Unreceptive Blinking

I encountered the Netgear WG111 wireless USB card when my old roommate wanted to set up a wireless network at the apartment. They had wireless connections already installed, and I didn't want to run a cord through the common spaces, so I opted for a wireless card. I had limited experience with a wireless card once before -- an interior card -- and I wanted something quick and convenient that could be set up without difficulty.

The Netgear card comes with a Smart Wizard software program. It needs to be installed prior to connecting the card, which is fairly easy to do. Once installed, the software will automatically detect nearby wireless networks, which may require a WEP password or hex key number sequence in order to access. Your network administrator can give you that information to input into the software. The software also saves multiple profiles, so you can save your access information at the apartment and perhaps a different setup elsewhere like the library or your favorite coffeehouse. Since I only use this network card on my desktop PC, I only need the one password.

Some users mention difficulty maintaining a solid connection. I concur. Let me tell you why.

It is uncertain that the Netgear card is compatible with non-Netgear routers.

I'm currently connected to a LinkSYS router, and I think that was the brand for the old router prior. Nope. Some difficulty, and I still don't fully understand the particulars of the situation.

The connections were often intermittent. It would stay on for a while, then fade out, then come back on within a couple of minutes. I did the tired restart remedy more than I care to admit, and sometimes it would stay connected; others, not so much.

My current roommate keeps a wired connection into the router, and his connection is rather solid. So it must be the card...

The software crashes a good portion of the time.

It automatically comes on whenever you start up the computer or plug the card into the USB drive.

However, I noticed that the program crashes if you put the computer into hibernation mode or sometimes when the PC needs to restart after installing software or for another diagnostic purpose. Also, if you try to plug and replug the card into a different slot to get it work, sometimes the computer won't start up the Smart Wizard program.

The software automatically takes over AND strips the Windows wireless networking programs of the right to take over the settings. The prompt reads something to the effect of, "Windows cannot adjust the wireless network settings." Uninstalling the program and trying to work around it results in connection difficulties.

Changing USB ports can become rather aggravating.

When the going gets tough, the tough don't even attempt to disconnect hardware the safe way, and instead will stick the card into one or more USB ports, hoping to find the lucky one that works. Unfortunately, that lucky port used to be in the back, now in the front, and maybe in the top front one if I turn my mini-tower ever so the side.

Seriously.

I have a fairly limited amount of desk space as it is. It turns that I could secure a little bit tighter a connection when I set it right on top of the desk. That way, my USB card is situated as high as the router in the living room, about thirty feet away, through one other bedroom and the living space. A commenter mentioned the sensitivity of the USB adapters for signal interference. There's a television set in my room, whatever furniture exists in the bedroom, and also whatever signals are sent from the living room. Unfortunately, there is no way to really reconfigure the furniture in my room to a convenient setup; and the router is wired into my roommate's wired computer setup in the living room. Especially considering that this card was rated by Best Buy as having next to top-tier reception and quality, one shouldn't enlist the aid of any number of house remodeling professionals at the TLC network in order to experience a good connection!

I have a flat panel monitor sharing the desk space, and unfortunately, I need to park my keyboard and mouse elsewhere. I'm currently half-rigging it on one of those pull it up to the TV wooden tray stand things. It's functional and it helps a little, but that is all.

I thought it was supposed to be convenient!

It's expensive.

The card set me back about $60 from my local Best Buy, and it's sad to put down that kind of money to get frequent connection difficulties.

And I'm disappointed.

With the difficulties involved in trying to keep a secure connection and a productive desktop going, I think I would be more apt to trust a wired setup for the future. Furthermore, considering all these problems, I can't recommend this device.

Update: Disabling NetGear software
I have discovered a workaround. Using the "smart software," the program compromised my internet speed by over 30%. I could connect to my router at an average speed of 36 Mbps. Using Windows XP settings, I got a reliable 54 Mbps connection instead.

Here's how. First, let the program load as normal. Copy the hexadecimal key and paste it into a Notepad or Word new document for a moment. Exit the program. Open the Control Panel, and click on Wireless Network Settings. Click "Advanced Settings" and input the user settings for your wireless network. Paste the hexadecimal key into the appropriate field, click Apply, then OK.

Click Start, then Run, then type msconfig into the prompt line. Uncheck the NetGear program. Restart, if needed.

Begrudgingly...
I will add one more star to my score, but please don't misunderstand how much I don't recommend this product. Keep your eyes open and shop for something else.