Router as wifi adapter

It turns out that today's router combines more than one task. For example, it can be a wireless adapter or a Wi-Fi receiver. The purpose of such a router is to receive and transmit wifi signal. Such a device has become a part of a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, and modern televisions. It is also possible to purchase an external adapter, which will help devices that do not have the internal part to receive wi-fi information.

How to connect a computer to a Wi-Fi router without wires

The ability to connect wirelessly has become a basic functionality of most modern gadgets: laptops, tablets, smartphones. However, connecting desktop computers to Wi-Fi networks still causes difficulties for users, because these devices simply do not have the necessary function. Despite this, this "defect" can be corrected by using special Wi-Fi modules.

If this is the first time you are using a Wi-Fi connection, you should configure the device to transmit a wireless signal before you connect your computer to the router. This is done in the router's web interface.

To open the router settings system is not so difficult, the main thing is to know the data to enter. First of all we need the system address. It can be found on the back of Wi-Fi routers: in the line labeled "IP". If you can't find this information, you can use the standard data to go to the web interface:

You should also check the Wi-Fi-router for proper operation. To do this, you need to check the following parameters:

• The router is connected to the mains using the power supply.
• An ethernet cable is connected to the router using the WAN connector.
• The personal computer from which the input is to be played is connected to the required network.

After checking that the device is connected correctly, you should configure the connection settings of the Wi-Fi router. To do this, perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Start the Internet browser on your PC.
2. Type the IP address of the router in the address bar of the software. For example, http://192.168.0.1/.
3. Log in by entering the "User name" and "Password".
4. Run the quick setup of the device or manually fill in the IP server data.

Connecting a Wi-Fi router to a laptop

Laptops, unlike desktop computers, already have a module for working with a wireless signal. Therefore, it is several times easier to connect this type of device. To do this, you need to perform the following steps:

1. Click with the left mouse button on the icon of wireless connections, which is located in the bottom right corner of the taskbar.
2. From the presented list of connections, select the network of interest.
3. Press the "Connect" button, entering the Wi-Fi connection password if necessary.

Then the laptop will start connecting to the router, and if the login data is entered correctly, the user will get access to the Internet.

If you cannot find the icon to connect wireless connections, it is likely that the laptop does not have the necessary drivers installed. You can install the necessary software from the installation disk that comes with the PC.

Computer or laptop connection options

The computer can be connected to the router in two ways:

1. By wire. Of the disadvantages – sometimes it can be difficult to pull it through if the computer is far from the router. But here there is its overlapping pluses – reliability and speed of connection, besides the network card for the wire is almost any desktop PC.
2. Over the air. With the help of that very same Wi-Fi adapter. There is no default adapter in the computer, but it is easily purchased and installed. Used when you do not want to pull the wire or there is no such a possibility. Minuses – speed limits and possible problems from the use of Wi-Fi technology. But sometimes it is still very necessary. Another possible purpose is to analyze wireless networks from a computer.

Next we are going to learn more about wireless modules, their types, connection options and uses. Once again, they can be used not only on PCs, but also on laptops (for example, if the built-in WiFi adapter is broken, or you need a special one). Some smartphones also support OTG with some wifi adapters – better check with your model.

What is it for?

The main function of our device, for which it is purchased by people:

1. Connection to existing Wi-Fi networks from a PC – home router, Wi-Fi modem. The device receives Wi-Fi on the computer.
2. Creating a wireless access point from the PC – so that other devices in the house can connect.
3. Replacing a failed adapter on a laptop computer.
4. Specific use – like analyzing external networks, when there is not enough power or the hardware on the built-in adapter is not suitable.

How to make an adapter from a WiFi router?

Note that there is no single scheme that allows you to use a router as a WiFi adapter. Each individual model has its own settings and parameters.

TP-Link

TP-Link routers are not able to work in the repeater mode, which creates a number of difficulties when setting up. But that does not mean that they cannot be used as a receiver. To use a WiFi router instead of an adapter, start by changing the Wi-Fi channel on your main router. Keep in mind that the signal source will be used as a bridge, which requires proper configuration. In other words, it must distribute wireless Internet.

• Log in to the distributor and set up a static channel for the WiFi. Approaches may vary depending on the manufacturer. If your primary router is also Tp-Link, enter the setup panel, go to Wireless and specify a static channel in the Channel field. This can be a one or a six. After that, save and wait for a reboot.

