14/02/08 - Salvaging a PMCCIA WiFi card from a Linksys WAG54 router or how to extend your laptop's WiFi coverage

Laptops usually have a poor WiFi coverave (especially when scanning for open WiFi access in hotels for example...) due to a poor gain, integrated 2.4GHz antenna.
PCMCIA WiFi cards with external SMA connector do exist, but I found a cheaper way to get one from an old WAG54G router.

- Get a WAG54G router (Rev1 only - search eBay for one)
- Open it by sliding the front and back covers
- Carefully remove the U.FL connector from the PCMCIA card
- Remove the PCMCIA card (FCC ID: Q87-WET54GM2)
- Connect an U.FL to SMA pigtail to the PCMCIA card
- Connect an external antenna to the SMA connector (you can use the 3dB antenna provided with the WAG54G router)
- Insert the PCMCIA card in your laptop.

-Drivers: I discovered that the WAG54G PCMCIA card is a reference design from Intersil. It is based on the ISL3890 chipset so this card can be used with Windows XP and Linux with the SMC 2835W driver (v2).

Resources:
- Windows XP Drivers are available here
- U.FL to SMA connector is available at Radiospares, part number 481-2245

The Linksys WAG54G router

Must be rev 1.0 (WAG54G)

WAG54G's motherboard with the WiFi PCMCIA card

PCMCIA WiFi card fitted with an U.FL to SMA pigtail that allows the connection of an external antenna

Top: original WAG54G antenna with an U.FL connector

Any question ? fblancp@9online.fr