Is it possible to connect a wifi adapter to the TV

Modern televisions every year increasingly impress customers with the abundance of new interesting options, manufacturers are trying to put on sale innovative models, equipped with advanced functionality. Many televisions are equipped with the option of Smart and are an enlarged copy of a standard PC, only without the keyboard and mouse. For this reason, the TV is still one of the most important devices in almost every home. Connecting the Internet to the TV is no longer a rarity, and many users prefer to choose these models. A separate category includes TVs with Wi-Fi support, which instantly became popular upon their release to the market.

How to connect a Wi-Fi adapter to TV: rules for choosing

Wi-Fi adapter for TV is a very interesting topic, about which there are a lot of rumors and uncertainties on the Internet. No matter how many times we have searched, there is no normal guide, everywhere not quite true, sometimes even false or very vague explanations. With this article we would like to dispel the myths surrounding the topic and tell you about the real features of such adapters, the peculiarities of their connection and the rules of choice.

Wi-Fi adapter, module or dongle is a device that can receive the wireless Internet signal from your router. Very often such devices are installed on desktop computers, most of them not equipped with built-in modules. Recently they are often advised to be installed on TVs and that is not bad, but, unfortunately, they are far from being all-powerful.

What kinds of Wi-Fi adapters for TVs?

There are several basic varieties of adapters that you need to pay attention to first. They differ in the type of connection, and a lot depends on it.

• USB. They look like regular USB sticks, and they too connect to the USB connector on your TV. It is an alternative to the built-in wireless module. For example, it may have malfunctioned or is simply not in your TV by default.
• HDMI – More functional devices. The HDMI connector allows you to display a picture on your TV that has been processed inside the same dongle. So you can quickly output images from your phone or computer to your TV over Wi-Fi.

What are the ways out?

The task in front of us is interesting, but quite achievable. Only we need to understand that without additional devices there is no possibility to connect to Wi-Fi. In each case you will need to buy something more, but these devices are not very expensive, at least several times cheaper than buying a new TV.

Installing the set-top box

This is the best way to turn an ordinary TV into a Smart TV, that is, to add all the "smart" functions to it. A special set-top box has its own operating system, which processes any signal and converts it into content. The TV itself will not be connected to Wi-Fi, but only the TV box, but it does not change the fact that it will have all the modern features. At the same time, the set-top box is relatively expensive, costing from 2000 to 10000 rubles, depending on performance.

Connecting via LAN network via a router

As we found out, connection via LAN is provided on most TVs, including quite old ones. Except that connecting the Internet to a regular TV in this way is not always possible due to physical and obstacles. If there are none, you only have to plug in the cable and configure DLNA (we have already written about this before, of course, the link is attached below). All those who cannot connect a cable directly can use the original method using Wi-Fi.

1. Purchase or borrow an old router that supports receiver mode, usually called an adapter. Even the most budget-friendly device will do.
2. Open the admin panel of the router (all the login details are on the label on the router body) and select the robot type to "Adapter", but you can also use the bridge mode.
3. Connect the TV to the router with an ordinary Ethernet cable.
4. Ready, Internet is working via Wi-Fi.

What to do in other cases?

It is worth to see the settings, perhaps they have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi or LAN. This is not common, but still worth a try. If there is no access to the Internet, you can only put up with it or buy a suitable device. It is best to buy a TV set-top box, here it comes to the rescue perfectly, because it has all the functionality of Smart TV and is supported on all TVs, even "hunchbacked". It will also be possible to use it in full.

The problem of connecting a regular TV to Wi-Fi and the Internet in general is not always easy to solve. Sometimes you have to make compromises and additional costs. If you are satisfied with the picture quality on your current TV, it is much more advantageous to buy a set-top box. When your TV is too old, doesn't work well or doesn't suit you for some reason, it's better to buy a new one and do without a set-top box.

