said by cacroll:and/or the wifi adapter i recieved may not be FCC licensed.
..maybe the over-bearing antenna i'm seeing may or may not be FCC licensed.
In 2.4GHz in the US, there ARE NO FCC LICENSES. There are regulations on maximum radiated power and some other very technical matters. EVERY manufacturer is required to submit a formal proof of compliance with the regulations and in turn receives an FCC Type Certification number. It is illegal to sell/use an item without such.
If the consumer changes the antenna or adds an amplifier, there well could be a violation of the FCC regulations that, with enough complaints, would cause the FCC to issue a CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. After several of these and a year or so, our wonderful FCC might impose a fine.