How does a wi-fi adapter for your computer work

If your TV has USB ports, you can buy a wi-fi receiver. The problem may be that earlier models of TVs can only support devices from their own manufacturers. You can check this in the settings by going to the network connection box and looking at the connection properties.

What is a Wi-Fi adapter for your computer or laptop

Wi-Fi adapter is a device that receives the data signal from a router or any access point. Such devices are used everywhere where you can't to extend a cable to connect to the Internet. Wireless web adapters are the new generation of streaming data from the Internet. Many offices use them when connecting to the local network to avoid pulling wires.

Such gadgets come in different types. The most popular ones will be described below.

Types of adapters

There are several types of these devices.

The earliest, internal adapters are built into the interior computer into the motherboard slots. The connector types are pci, pci-e, mini pci-e. The performance of these devices is high, because the connection goes directly to the processor, ensuring stable data reception from the router. Used in laptops as built-in board inside the case. And on the computer, such devices can be recognized by the antenna sticking out of the back of the system unit. Of course, the price of such devices will be much higher than the following described types.

USB – adapters. From the name itself we can conclude that they are connected via usb connector on front or back side of computer. Some kinds are connected with a cable into the usb slot.

Such gadgets have slow speed data transfer rate. However, this disadvantage is compensated for by the low cost.

Extension or card-bus cards are designed for computers and laptops that have a special pc-card connector. The antenna is located inside such a device. However, these devices are hardly used and are not widespread.

How a Wi-Fi adapter works

To understand how any wi-fi adapter works, you need to initially connect it to the device. There are several options available:

Thanks to the adapter, any device will be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network that the router distributes.

In the case of smartphones or laptops, it is clear what you need a Wi-Fi adapter for – to access the Internet and save mobile traffic. In the case of desktop computers or TVs, users do not always see this need. On a desktop computer, it is more common to use an Ethernet cable. But there are modern motherboards with an integrated module.

Pay attention! Any modern TV with Smart TV support is impossible to use without a built-in Wi-Fi module. It extends the functionality of any device, allows you to watch any movies, TV shows without first downloading to a flash drive, some channels online.

Why do you need a Wi-Fi adapter for PCs and laptops?

To connect a desktop computer to a Wi-Fi network you can not do without a special adapter. It is much easier to connect it on a PC than on receivers, set-top boxes and TVs. In particular, it concerns the choice of adapter type. Almost any device will work. It is most convenient to connect via the usb port or PCI Express.

Important! It is necessary to select and install suitable drivers for them, or the system can do it on its own.

Most laptop models, even the earlier and outdated ones, have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. But there are cases when it malfunctions, becomes obsolete or breaks for various reasons, and you need to replace it with a new one. Usually the Wi-Fi adapter is connected to the motherboard, so you can replace it or just connect an additional USB-receiver.

Which is better – a Wi-Fi adapter or a router?

To the uninitiated user, both of these devices seem almost identical. This is logical, because their list of features is similar, the manufacturer is often the same. A Wi-Fi adapter for a laptop or PC and a Wi-Fi router perform different tasks. While the first lets the user connect to the network, the router organizes it by connecting the participants. Adapters are mainly used for PCs, sometimes laptops, TVs and printers need them. Routers, on the other hand, can work with any device equipped with Wi-Fi.

The main difference between an adapter and a router is the level of independence. The former is completely useless without connection, and the latter does not need to communicate with client devices. Most adapters are powered by the motherboard, and routers, with the exception of USB devices, need a standalone power supply.

A Wi-Fi module is a simple device that can be set up physically, such as by rotating the antenna or by working with the operating system. A router, on the other hand, can perform the tasks of a firewall, so it needs a lot of configuration. To summarize, we would like to say that the devices are completely different, so it is incorrect to compare them. There are Wi-Fi adapters that also perform the functions of a router.

Types of Wi-Fi adapters

1. PCI and PSI-Express – Adapter cards, which are installed in the PC. They and are updated through it. The advantage of the devices is that their interaction with the processor is excellent, so the connection is stable.
2. USB – A portable module that you can take with you when needed. Wifi adapter for computer USB is characterized by normal speed. The device is inserted into a USB port. But this type of connection is less reliable because of the distance and loose contacts inside the ports.
3. PCMCIA – The specification for expansion modules. It is characterized by reliability and the ability to work in three-speed mode.

External Wi-Fi adapter

The device is similar to the usual USB-drive, pleased to be easy to use, ergonomic and reliable. Connects the external Wi-Fi-adapter via a cable or port to the PC. The principle of operation is very simple – you must insert the module in the slot and plug it in. It is the easiest and fastest way to connect to the network.

Internal Wi-Fi adapter

This device must be connected directly to the motherboard. It has a very good data transfer rate and a high level of bandwidth, which provide a stable connection. It is important to consider before buying that the built-in Wi-Fi adapter costs much more than its external counterpart and its installation requires an understanding of the technical nuances.

Wi-Fi adapter for the computer: what is the best, rating of models

On the market of computer equipment there are worthy models of wi-fi routers, for example, models from the company LG. Below will be presented the most common and reliable of them, which are suitable even for TV set-top boxes.

ASUS PCE-AC56

This network adapter has to be connected to the USB 3.0 port of the computer. Then the user will have to configure it and only after this procedure he will get access to all the functions of the router.

Note! The device has a high power rating of 0.1 W, it is compact and easy to configure and use.

