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I tested the monitor mode in Windows with the special driver (you can find it on the net) and it works perfectly too.Two Thumbs up. I bought the Netgear WAG511 because there are existing drivers for Windows to use the Wireless Card in monitor mode. The card works for me perfectly under Windows (XP Home) and Linux (Ubuntu 6.10).
But, if I plug the wireless Netgear adapter in and install it, roughly 80% of the time it will completely crash the computer (resulting in the dreaded "blue screen of death"), which brings up a fatal error that forces me to reboot my computer and lose all previously saved information.So, all in all, this product seems to work fairly well when being used with other routers. Maybe there is some underlying issue that Netgear just hasn't informed me about yet, and the error actually is on my part. I came into purchasing this product with very limited knowledge of wireless internet cards, wireless routers, etc. Here is what I discovered about the card:* For those of you who, like me at the time, are somewhat lacking technical savvy in the wireless/LAN network field - this product is not going to give you 108Mpbs, unless you happen to be using a Netgear wireless router that is designed to allow such speeds. I only get the blue screen when using both simultaneously.but not when I - a) use the Netgear card with another router model, or b) use my internal wireless capabilities to connect to the Netgear router.For the amount of money spent, I honestly feel that I should have a product that works at least 99% of the time that it's being used. Downloads seem to be unaffected all together.* Here's where it gets a little more interesting: After purchasing the router, I found myself rarely using the card anymore, due to the fact that I recently purchased a new laptop with all of the current advances in wireless technology already built in. I have found no need to reconfigure my internet connection, as I rarely upload files to the internet.
I'm doubtful this is the case, as I followed all instructions while downloading the software for the card on my new laptop (just to give it a try) and while connecting the router to my main PC. But, when used with the recommended router, well.maybe it isn't quite as effective as it's being advertised.I contacted Netgear and addressed this issue with a customer service representative, and was told that there was most likely a "user error" on my part while installing the router and the card.
After nearly 4 months of travel, I experienced very little interference with the signal - unless the hotel router was acting screwy.* Say you purchase the recommended wireless router for this product - which is exactly what I did - you won't likely find it much different than the usual 54Mbps in your internet routine; unless you are uploading a great deal of information to the internet. I don't recall having any issues.
I was away on business most of the time, and was using an older laptop to access the wireless hotspots at the various hotels I was staying at. (I found that the most common router being used at the hotels I stayed at was a standard 54Mbps Linksys).
But until the day that they are finally able to point this out to me, I stand by my statement that this is not the best wireless PC card on the market. Otherwise you will be limited to 54Mbps, which still isn't bad.compared to DSL.
I can use my internal wireless connection to link to the Netgear router, and get an excellent signal throughout my entire house.
The decent performance in my opinion outweighs the very infrequent trouble with SSID loopback. Also, in the time that I have used it, I have only experienced this error once.Overall, the card is well worth the cost, especially if you are looking for that chipset. Investigation revealed this to be an issue specifically caused by Windows' interaction with the card, and not the card itself, as it works fine in other operating systems.
The chipset allows for direct and immediate integration into Linux systems with no additional work on most platforms. This causes occasional issues with the card claiming that it can see its home network even if the network is far out of range. High end users and users who consider themselves geeks will find this card useful.
This may cause confusion for some users as they try to connect to the network and are unable to. if you are looking for the chipset for a linux machine, this card is excellent. The chipset is also able to be used in special modes by a number of Windows applications.For any users at all, the card will do a decent job of operation with a good range and sensitivity.This card does not include an external antenna jack, however.
And in certain modes in Windows, it has a bad habit of SSID loopback.
Configuration was easy, overall setup in less than 5 min, including driver download. Product came promptly, in nicely wrapped packaged box, but manual and installation CD's were missing. Almost twice their range and speed. Definitely out performs all other wireless cards in my possession: Intel, Linksys and Belkin. Fortunately all necessary drivers were available from manufacture web-site. Installation went smoothly.
I wasn't able to intercept the hotspot near my house, but when I get closer, this works like a charm. Easy to install within 20 minutes, and that's going carefully.
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