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Top Wi-Fi adapters for TV:

Choosing the best Wi-Fi adapters, you need to consider: their type of connection, bandwidth, distance to the router and the presence of the necessary technologies. The combination of the above criteria with the price policy is best realized in the following devices.

PIX-LINK

PIX-LINK
Compatibility	Compatible with any Smart TV that does not have built-in Wi-Fi or the adapter has failed.
Max wireless connection speed:	300Mbps
Wireless standard:	802.11n, 2.4 GHz frequency
Information Security:	WEP, WPA, WPA2

One of the simplest Wi-Fi adapters for a low price, which supports popular network standards IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b. With a maximum data transfer rate of 150 Mbps, it is enough even for watching 4k content. Flexible Remote antenna allows you to receive a strong signal from up to 10 meters away as long as there are no reinforced concrete partitions between the antenna and the router. Supports virtually the entire 2.4GHz frequency range, as well as common encryption methods: WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

Top list of the best adapters to connect to your TV

As mentioned above, you need to pay close attention to the brand of the wi-fi module for the TV. At the moment, there are several common brands that are worthy of detailed consideration.

Wi-Fi adapter LG AN WF100

• The presence of a built-in Bluetooth module;
• support for the 802.11.g standard, which will provide high data transfer speeds;
• configuration without a remote control. This adapter can be set up without a remote control for TV. Its body has the necessary buttons;
• The connection is made through a USB-cable, which is supplied in the kit.

Sony UWA-BR100

Considered one of the best adapters that provides users with the following features:

• Connection to the TV both through a wire and directly into the BSB socket;
• easy setup. You can configure this Wi-Fi module without looking at the manual;
• high probability of compatibility with different TV models;
• low cost in comparison with analogues;
• support of the WPS secure configuration technology.

Please note! Sony UWA-BR100 adapter can not work on 5 GHz frequency.

Stream TV DIB-200 from D—Link

This device has several distinctive features:

• The module can be connected to the TV through an HDMI connector;
• Compatible with several models of TV;
• low cost. This model belongs to the budget segment;
• no extra wire to connect;
• easy and quick setup according to the manual.

Connecting and configuring the Wi-Fi adapter to the TV

In general, the process of connecting and further setup of the Wi-Fi module is divided into the following steps:

1. Plug the device into the USB connector on the TV. Most models can be connected via HDMI. In this case, the data transfer rate will be slightly higher.
2. Go to the TV menu by pressing the corresponding button on the remote control.
3. Select "Network and Internet" from the list of available options. This line can be called differently depending on the TV model.
4. An additional window opens, where you need to tap on the line "Network Setup".
5. Next, the user will be presented with several types of networks. Here you need to select "Wireless mode" and press "OK" on the remote control.
6. A window with the names of networks will open.
7. Click on the name of your access point.
8. Enter the password from the Wi-Fi router in the appropriate field.
9. The process of synchronization of devices will start, after which you should press "Ok". The connection will be established.

Thus, Wi-Fi adapter for TV allows you to watch movies and TV series in high resolution. This is a great option for those who are used to using the Internet on the big screen. The information above allows you to understand which TV adapter for Wi-Fi is best.

Available ways to connect

Many owners of "smart" TV want to know how to configure and connect wi-fi to the TV. In fact, it is not so difficult to do it – you just need to decide which method will suit you best. First, you need to create a wifi enabled home group of devices, where the TV can then be connected as well. There are two common ways to connect – a router and a laptop used as a home access point. In order to avoid problems with the Internet in the process, your laptop or configured router must be connected to the network in advance.

It is important to remember that regardless of the TV model, each is connected in the same way.

With a router

This procedure requires a Wi-Fi enabled TV and a standard router that you normally use to connect to the Internet.

