Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windows.networking.wireless ( Hello, I have a Proxim ORiNOCO PC GOLD WIRELESS LAPTOP CARD 802.11b card with a pigtail. There is nothing wrong with it as it. The ORiNOCO client products have perhaps the best set of Client utilities of any of the products I've tested. They're so good, that I recently standardized on using the Gold PC card for all my Access Point and Wireless Router testing. Vendor: Product: Driver variant: PCMCIA Vendor: PCMCIA Device: IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN/PC Card: orinoco_cs: 3Com: 3CRWE737A AirConnect Wireless LAN PC Card: orinoco_cs: 3Com: AirConnect PCI 777A. Agere ORiNOCO USB Client Adapter Gold. Author: Tim Higgins Review Date: 7/17/2001. Model: 848623856. Wireless client driver: Variant 1, V6.44 Wireless client f/w. If you've been envious of the folks who are using ORiNOCO PC Card Gold's (or Silver) in their laptops, but didn't want to hassle with using a PCI or ISA adapter to get one.
The Proxim Orinoco World PC Card Gold first went on sale in late 2000, but periodic price cuts and updates have sustained this 802.11b model as a good value for savvy business travelers. Several CNET readers have remarked on this card's comparatively long range and resistance to dropped connections--observations borne out in CNET Labs' tests. Yes, the card would benefit from lower power consumption, longer free phone support, and better documentation (particularly for Windows XP users). You won't find a lot of extras with the World PC Card, but its long three-year warranty, friendly client software, and 128-bit WEP security make for a solid choice. One advantage to buying a card such as this one, which has been on the market for a while, is that Windows XP comes with a driver for it, so you can simply plug in the card and go (as long as no network security has already been enabled on the access point). Nonetheless, when you have time--even after plugging in the World PC Card--you should make sure to download and update the card's firmware to take advantage of the latest power management, encryption, and compatibility tweaks. The card's short, slick Getting Started manual provides a capable sketch of wireless LAN topologies, then steps you through basic installation and functionality for the wireless utility software that comes with the card. Next, the setup manual includes helpful installation instructions for Windows 9x and 2000 (the PDF user guide also covers Windows NT and MS-DOS) but, due to the card's age, not Windows XP. Unfortunately, the setup manual also glosses over security options--and the user manual devotes only a few lines to the topic, referring users to their system administrator. Those trying to connect to a WEP-enabled network might find themselves stymied. In addition to Windows, the Orinoco World PC Card also works with Mac OS 7.5.2, 8.6, 9.0, and 9.4; Novell Client 3. x and 4. x; and Linux (kernel versions 2.0.x to 2.2.x, 2.4). Main Client Manager window. The Orinoco World PC Card also features a unique external antenna connector in case you want to use it in a desktop computer. This feature, not found on other PC Cards, is helpful if your desktop sits hidden beneath a desk or is otherwise obstructed from a wireless access point. Simply attach an indoor antenna such as the $70 Proxim Orinoco Range Extender model to the end of your PC Card via the included cable. You can then place the external antenna up high on a desk or a bookshelf and increase your wireless coverage. While most PC Card network adapters now run at 3.3V, this slightly geriatric card requires 5V. Although a new firmware download enables the card to power down during periods of inactivity, the Orinoco World PC Card will tax your laptop's battery slightly more than 3.3V models. The Orinoco World PC Card comes in two versions: Silver and Gold. The Silver card supports 64-bit WEP encryption, while the Gold card adds 128-bit WEP. The card offers no special security features beyond WEP. The Orinoco World PC Card's higher voltage requirements--5V rather than the newer, more common 3.3V standard--may be partly responsible for its excellent range. In our typical office setting, the card offered the best range of all the PC Cards we've tested. And while the Orinoco didn't turn in the best raw performance, its 4.9Mbps of throughput was on a par with that of other wireless adapters.
Orinoco Gold CardFor practical throughput tests, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot 4.3 software as its benchmark. For wireless testing, the clients and the routers are set up to transmit at short ranges and at maximum signal strength. CNET Labs' response-time tests are also run with Chariot software using the TCP protocol. Response time measures how long it takes to send a request and receive a response over a network connection. Throughput and response time are probably the two most important indicators of user experience over a network.The good news is that the Orinoco comes with a three-year warranty. The bad news is that you get only 30 days of free phone support. Thereafter, you're charged $25 per incident, one of the few for-pay arrangements we've seen. Online support is limited to downloadable documentation and drivers, so make sure you install this card right after you buy it. Otherwise, if you have real trouble with the configuration process, you may spend more on phone support than you did on the card. Driver Orinoco Gold Card Wireless LoginComments are closed.
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