Usb adapter is

Which adapter is better – USB or PCI? There is no much difference between these two types – it's just the connection type, all other characteristics fit to both of them. But for me it is more universal to use usb. Arguments above.

Modern USB-Ethernet adapters on the example of Deppa device

The first article about USB-Ethernet adapters was published on our site back in 2000. So, to call this class of devices new and unknown is not possible – in fact they appeared as soon as USB interface turned from a funny curiosity into something useful, and later evolved together with USB and Ethernet. The first models were designed for USB 1.1 with its maximum bandwidth of 12 Mbps, so there was no point in demanding anything beyond the network-ten. However, the next generation of devices already had Fast Ethernet support, but it was only required for compatibility with the other cable farm – so as not to "fail" at 10 Mbit/s all devices connected to some simple hub. But the introduction of USB 2.0 specifications with the bandwidth up to 480 Mbps allowed to fully use "hundredths" and start probing Gigabit Ethernet (even if not at full speed, but it was still much faster than the previous standard allowed), and the transition to USB 3.0 has completely closed the issue with the fastest of the mass version of the wired network. If there is demand, it will be possible to increase the speeds further – it's just not too necessary yet.

And such adapters themselves have never been in mass demand – so much so that many computer users simply do not know about their existence (in fact, this is one of the main reasons why we decided to look at the current state of affairs in this segment). At first, support for networks in general was considered optional, but for the most popular computers at the time (that is, desktops) can easily be solved by using expansion cards (most often – a little faster than built-in solutions, and better compatible with operating systems of those years). Later wired network became mandatory – but just as mandatory was its initial support by any computer (regardless of desktop or mobile), that is, the presence in it of the appropriate adapter. Today, some types of computer equipment have begun to do without wired networking again – but mostly because their users are more than satisfied with the enormous development of wireless networks since then. Moreover, owners of "classic" form-factor computers, even if they have a built-in wired Ethernet adapter, often never or hardly ever use it. If we are talking about "new breed" devices, such as ultrabooks or tablets, originally designed not to be tied to a specific place of use, then it is even more true.

Theory

On the other hand, sometimes it is still necessary to provide support for wired networks, where it was not originally intended. The simplest scenario – if there is one network interface, but you need two, and expansion slots are not in the system (or they are unavailable) – for example, when we are talking about mini-PCs like Intel NUC and its analogues. The second case is if you regularly need to exchange large amounts of information with, for example, ultrabooks: even the best versions of wireless standards are still slower, and their implementation may require upgrading the entire infrastructure (while Gigabit Ethernet in the home segment began to advance back when 802.11n with bandwidth of 150/300 Mbps reigned supreme at best). It is also possible that the use of wire is required for security reasons rather than speed. Or it could be that there is no Wi-Fi in the right place, but there has been a network outlet since time immemorial. Or we are talking about a direct connection to some equipment, which is often encountered in the practice of an operating engineer – and it is much more convenient to walk around with a small tablet than with a large laptop (small laptops often do not have built-in Ethernet support these days, either).

For all these reasons, USB-Ethernet adapters not only did not become extinct, but were upgraded and became even more universal and convenient. In particular, this is our protagonist today, produced by Deppa (priced from 2 to 3 thousand rubles at the time of preparing this article). Many manufacturers have similar products, and sometimes they cost significantly less. However, for a general qualitative analysis of the state of affairs it will do for us, because it uses a popular element base as the Realtek RTL8153 controller. This chip appeared in July 2013, but there is simply no need to improve it yet: networks with higher bandwidths are still not a mass distribution claim. In fact, by the end of 2016, even in the segment of HPC-clusters 60% of systems under construction for connecting the nodes continued to use Gigabit Ethernet (let alone networks of "regular" enterprise scale), while 1000Base-T (that is 1 Gbps over twisted pair fifth category) in the form of specifications "settled" at the end of the last century.

Adapter classes

Now that you know what an adapter is, let's take a look at its classes and distribution principles.

This is a contact device associated not only with the elements to be connected, but also with combinations of individual control elements. Any device communicates with the computer through a unique adapter class. In doing so, the corresponding instances on both sides logically contact each other.

The following classes are defined for each device type:

• A base adapter class, from which all other boards inherit properties;
• converter associated with the page and its properties;
• an adapter of controls that correspond to operating system components;
• a form converter that works with the envelope of each page.