1. First, you need to connect your device to the Internet and then set up the router.
2. Next, you'll need to turn on the TV and enter the settings menu. On the TV, you need to set up the connection separately by finding the "Network" option and selecting the type of wireless connection. All information goes to the device automatically, since each embedded router is equipped with optionDHCP .that is able to independently set the IP address to each device additionally connected to it.
3. The installation of wi-fi in the TV through the router does not end at this stage, because further the user needs to go to the menu and select the item "Network Setup" and follow the prompts presented on the display.
4. At the end you will be able to see a list of all available Wi-Fi connections, one of which you need to connect to, and it must be the router.

Modern routers and TVs are often equipped with option WPS – this allows you to reduce the settings to a minimum to connect the router to the TV and noticeably simplify the whole process for each user. In this case, the TV starts searching for all available connections on its own and establishes a connection automatically.

Connecting a TV from the brand LG

Many owners of TV brand LG want to find out how to connect the TV lg to wifi and do it as quickly and easily as possible. This can be done in one of the two ways described above, depending on the type of TV, which may already have a built-in module, or it is necessary to purchase a separate adapter from the manufacturer. When connecting, you need to follow the step-by-step instructions.

1. First of all, you need to connect a wifi adapter to the TV via USB connector (in case the TV is not equipped with a built-in module.)
2. Then you will need to go to the settings for the network and select the section "Wireless Network Settings", then select the OK button on the remote control.
3. On the screen you will see three available ways to connect: this includes the setting for a list of all access points, which should be selected if you know the name of your homeWi-FiFi networkand the password. The second way is a simple setup with the WPS button, which is suitable if your router supports this mode. The third way involves setting up a network, thanks to this type of connection you are able to connect the TV to the laptop without the need to access the Internet.

There is usually no problem with connecting the TV to the Internet thanks to the first method:

• select the "Settings" tab from the list (AP), then in the proposed list of networks you need to click on the name of the desired network;
• If the network is hidden, you need to select tab to enter the newSSID and type the name for the network manually and the password, if necessary;
• When the TV device fully identifies the settings, a message will pop up on the screen about connecting to a new network.

What is the benefit of using a Wi-Fi adapter

To start with a bit of theory. The term Wi-Fi itself is a household word, because that's what's used on smartphones in home networks. But it turns out that this protocol allows you to exchange data over the air with any device equipped with the appropriate module.

For a device to be able to transmit and receive data using the 802.11 protocol (the technical term used for the Wi-Fi wireless transmission standard), two conditions must be met:

• the presence of the so-called access point, that is, the head device that receives the signal through a wired connection and converts it into a form corresponding to the 802.11 standard for distribution to other devices over the air. Such devices can be a router, a computer or even a phone;
• Availability of client equipment that can receive the signal and use it for their own purposes.

Wi-Fi adapter works on the same principle used in smartphones. It uses radio waves of a certain frequency, prescribed in the protocol, to transmit data. Receiving these radio waves through the antenna, the adapter decodes them into a digital form and transmits them to a terminal device (TV, receiver, set-top box).

But since a full-fledged work on the Internet requires two-way communication, the Wi-Fi adapter is able to perform this task as well, performing the reverse conversion and sending the radio signal to the router.

For the average user, Wi-Fi is synonymous with access to the Internet over the air from various devices – phones, laptops, TVs, media players. It allows you to use all of these devices for various functions that are not available without access to the Internet – for example, to watch streaming video. Of course, to do this, the device must have the appropriate capabilities. For laptops and smartphones, this is all right, but what do you need Wi-Fi on your TV for?

Selection criteria

But how to choose the best Wi-Fi adapter for your TV? If you think that there's nothing to choose – any will do, then you're wrong. There are many factors that can provide the best quality of data transmission. Let's consider them in more detail.

Transmitter power

One of the main characteristics of such devices. It is the power of the adapter that determines how confidently it will be able to receive and transmit the signal to the router. The higher the power, the lower the load on the router, so try to keep the specifications at least 20 dBm.

