My new Dell XPS-8700 desktop PC only came with a b/g/n ethernet adapter. Thus no 5ghz coverage. Since I mostly use an IPAD away from my desktop, I have no way to plug in a wireless adapter other than into my desktop. I've read that a wireless PCI adapter will give better range than a USB one (even 3.0). I am leaning toward a TL-WDN4800.
Questions:
1. Do I have to replace the current b/g/n ethernet card with the Wireless PCI card? I would like to keep it if possible due to the added range with my wired EA4500 bridge mode router in the back of the house.
2. I have read it is best to use the same brand of your routers. Both of mine are Linksys (EA6500 and EA4500). However, the reviews I have read rate the TP-Link adapters better than Linksys adapters. Opinions?
3. Do you agree that the internal wireless adapter has better range than a UBS 3.0 one? The range I would need is about 50'.
At this point everything is working great on the 2.4ghz range, but I am just wanting all the bells and whistles.
Thanks for your input.