ASUS USB-N14

This Wi-Fi transmitter is similar to the previous one. It is plugged into the USB plug as well. From the distinctive features distinguish the support of the frequency range from 2.4 to 5 GHz, the original design of the case design, as well as the ease of setting up. In addition, the range of ASUS USB-N14 is 25 meters.

TP-LINK Archer T4U

Powerful and budget router that everyone can afford. Allows you to comfortably use the Internet, capable of improving the speed of information transfer.

Important! TP-LINK Archer T4U works in several network standards, including 802.11 n.

Alfa Network AWUS036NHV.

A massive transmitter with one gain antenna on the back side. Because of the height of this antenna, the user may have trouble placing the router. This device is characterized by stable operation and high quality of the transmitted signal.

ZYXEL NWD6605.

It looks like a removable flash drive, inside of which an additional gain antenna can be installed. It plugs into the USB port on your computer. The quality of the router is similar to those discussed above.

Tenda W311Mi.

The size of this router is 7 cm, but this does not prevent it to give excellent signal quality and network speed indicator. It also plugs into the slot for ordinary flash drives, it is compact.

How to choose a method to connect the Wi-Fi network adapter to your computer and laptop

Performing this procedure depends on the type of router.

The external adapter is connected either through a special cable into the appropriate connector on the motherboard (on the back of the system), or into the USB port. Then it will be wireless.

To connect the Wi-Fi module via wire, you have to plug the main cable coming from the Internet provider into the first connector on the back side of the router (usually highlighted with a different color). The wire that comes with the router plugs one end into the connector on the router, and the other end into the WLAN port on the computer's motherboard.

For your information! The internal adapter must be plugged into the PCI Express slot on the motherboard. To do this, the user will need to remove the side cover of the system unit.

How to choose a Wi-Fi adapter for your PC: step by step instructions

The PC user who wants to choose a suitable wireless network receiver for himself as quickly as possible, you can do as follows:

1. Select the necessary store or online site, working with online orders. Will also be suitable search engine, which can simply help to decide on the choice of device.
2. On the selected resource, it is necessary to select a category of peripherals, and then wi-fi adapters.
3. Choose the price category you need. The purchase of such equipment over 2000 rubles (the price is current as of December 2021), is not particularly justified, because functionally such gadgets differ little between themselves. An objective price for a wireless Internet connection with speeds of up to 300 megabytes per second can be considered the cost of 1500 to 2000 rubles. For high-quality models that support speeds of up to 150 megabytes per second, a segment of 800 to 1500 rubles will do.
4. Next, it will be necessary to make a choice of manufacturer. Beforehand, a good solution is to read reviews and characteristics, both about the product and the manufacturer.
5. The last step will be to choose the range of the adapter to be chosen: 802.11 or models with previous network support (depending on the acceptable limits of the device).

Once the purchase is made, you can safely proceed to the stage of its connection and configuration.

How to connect a USB Wi-Fi adapter to the computer

Many PC users, who have purchased a Wi-Fi signal receiver, are faced with the problem of its configuration.

In order to avoid problems with the operation of the operating system and the purchased device, it is worth to understand the procedure for its connection:

1. First of all, the user will have to plug the purchased adapter into the USB port of his PC.
2. The second step is to wait for Windows to recognize the new hardware.
3. Then it is necessary to install the drivers necessary for its work (depending on the version of the operating system, their installation can be carried out both manually and with the help of the automatic method of download).

If the PC is equipped with USB version 3.0 ports, it is better to install the equipment into this socket for fast operation and faster signal connection.

In the case where the computer is only available version of USB 2.0 ports, you should not worry: the only difficulty may be only slightly lower speed and performance.

Network card antennas

A device with an external antenna receives a better signal. Of course, the size of the receiver does not always contribute to comfort, so you can choose an adapter with a removable antenna or with a connector where it can be inserted if necessary.

The power of the antenna when selecting the device should be consistent with the conditions of the location where you want to install the network.

The number of antennas affects the speed of transmission. Models equipped with removable antennas are very convenient in the case of distant location of the router, if necessary, it is possible to install a more powerful design of receiving radio waves. External antennas provide greater range.

Installing and configuring the Wi-Fi adapter

Despite the significant differences in network cards by type and type of connection, they are all configured according to a similar principle.

First you need to physically plug the adapter into the correct slot on your computer or laptop. The Windows system will detect the new hardware. Although there are always compatible programs in the system set, for correct operation it is better to install the drivers from the disk that came with the network device. You can also download the necessary software from the manufacturer's official website. Data exchange through the adapter is carried out thanks to the driver, which is why it is better to install the software that suits your particular model of device.

Once the Wi-Fi card is installed, a network connection icon will appear, click on it and locate the Internet protocol TCP/IP in the properties of the wireless network connection. Here you need to enter the network settings, find them out by contacting the technical support of your provider, and enter them in the fields to be filled in. The settings may also be assigned automatically. When you have selected the necessary parameters and access points, it remains to assign a Mac address to the card. This task is performed by the network administrator, for this call technical support and notify them about the change of adapter and the need to change the Mac address.

When choosing a network device, pay attention not only to the functionality, because you will not use all the features of the card, and the price for a wide range of functions will increase several times. Pay attention to several factors, such as the size of your room in which you will use a Wi-Fi network, the distance between the router and your computer, and the thickness of the walls. An important role in the reliability of products is also played by the manufacturer, it is better to choose a proven, proven quality of products, such in the market of computer equipment in abundance. It is desirable to purchase adapters of the same manufacturer as the router or modem, thus ensuring the best compatibility of devices.

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