• To turn your new router into a Wi-Fi receiver, go into its settings and change its IP address. If you use the router as an adapter, there should be no match. Otherwise, address conflicts and malfunctions will occur. To make changes, go to Network and then LAN. There find the IP Address section, which will be different from the main device information. For example, you can use IP 192.168.1.2. After saving, check if the information is still there.

• Go to the Wireless section. In the Network Name field, write another network name, and in the Channel field, specify the channel set in the base router's settings. Then check the Enable WDS Bridging checkbox and click Survey. Decide which network you want to use and click Connect.

Is it effective to use a router as a WiFi adapter?

Knowing how to make a WiFi adapter from a router can help you avoid extra costs and use an extra router as a WiFi receiver. This solution is the best option when the adapter built into your laptop, computer or other equipment is not working or does not perform well.

This option is good when you want to expand the network and increase its coverage. It is especially relevant for large homes where the range of one router is not enough to cover the area. If properly configured, the new router can be used as a WiFi adapter and thereby increase the network capacity. As a result, you will have two Wi-Fi sources with different parameters.

Important! If you don't want to bother buying additional equipment, you can simply spend more time choosing a router for your home. Especially since there are not too many criteria to keep in mind when buying.

In other cases, it is better to use the standard ways of distributing the Internet. In addition, not all homes can find an "unnecessary" router for use as a receiver, and whether it is worth the question.

External Module

If you have a desktop computer and are fed up with wires, you can work via Wi-Fi without any problems. The main thing is to buy a network device. The most affordable and easy to use is an external USB adapter.

When buying, note that there are devices with an antenna, which will improve the signal. There are dual-band adapters, but they are only useful if your home devices support the 802.11ac standard. Of course, you also need a router that works at 2.4 and 5 GHz. If you don't have one, there is no point in buying a dual-band adapter – it's an unnecessary waste of money.

I think the name of the adapter tells you how to connect it to your computer – to a free USB port on your PC.

It is better to use a 3.0 connector to get maximum speed, but you can also use 2.0. By the way, there are USB extenders to help you move the device to a more convenient location, or if you need to install it where the signal is better.

As for drivers. Most likely everything will work out of the box, without installing software manually. Manual installation of drivers will only be required on Windows XP, but I think there are very few people who work with this operating system. If software installation is still required, drivers can be installed from the disc that comes with the adapter, or from the website of the company that makes the equipment.

You can configure your computer's external Wi-Fi adapter exactly the same way as the built-in one. It is necessary to get into the device settings (Wi-Fi adapter properties), where you will be able to update the software, enable/disable the module, etc. (details in the previous section).

Now you can connect to the wireless network. In the lower right corner, click on the network connections icon, select the necessary one, click "Connect", enter the security key (password) and check if you have access to the Internet.

PCI Adapter

The review of such a device was done by our Hamster. You can read it here.

It is not the most popular device. But there are such models, so we will have to tell you about it. To install the PCI Wi-Fi adapter on your computer you need to open the system. This sounds scary but it is not difficult.

Turn off and unplug the PC and remove the cover from the system unit. On the motherboard you can see the connector, often located horizontally, red, white or brown. There can be several such interfaces.

If there is a plug on the back wall, unscrew it (if it is screwed on), or carefully break it out. Do not lose the bolts, you will need to use them to screw the device on.

Did you find it? Insert the PCI adapter into this slot as far as it will go. If there are screws in the kit, then it is desirable to fasten the device. Now you need to install the antenna(s) on the outside of the system box cover, if there are any. That's it, you can close the case and turn on the PC.

Now the drivers. Everything is the same here. If the software is not installed automatically, you can use the disk or go to the "official" and download them yourself. There should be no complications.

Setting up such a Wi-Fi adapter is exactly the same with the previous types – through its properties (through network connections or Device Manager). I will not write the same thing, I will tell you in two words: switch on the module and connect to the wireless network.

Setting up Zyxel Keenetic as Wi-Fi adapter

If you have a Kenetis Lite III model, you need to turn on the "Adapter" mode with the switch on the router itself. If you have a different model, you can activate this mode through the settings.

Go into the control panel of the router (you can see this instruction), and go to the tab System – Mode.

If you do not have the Mode, then try to update the firmware. You can also try to connect the component Adapter Mode on the tab Components (or, Updates – and the Show Components button) .

On the mode tab, you need to put a switch next to Adapter – connect Ethernet devices to a Wi-Fi network. And click on the button Apply.

To restart the router, click on the button Now (in the new window) . Wait for the router to reboot.

Everything is set up, now we need to establish a connection between our Zyxel router and the Wi-Fi network of the main router. This is done very simply, as in the case of setting up this router in repeater mode.