Considering the adapter parameters without reference to the router being used is not a good tactic. The power factor of both devices must be at approximately the same level. Otherwise asymmetric data transfer will lead to frequent drops of connection sessions, and watching videos with hanging ups is not very pleasant. Perhaps it is the router that is the main source of poor connectivity if its power is less than that of the client devices. You may need to think about replacing it, because the stability of signal distribution depends on your router in the first place.

Operating frequency

It cannot be claimed that all TV adapters use the same frequency – it may vary between 2.4-5 GHz, the standard allows it. The higher the frequency, the better will be the signal parameters, its stability and quality. High frequencies can also provide a higher data rate. But, again, reconcile this parameter with the operating frequency of the router – their values should represent the same frequency range. Mismatch is unacceptable, so refer to the characteristics of both the adapter and the router.

Operating Radius

One might assume that this factor is directly related to power, but that's not entirely true. The range of the wireless adapter also depends on the topology of the room in which it is used. Clearly, the presence of walls reduces the range of stable signal reception compared to open spaces. In any case, see this characteristic in the instruction manual of the device (it is often indicated on the label as well) and focus on a value of at least 15 meters. Even if the router is located much closer – God only knows what permutations may take place in the near future, and there is more than one TV here. The average family has up to 3-5 devices on the router, often working simultaneously and in different corners of the apartment.

Purpose of Wi-Fi adapter

Wi-Fi technology allows you to connect any devices to the Internet, including TVs, without using wires. In order to get access to the resources of the World Wide Web, the TV receiver must have a Smart TV function. However, in some cases, this function alone is not enough, and to establish an Internet connection, additional external devices are required.

To access the resources of the World Wide Web, the TV receiver must have the Smart TV function

All TV sets with Smart TV are divided into two groups: those equipped with their own Wi-Fi module and those without such a device. In the second case, you need a Wi-Fi adapter to connect the TV receiver to the Internet. This device is designed to receive and send packets of data over a broadband radio connection, and to convert this data into a digital format. To receive and send radio signals, the adapter is equipped with an antenna, and the device uses special software to convert the data.

Connecting the Wi-Fi adapter to your TV not only saves you the trouble of running a cable, but it also allows you to connect multiple electronic devices located within the adapter's coverage area into one common network. The adapter software is able to increase the data transfer speed and increase the security of the transmitted information. Adapter manufacturers, as a rule, focus on not very trained users, so problems with connecting and configuring the devices are quite rare.

Wi-Fi adapters are usually designed for regular users, so problems with connecting and configuring the devices rarely arise

Manufacturers of the best Wi-Fi TV adapters

1. Specialized. Many well-known brands (Samsung, LG, Philips, Sony, etc.) produce adapters that are suitable only for TVs of this manufacturer. If the adapter is designed for a particular brand of TV, then there will probably be no problems with its connection and setup. The disadvantage of such a device is its cost, which is usually several times higher than the price of a universal device.
2. Universal. Although such a device is a more budget-friendly option for connecting the TV to the Internet, in the process of its configuration and operation there are much more complexities. For example, after reflashing the TV software, the universal adapter may lose compatibility with this TV receiver.

Samsung

One of the world's leading manufacturers of TV devices is Samsung. It is constantly expanding its product range with new accessories adapted for the latest generation of TV receivers. The popular WIS12ABGNX, WIS10ABGN, WIS09ABGN adapters, which are still on the market, but already removed from production, have been replaced by such models as:

From the labeling of the devices, it appears that the first of them has a nominal signal rate of 150 Mbps, the second – 300 Mbps. Each of these adapters is compatible with the following series of Samsung TVs:

To determine for yourself the series of your Samsung TV, I recommend looking at the fifth letter in its marking. For example, if it's a UE32EH5307K model, the TV series is E, which means both TP WIS12 and TP WIS10 adapters will fit your TV receiver.

Samsung TP WIS12 and TP WIS10 Wi-Fi adapters are connected to your TV through the USB port. The WIS12 model costs an average of $14 and the WIS10 costs $22.

