Atheros AR5006XS and Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG

[lemmerdeur]

Hello,
I am curious, between the Atheros AR5006XS and the Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG is there a big difference or are they similar? I have both and never really noticed a difference in reception or download speed, even when traveling.

[Harryc]

I've never noticed a difference. The Atheros is mandatory if you want to run OSX, other than that the Intel 2200bg is a fine adapter. Once upon a time Atheros was required for Linux also, but that has changed over the last few years and Intel WiFI support is getting much better. When you start talking about later models of Intel cards, Atheros is preferred for range....over say an IPW 3945abg card.

[thinkpad1]

That's good to know. I was curious about Atheros wifi card comparisons with the Intel 2200bg since I have the same Intel card in my current notebook, a T41.

[Radioguy]

I swapped out my VAIO's 2200 for a AR2005, and noticed marked improvement and additional APs in a scan. Traditionally, Atheros has the reputation for better range and sensitivity (as Harry touched upon).

Also, and this is minor if you use windows or is AC still handles it, the 2200 is dead as far as Intel is concerned, so no compatible Intel GUI client app for Vista+. However, the newest Atheros app still handles the AR5006.

You can grab the Atheros app here. With updates posted here

[lemmerdeur]

Thank you for the replies, It was all I wanted to know.