If there is a functional need to provide access to the context of a management element, it should be placed in the base class of the adapter.

Wi-Fi adapter

Having clarified what an adapter is in a general sense, let's move on to more specific cases.

A wireless adapter is a device that allows you to connect your PC or other mobile device to a Wi-Fi network.

Very often when trying to set up a home wireless network, equipment is used that cannot be connected to the environment without cables. These can be desktop computers, game consoles, TVs and other appliances.

But even if the device has a built-in adapter, that doesn't guarantee that it won't be difficult to connect. Often you have to buy a more modern converter that supports the required network communication format. This problem is probably the key one right now.

What is it for?

The main functionality of our device is what people buy it for:

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.
4. Specific uses – like analyzing external networks when there is not enough power or the hardware on the built-in adapter does not fit.

Types of Adapters

Here's a brief look at the main characteristics by which you can pick out an adapter. There are not too many of them here, so that everyone will be able to easily understand.

Warning. Do you have any questions? The comments in this article are always open to them – be sure to address any problems and try to solve them.

Connection interface

First you need to decide how you will connect it. There are only two basic options on the market.

USB – The most popular variant of the external adapter. And to me – the most convenient, because USB ports are everywhere now. Besides they are more compact – there are variants of the form of a nail flash drive or a mouse connector, and "modem" powerful adapters, even with an external antenna plugged in. Appearance:

Such devices can also be used via a cable extension, for example, to take them out of the window at all for better signal reception. If you need stable reception, take one with an external antenna. It may be inconvenient to place, but it depends on your needs. I think that USB adapters should be considered in the first place.

PCI Express. Internal adapter. The card slot we are talking about is on the motherboard itself inside the system unit. Various other extensions like video capture cards, TV tuners, dialup modems, etc. are placed in these slots. The same to have and wyfy module. On the plus side – you will not notice it, because it is placed on the back of the system unit. Of the minuses – there is not always a free place, you can not pull out and connect to a laptop, difficult access. But it will be convenient for someone, too. For remote outdoor antennas and system unit – once a cable will be more convenient than the constant pulling and fiddling with USB. Another option for such boards to expand the old format – PCI. The difference here, perhaps, only in the internal standards. PCI Express is newer.

How hubs are designed

The design of this gadget is quite simple. This module has a large number of connectors that connect to the PC through a single port. A variety of outputs are also available. They can be represented in the device in different variations. Among them:

• USB – a universal option, suitable for most digital gadgets;
• USB B. Occurs in office equipment. Necessary for connecting a printer, scanner and some other types of office equipment;
• MINI – type of connector is outdated, but it is still found in mobile gadgets;
• MICRO – widespread in smartphones, tablets, players;
• TYPE C – a new standard used for mobile devices.

There can also be an audio output and a number of others. There are models with 10-20 different connectors.

Types of USB Hubs: What they can do

Since hubs are popular devices, it is them that should be considered in more detail. There are three types:

• passive. The most affordable, so they are in demand. In fact, this is a wire with some number of ports (usually 2-6). The disadvantage of this type of design is that they do not have their own power supply, so there is a risk of reducing the data transfer rate or interrupting the process altogether;
• active. They already have a power source, which means that they are plugged into the socket, so it is even possible to install them away from the system unit. In this case there is no loss of power and data transfer does not suffer;
• wireless. Less popular, but for a laptop they are ideal. Wires do not interfere and such devices are connected via Wi-Fi.

The choice of one or another solution depends on the budget and the peculiarities of operation of the device.

How to choose

First of all, you need to be guided by several indicators:

• The protocols that the modem uses.
• Range of operation.
• External or internal device. That is, flash drive or PCI card.
• Price – it usually depends on the name of the manufacturer, availability of shielding, and range coverage.

Protocols

These are the rules of the Bluetooth data transmission system. They are constantly being updated and improved. This is how you can tell whether the device in front of you is a newer or an older model.

The higher the protocol, the newer the model. They have a more reliable data transfer, automatic connection in the case of disconnect. Also, packets of information are transmitted in such a way as to increase speed and reduce power consumption. More modern devices share the stream and allow you to connect more than 2 devices at the same time, without significant loss of speed.