You need to press the button on both routers at the same time WPS (Wi-Fi) button at the same time. I pressed the "Wi-Fi" button on my Zyxel Keenetic Start (the power LED will start blinking actively):

Then pressed the WPS button on the main router (the power, or Wi-Fi indicator will also start blinking actively) :

We wait a little while for our adapter to connect to the Wi-Fi network. When everything is working, the "Internet" indicator on the Zyxel router should light up, the Wi-Fi network will disappear, and the Internet via cable will already work.

Connecting devices via cable to a Zyxel router in "Adapter" mode

As a rule, there are 4 LAN connectors on the router. Here you can connect 4 devices to the internet. I, for example, installed the router near the TV, and connected it with the cable that comes with it. It's like a receiver for the TV. By the way, the Internet on the TV should work immediately after connecting to Zyxel. It is important that the place has your Wi-Fi network coverage, otherwise the adapter will not be able to connect to the network, and the Internet will not work.

It is possible to connect a desktop computer in the same way:

In this way you can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi any device that has no Wi-Fi receiver, but has a LAN connector.

Setting up Netis routers

Netis routers also have the ability to receive and distribute Wi-Fi signal to PCs and other devices. The main advantage of the devices of this manufacturer is a quick setup. To do this you will need to reconfigure the router as a client.

The instructions for setting up the adapter are as follows:

1. Open the browser and enter "netis.cc." into the search box.
2. Go to the "Wireless mode" tab.
3. Then open the Wi-Fi settings.
4. In the tab of the mode specify the client.
5. In the next step, click on the "AP Scan" field.
6. In the list that appears, select and connect to the desired network.
7. Make sure that the distributing equipment is working properly.

When finished, you must enter a new security code from the main network, and then apply the changes. Then wait for the equipment to reboot and start distributing Internet.

A distinctive feature of Netis routers is that they transmit the signal in receiver mode via a network cable. If necessary, you can configure the device as a repeater. Then the Internet can be transmitted via cable as well as wirelessly.

Possible problems during setup

The main problem with having a router as a receiver (router as a receiver) is the technique of configuring the router for a particular model. To begin with, it is necessary to determine the available modes and find out whether a particular device can act as an adapter at all. This will give you an understanding of how to use the device. For example, one model is capable of working as a repeater, while another will distribute the Internet in client mode. Next, you should decide whether you want to use a cable or a wireless connection.

Also, often after turning on a certain mode, the Internet is not distributed due to a lack of connection or environmental factors that affect reception. To fix the error, you need to visit the access point settings, open the wireless mode, and read the information available.

The most common methods of solving problems are the following options:

If none of the above methods help, then the problem is a technical malfunction.

What is a USB Wi-Fi router and why you need it

A network adapter or router is a special device that is used to connect to a wireless network to access the Internet via Wi-Fi. It is worth noting that this device is used not only for this purpose. It is also used to transfer traffic between devices connected to the same access point.

Externally, the usb router is a small box, which can be connected to a PC, laptop and other devices with a USB port. Some models have multiple antennas on the body to enhance the transmitted signal. USB-connected routers perform the following functions:

• Detecting available wireless connections;
• connection to Wi-Fi access points;
• organization of data transmission and reception via the local network;
• connection to the Internet without using additional wires.

It is recommended to use a USB Wi-Fi router equipped with a special antenna for signal enhancement. This will increase the stability of your Internet connection.

Varieties of Wi-Fi Adapters

People who want to buy a new USB Wi-Fi router should familiarize themselves with the varieties of such devices. There are two main types, each of which has its own distinctive features.

USB .

Particularly popular are adapters that are connected via a USB input. Their main advantage is that they are easy to use. To use them, you just need to connect them to a personal computer or laptop. Another advantage of these models is their mobility. They are compact and they can be easily connected to any computers and laptops.

Despite the above advantages, these devices have disadvantages. The disadvantages include the fact that the USB standard has data transfer rate limitations. Therefore, such adapters can be ineffective when using high-speed Internet.

PCI

Some varieties of adapters are connected to personal computers via a special PCI Express connector. It is worth noting that this connection is considered more complicated. To connect the device via PCI, you will have to disassemble the PC case and find the connector on the motherboard. Most often it is located under the video card.

It is recommended to install the adapter in the PCIe1 slot. The fact is that it is advanced and therefore allows you to transfer data at higher speeds.

Among the disadvantages of such devices we can highlight the complexity of their installation. Not every person will want to disassemble the computer case themselves. Also, the disadvantages include the fact that these devices are not suitable for portable use.

