No spare PCI slot on PC so what is optimum USB wi-fi adaptor?
Does it not look like this?
Jelv: 25 and 26 in your graphic may be what matches up with the photos I took a few minutes ago.
In my defence m'lud, when I looked earlier it was with the expectation of seeing something completely different to what macro photography now reveals to be there!
For the record here are thumbnails of firstly the external back plate:-
Next, the full open side overview:-
Thirdly, the PCI slot area in particular:-
Next is a close up of what I now suspect are probably spare/open PCIe slots followed by one of said slots in ultra close-up:-
So, if these are indeed spare PCIe slots, what should I be looking for in terms of a PCIe wireless card, or is it best to put that question directly to Dell for assured compatibility?
Spruance
PS: I just found this video on YouTube for a D-Link device and whilst this particular card is maybe too pricey for what I want, the video descriptions of the card slots match very nicely with my photos...
So it looks like I do have two spare PCIe slots after all!
In my defence m'lud, when I looked earlier it was with the expectation of seeing something completely different to what macro photography now reveals to be there!
For the record here are thumbnails of firstly the external back plate:-
Next, the full open side overview:-
Thirdly, the PCI slot area in particular:-
Next is a close up of what I now suspect are probably spare/open PCIe slots followed by one of said slots in ultra close-up:-
So, if these are indeed spare PCIe slots, what should I be looking for in terms of a PCIe wireless card, or is it best to put that question directly to Dell for assured compatibility?
Spruance
PS: I just found this video on YouTube for a D-Link device and whilst this particular card is maybe too pricey for what I want, the video descriptions of the card slots match very nicely with my photos...
So it looks like I do have two spare PCIe slots after all!
You will probabably have to pay £30+ because of support for 'n' standard.
e.g. Hp Wireless 802.11b/g/n Pci-e X1 Card.
e.g. Hp Wireless 802.11b/g/n Pci-e X1 Card.
Again, thanks to you boh for your suggestions. 
I realise the limitations of the Thomson router but as it was free (to me) I can't really complain can I?
Peter, your suggestion re the USB n device seems a logical one as it's not as if I am dependent on a wireless connection. It's just that at the moment my fixed position ethernet connection is all that I have and thus can't even use the master socket downstairs to test the router/line etc without going offline. I think I will give the USB option a try and see how it goes and if that's a non-starter I can consider the new router option at my leisure.
Spruance
I realise the limitations of the Thomson router but as it was free (to me) I can't really complain can I?
Peter, your suggestion re the USB n device seems a logical one as it's not as if I am dependent on a wireless connection. It's just that at the moment my fixed position ethernet connection is all that I have and thus can't even use the master socket downstairs to test the router/line etc without going offline. I think I will give the USB option a try and see how it goes and if that's a non-starter I can consider the new router option at my leisure.
Spruance
Thanks Oldjim, and the funny thing is that is precisely what I am looking at now. Just reviewing product details via YouTube. 
Spruance
Spruance
Quote from: Spruance So it looks like I do have two spare PCIe slots after all!
You do, I refer you back to my initial post for excellent workable options.
http://community.plus.net/forum/index.php/topic,90577.msg756090.html#msg756090
Quote One of my adapters is an HP FH971AA. Cost about £30.
The other is a TP-Link TL-WN781N and was only £12 via Amazon!
The HP has a very good aerial.
You would be crazy to go down the USB route if PCI-E is available!
Peter's reasoning seemed absolutely sound to me.
Don't forget this is just to try out the router in the master socket without having to move his PC.
Quote from: Peter If I were you I would get a cheap USB wireless N dongle and give it a try - also try by using a USB extension cable so you can move it away from the PC or put it on your desk and try different horizontal or vertical orientations. If it does not work then a PCIe device may not be any better anyway.
Don't forget this is just to try out the router in the master socket without having to move his PC.
Quote from: HPsauce You would be crazy to go down the USB route if PCI-E is available!
I don't see why, I tend to agree with Peter & jelv. Surely the crazy thing to do is to position a wireless aerial round the back of a large metal box? So be it PCI or USB, to my mind the important thing is to be able to position the aerial for best reception. That is easy with any USB wireless adaptor on the end of a USB extension lead.
Yes I have to agree that for the issue at hand, USB seems to be the best option.
At the moment I have a stable ethernet wired connection delivering 6Mbps downstream and 370kbps upstream. That's in the bank and safe. On the other hand, Plusnet are of the opinion that I could get as much as 9Mbps downstream provided that they can get the line situation sorted. In order to assist their investigations I need to be able to connect wirelessly to the master socket downstairs as and when required. No wireless card at the moment means that I cannot do that and so a cheap USB solution is the best way forward. If subsequent tests/remedial work show that a better wireless connection/higher speeds are possible then I think that would be the optimum time to consider a better wireless connectivity solution and/or better spec router.
Unfortunately it has taken me a whole evening to come to that conclusion - as usual I might add.
Too much (online) information is a dangerous thing. 
Thanks to everyone for all of your help and suggestions so far. It really is very good of you and very much appreciated.
Spruance
At the moment I have a stable ethernet wired connection delivering 6Mbps downstream and 370kbps upstream. That's in the bank and safe.
On the other hand, Plusnet are of the opinion that I could get as much as 9Mbps downstream provided that they can get the line situation sorted. In order to assist their investigations I need to be able to connect wirelessly to the master socket downstairs as and when required. No wireless card at the moment means that I cannot do that and so a cheap USB solution is the best way forward. If subsequent tests/remedial work show that a better wireless connection/higher speeds are possible then I think that would be the optimum time to consider a better wireless connectivity solution and/or better spec router.Unfortunately it has taken me a whole evening to come to that conclusion - as usual I might add.
Too much (online) information is a dangerous thing. Thanks to everyone for all of your help and suggestions so far. It really is very good of you and very much appreciated.
Spruance
Unless the wireless connection is a fairly good one, any results may be slowed down because of wireless retransmissions etc.
So an aerial with a drop lead is probably essential.
So an aerial with a drop lead is probably essential.
Quote from: ReedRichards Surely the crazy thing to do is to position a wireless aerial round the back of a large metal box?
Which is what often (almost always) happens with USB wireless adapters.
All my internal wireless cards have desktop aerials on a lead of typically 1.5m.
Just like you can get USB extension cables for small change, so you can good aerials on a lead, and most decent cards actually come with one anyway.
My (wide) experience is that internal wireless cards with an external aerial invariably perform better than plug-in USB devices.
But, it's your decision at the end of the day.........................