Bluetooth protocol	Description
1	Was invented in 1998. Had low speeds and problems with disconnects.
1.1	Fixed bugs and added RSSI transmission technology.
1.2	Adapted data frequencies to be most resistant to interference. Faster connection. Speed was increased. UART support.
2.0 + EDR	Released in 2004 on the 10th of November. Speed increased to 3 Mbps. Ability to connect multiple devices.
2.1	Reduced power consumption. The technology was released in 2007.
2.1 + EDR	Reduces power consumption by 4 times, also increases the reliability of data transfer.
3.0 + HS	On April 21, 2009 new protocol was released. The speed increased up to 24 Mbit/sec. Ability to transfer files over different standards 802.11b/g or 802.11n. Larger files were transferred over one standard, and smaller files over another.
4	Working with different platforms. Range increased to 100 meters. Transmission error control. Speed – 8 – 27 Mbps.
4.1	Improved work together with LTE mobile communication. As a result, the number of transmission errors is reduced.
4.2	Speed is increased. All data is encrypted, improved reliability in office buildings.
5	Released on June 16, 2016. The radius has increased by 4 times, and the speed by 2.

How to connect the device?

1. Connect the module to the PC in any USB socket. If you purchased a PCI module, you will have to remove the side cover of your system unit and then install the board in a free PCI slot.
2. Windows should automatically detect the device and download the driver. After that, you will see the corresponding icon in the right pane.
3. If this does not happen, then you need to visit the official website of the company that produced the device, and download the software from there. But let me tell you from experience, all adapters are installed automatically and without any problems.

Dear readers, write your feedback in the comments after using the purchased adapters. This is very important information for new readers. Also feel free to write your questions, and I will answer them right away. What kind of difficulties did you encounter? You can also write down exactly what you need Bluetooth for, and in what price range you want, and I'll help you find the best option.

Module for the TV

I'll devote a separate section to this topic. Why do I need a Wi-Fi adapter in my home TV? It receives/sends a signal to the wireless network from the router to the TV port. That is, it makes a Smart TV receiver into a Smart TV.

• Wireless connection to the Internet.
• Synchronization with computers, smartphones, and other devices to display the picture on the big screen.
• Enjoy high-definition movies.
• TV as a computer – a web browser, Skype, social networks, video sharing.
• Receive a digital signal from the provider via a router.
• Control your TV with a mobile device.

Most modern TVs support Wi-Fi technology, but not all are equipped with a wireless module. In this situation, an external network adapter will solve the problem.

1. HDMI. The adapter plugs into the HDMI port, an interface for high-definition multimedia, transmitting high-resolution digital video data and multichannel digital video signals. The connector is available on any TV.
2. USB. The most common modules, plug into one of the USB ports on your TV.

The HDMI adapter differs from USB in that it is faster and more accurate in transmitting media.

How to choose a TV adapter?

Usually the TV manufacturer recommends you buy networking equipment from the same company. For example, if you have a SONY TV, it is better to buy the module of the same company. If you connect the "native" equipment, you won't have any problems.

If you decide to buy a third-party device, pay attention to the following features:

1. Module for Samsung TV WIS12ABGNX. Supports the wireless DLNA data transfer protocol. Interface of connecting to TV – USB0. Compatible with SAMSUNG TVs and home theaters of the year 2012 and older. Price – 1700-2400 rubles.

1. LG AN-WF Includes two methods of wireless data transfer – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Supports 802.11b/g/n standards, automatic selection of data transmission channel. Connection via USB port. The price is about 4000 rubles.

1. D-Link DIB-200. Wireless HDMI transmitter for 800 rubles. Allows you to view media content on the big screen, output video from the Internet on the TV.
2. Philips PTA01/00. Wireless adapter with 802.11n protocol support and secure connection via WPA Connection via USB port. It is compatible with Philips AV equipment. It can be bought for about 2000 rubles.
3. Branded Internet module for SONY UWA-BR TVs Serves to wirelessly connect the TV to the Internet and synchronize home devices into the network. Range – 2.4 and 5 GHz, Wi-Fi protocol – 802.11a/b/g/n, connection interface – USB 2.0. The price is about 3000 roubles.

Flash drive format (with antenna)

The first of these is. TP-Link TL-WN722N. It supports wireless data transfer at a frequency of 2.4 GHz WiFi standard IEEE 802.11 b/g/n at a maximum speed of 150 MB / s and has a connection interface USB 2.0.

