289 times

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Yes it is only 2.4Ghz capable and 150Mbps max speed, but that is only what I needed for what I do on the laptop using it for.
5Ghz may provide a less conflicted signal and faster speed.
But not issues in the location I am.

We in Puppy Land all know the newest hardware is not what we need to have.

What they list for Linux compatibility is even old info for Linux.
.Kernel (2.6.18 - 4.4.3)
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[ozsouth]

In Australia, TL-WN725N (as above, I have 1) available from Bunnings Online $9.90 - see: https://www.bunnings.com.au/tp-link-150 ... n_p0495991

[rcrsn51]

In the n-mode era, some wifi vendors had a nasty habit of releasing new versions with a different chipset but under the same model name. So you could not know for sure how it worked until you opened the box.

An online retailer may not want to tell you how old a particular unit really is.

[Zimpler]

One thing to try if you are having troubles is see if your dongle is using a usb3 or usb2 port. I've had to move troublesome dongles to the usb-2 port. Which is fine, because my wifi doesn't actually have the capability for usb-3 speeds.

So funny though - in those cases, I've moved the wifi to usb-2, and a keyboard to the only other existing port which was usb-3. But that worked. Worth a try anyway to see if there is any difference in detection or handling speed.

[Jasper]

@mikeslr

If this earlier post of your current setup/adapter is still valid

Then choosing a high gain 5dBi (2.4ghz) with a 7dBi (5ghz) adapter might help eg

Edimax AC600 Wi-Fi Dual-Band Directional High Gain USB Adapter - EW-7811DAC

https://www.edimax.com/edimax/merchandi ... w-7811dac/

[norgo]

( edimax device support is very good )
I bought this device

EDIMAX EW-7822ULC
2,4 GHz / 5 GHz
300 / 867 MBit/s
USB 2.0

You will need kernel 6.2 or above
kernel driver rtw_8822bu

speed_test.jpg (27.14 KiB) Viewed 918 times

[mikeslr]

Decided to gamble on a netis wireless USB Adapter, https://www.amazon.com/Netis-Wireless-L ... 446&sr=8-4, maybe because Amazon's ad included the word 'Long-Range', it's picture showed two antennae, and its price was only $13.68.

Great improvement in reception over my ancient dongle.

[bigpup]

Suggest using it in the cradle so it can be moved around.

I have my USB WIFI adapter in a cradle.

Using 2.4Ghz signal.

Moving it to different locations, around the computer, has a big affect on download speed.

Moving it around and checking the speed at each location.

I now have it in the best location to get the best speed.

[darksun]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wifi+aorus+gc-wbax210

needs kernel >= 6.x

excellent performance.

I recommend it if you have some money to invest in for a piece of hardware you can use with latest specs.

Tested with bookworm based puppys, antix and mx linux.

[mikewalsh]

In Australia, TL-WN725N (as above, I have 1) available from Bunnings Online $9.90 - see: https://www.bunnings.com.au/tp-link-150 ... n_p0495991

I used one of these myself quite successfully with ye anciente Inspiron 1100 for several years.

But, as Bill says:-

In the n-mode era, some wifi vendors had a nasty habit of releasing new versions with a different chipset but under the same model name. So you could not know for sure how it worked until you opened the box.

An online retailer may not want to tell you how old a particular unit really is.

Definitely. The early, v1 incarnations of this dongle used a weird chipset nobody had ever heard of. It wasn't until v2 came along - around a year later - that it became a realistic proposition. The kernel added support for this chip approx 4 months after it was released, with the r8188eu driver. I daresay Bill probably remembers compiling a whole bunch of .pets for this driver under various 32-bit kernels, some years ago.

I've still got the collection, if anybody needs to resurrect a really old machine......mostly mid-to-late 3-series kernels, along with a couple of late 2-series (for Wary and Lupu) and a single 4-series. I also have one that ozsouth put together for Fossa64's k5.4.53.

Mike.

[ozsouth]

For those not from Oz, Bunnings has 380 physical (mostly barns as per pic) stores as well as online options.
They are agents for the TL-WN725N wifi adaptor - so not sold in their physical stores.
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[ravensrest]

I am using this one with any of the 64-bit puppies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNFKJPXS?re ... title&th=1