How to find available networks to connect the Wi-Fi receiver

Here appear the available networks, you need to create a connection with them. To do this, you just need to do the following steps:

Now it remains to enter the password. This is the wi-fi key that gives out the main device. Pressing the button that saves the action will start the process of rebooting the router.

After that the wired Internet will appear, which will be available to the TV and the desktop computer.

It is worth noting that when the Netis router does not work in the wi-fi mode, then it is better to transmit the internet over the wire. In the case where it is required that the router at the same time with wired communication transmits data and via wi-fi, then the device should be configured in repeater mode.

In order for the TV to receive the Internet, you need to install a so-called "receiver" near the device, for which the settings were made. Now you need to take the cable that is sold with the router. One end is inserted into the LAN port of the router, and the other into the same one available on the TV or desktop computer.

How do I make my router a Wi-Fi receiver?

Friends, in fact, to understand how to make a router Wi-Fi receiver is very simple, because if you have a TV, computer, set-top box, which are located in different parts of the house, and also have an unnecessary router, then in order not to pull wires across the room you can use the Wi-Fi, distributed by the so-called "receiver".

Now you know what it means to connect a router as a Wi-Fi receiver, hopefully all questions are closed, and if there are any left, welcome to the comments.

Setting up Access Point mode on Tenda

You can use Tenda routers in Access Point mode by selecting the appropriate value in the Wi-Fi settings of the device. You need to type "tendawifi.com" into your browser, and then you will have access to the settings menu. The AP is activated in the sections "WiFi settings» — «Access point modeAP Mode" by moving the slider to the desired position "off"or "on". This mode disables some functions of the router, information about which is given below, before "save". Be sure to save all changes and restart the device.

Using an additional router as an AP is necessary to extend the range of Wi-Fi. But when choosing devices, it is important to take into account some points to keep the speed of the Internet constant. Since this parameter depends on the provider, who sets the maximum values of the Internet speed on its equipment, it is not possible to increase these values with additional routers. But it is possible to affect the internal network speed.

Modern routers are working on two speed standards: up to 100 Mbit and 1000 Mbit. Therefore, when designing a connection between routers, it is important to pay attention to the power of the device. For the role of the main router, you should choose devices with better performance, and weaker equipment – in a subordinate role.

Particular attention should also be paid to the choice of network cable. They come in two types:

• Four-core . Characterized by the minimum requirements for data transmission by Ethernet standards. Their speed standard is 100 Mbit.
• Eight-core . contain an additional shield under the braid that protects the cores from electromagnetic interference from the outside. Such wires are expensive, but provide a uniform, stable signal.

When selecting the main and secondary router, you should consider the maximum data transfer rate characteristic of the selected device. Such devices operate in 4 main modes, differing in speed (in Mbit) and Wi-Fi frequency (GHz). If you choose a primary device with worse properties, there will be a speed limit in the network, based on the performance of the router. Therefore, choosing the same devices is preferable to avoid router conflicts and loss of Internet speed due to incorrect connection of devices.

The network does not work after connecting a second router

If all the procedures are done, and there is no Internet or routers do not work in the system, you need to check all the actions again. However, it is worth checking first:

If there is a network, the Internet is active, but the signal is interrupted, perhaps there is some problem in the compatibility of devices, or the presence of interference in the network or unstable connection of devices. In the latter case, you can try to place devices closer to each other, as well as to increase their power (if such a function is provided by the model). Ideally, place routers on the same line as each other, which will make the signal clearer and stronger.

Now you know that setting up a router as an access point is easy! But, friends, if you run into difficulties – write about it in the comments and we'll help!

Placement of the site

First of all it should be said that there are much easier ways to place a website. There are many convenient website builders and paid / free hosting. But we are not here to talk about the best way to host a web site, but to put your old router to good use.

With OpenWRT you can turn your old router into a web server, but this could be a violation of your ISP's terms of service, so it is better to scout this point beforehand. Low performance of the router and relatively low speed of the home Internet will not allow you to host some serious project, but for a simple business site, which will be visited by not more than a hundred people per day, the capacity of the router is more than enough.

Parental control

There are many different applications for setting up parental control, but they are not particularly necessary when you have an extra router at hand. It is enough to create a separate WiFi network for children, enter the router settings through the browser and manually restrict access to certain sites.

One of the advantages of this approach is that the restrictions will remain in force even if the device changes, i.e. there is no need to install control software on a new smartphone or tablet every time.

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