TP WIS12 Wi-Fi TV adapter is compatible with Samsung E, F, H, J, K series TVs

Wi-Fi adapter: what it is and why your TV needs it

As we've already noted, a Wi-Fi-adapter is a small device that allows you to connect your TV to your router's wireless network, just like a regular computer or phone. It can be built-in or removable. We look at removable devices in this article.

The device looks like a regular flash drive that plugs into a specific jack on the back or side of your TV (USB, HDMI, and other interfaces).

How to determine if your TV supports adapters

The main thing you need to understand: if your TV has a "Wi-Fi" adapter inside the case, you don't need to buy one additionally. You can immediately connect to your network and "surf" the Internet from your TV screen.

Next point: if your TV doesn't support Smart TV, you need to buy a full-featured TV set-top box, not a Wi-Fi adapter.

If your TV doesn't support Smart TV, you don't need an adapter, but a set-top box

How do you know if an adapter is built into your TV or not? Does it have Smart TV? If your TV was bought before 2010, it doesn't have Smart TV or an adapter.

If you have a TV from a more recent model, you may have both. But each case has to be analyzed separately. So go straight to the documentation of the TV: there should be a designation Smart TV. The technical specifications indicate the presence of a built-in "Wi-Fi" adapter. Usually all models released after 2014 have a built-in adapter, unless they are budget ones. But it's still worth taking a look at the documentation to make sure for sure.

Look at the documentation of the TV – it will be noted there, whether it has a built-in adapter or not

If there is no documentation for the TV, no problem – go to the official Samsung website, find your TV model there in the current models or archive models (which are no longer in production). Use the search on the site (the magnifying glass icon at the top right). Study the specifications of your TV there.

Connecting and configuring

Connecting the Wi-Fi adapter to the TV and setting up its work is usually easy thanks to the accessible interface of Philips TVs. To use the adapter to connect to a wireless network, you must:

• Insert the adapter into the USB connector, most often located on the side of the TV. In some cases you may need a USB cable;
• Wait for the installation wizard to launch and set up the network settings for the device;
• Follow the step-by-step instructions that will appear on the screen;
• Use the WPS standard, if the router transmitting the signal has one;
• use a WPA password to install if WPS is not provided.

In addition to wireless Internet connection, the Wi-Fi converter provides:

Connecting a Wi-Fi adapter opens up access to a large number of applications

Will another manufacturer's adapter work

Owners of Philips TVs who are unable to install a proprietary adapter, often use alternative devices or so-called clones.

The best brands of adapters

Some of the best analogues of the standard Philips adapters are considered models PTA127/55 and WUB1110. In addition, the OEM adapter can be replaced with devices:

The OPENBOX AIR device can replace the Philips OEM adapter.

How to test your Philips TV analogue compatibility

Information about the compatibility of your Philips TV model with a non-standard Wi-Fi adapter is harder to find, because the official website recommends using OEM devices only. Here thematic forums on the Internet with feedback on the work of such adapters from owners of similar TVs can help. Non-standard adapters are usually ordered through online stores, where you can also ask about the compatibility of the device with your TV. Buying a non-standard device without any information about it is rather risky.

Pros and cons of using analogs

The main advantage of non-standard Wi-Fi adapters is their low cost, the main disadvantage – the problems with determining the compatibility of analog with a particular model of TV.

Video: Choosing an analogue for the standard Wi-Fi adapter for Philips TV

Philips is one of the most famous and popular TV brands in Russia. To complement the already extensive list of options for this TV such a convenient function, such as wireless Internet connection is possible with a Wi-Fi adapter. The owner of a Philips TV has the opportunity to choose, at his discretion, a regular device of this type, recommended by the manufacturer, or its analog. When buying a Wi-Fi adapter, the main thing is to make sure that it is compatible with your TV.

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