Two other models are. ZyXEL NWD6605-EU0101F и Asus USB-AC56. They support wireless data transfer at 2.4/5 GHz IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi standard at the maximum speed of 867 Mbps, USB 3.0 connection interface.

Flash drive format (without antenna)

Adapter TP-Link TL-WN727N Supports 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WiFi wireless transmission at a maximum speed of 150 Mbps.

The higher speeds are possessed by the models D-Link DWA-131/E1A, TP-Link TL-WN821N, TP-Link TL-WN823N и Asus USB-N13. They operate at a maximum speed of 300 Mbps and support wireless data transfer at 2.4 GHz using the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WiFi standard.

The highest speed is 433 Mbps. The following models have such speeds TP-Link ARCHER T2U и Asus USB-AC51that support wireless data transfer at 2.4/5 GHz IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.

For operation

Developers and designers need to switch between multiple devices and maintain maximum productivity. Some professionals connect a second monitor for convenience. In this case it is better not to save money – choose TYPE-C DUAL MULTIMEDIA ADAPTER. This is the most versatile solution with the most features for work: two 4K HDMI outputs supporting 60 Hz screen refresh rate, USB-C PD charging, Gigabit Ethernet port, microSD card reader and several USB 3.0 connectors.

Project managers and educators often find themselves on business trips and at conferences with presentations. If you are constantly on the road, pay attention to the autonomy of the adapter – some hubs need a separate power supply. And the adapter must be reliable, so that the equipment won't fail when there are five minutes left before the performance. In this situation, you can rely on the USB-C ON-THE-GO MULTIPORT ADAPTER.

Bloggers and journalists also do not sit still: many work remotely and do not part with the iPad while traveling. That's where the compact ALUMINUM TYPE-C MOBILE PRO HUB comes in. Check out the new ALUMINUM STAND & HUB FOR IPAD PRO that turns your tablet into a universal tool with card readers, audio output and all necessary ports.

Travelers and tourists can get into an unpleasant situation if they find themselves in an unfamiliar place with a dead battery. For example, if you went on a long hike or forgot the adapter when flying to the United States. In this case, always keep the QUATRO WIRELESS POWER BANK on hand. Put your iPhone, AirPods or Apple Watch on the power bank and you won't need to worry about charging it on the subway.

For the office

Business people and executives need a versatile device to work on desktop computers. Offices need to be provided with simple adapters that won't slow down work and allow you to connect printers, projectors and scanners, as well as share files on your local network. Corporate clients often choose TYPE-C ALUMINUM MONITOR STAND HUB FOR IMAC, a stand with basic connectors to get rid of wires and increase free space at the desk.

Freelancers and self-employed people most often arrange a work corner in their apartment. For this, it is necessary to have at least a few USB ports to connect external devices, as well as card readers and an HDMI connector. After all, even if you do not work from home, you always want to watch shows or photos on the big screen. It's better that the wires don't stick out in all directions and don't collect dust. The STAND & HUB FOR MAC MINI WITH SSD ENCLOSURE is worth buying at home – in addition to all the necessary ports, you can also connect SATA M.2 SSD drives to it and provide access to all peripherals.

Communication Protocols

If you have decided on the type of connection with your computer, then when choosing a Bluetooth adapter, you should pay attention to the generation of its protocol. Like any type of wireless communication, this technology has gone its rather long way of evolution. And with each generation it became more stable, faster and worked at greater distances from the source of reception.

The first attempt to create a wireless connection between devices back in 1998. It was not distinguished by the stability and quality of data transfer, so it did not become widespread. Subsequent generations of Bluetooth 1.1, 1.2, 2.0, 2.1, 3.0 worked on reducing power consumption, speed of connection and information exchange, the universality of use.

Currently in practice, the following protocols are found:

• Bluetooth 4 – data transmission speed of 8 to 27 Mbit/s, and the receiving distance (in direct line of sight without interference) – up to 100 meters. These characteristics allow you to comfortably use it not only to connect input devices (mouse, keyboard, gamepad, joystick, etc.), but also to listen to music
• Bluetooth 4.1 – the same type, but adapted to work simultaneously with 4G mobile communications. Previously, due to the ubiquity of the LTE band there was interference in the network, which caused frequent errors in the reception-transmission of data
• Bluetooth 4. 2 – even higher speed (up to 2 MBit/s), as well as more reliable connection protection in conditions of heavy radio traffic
• Bluetooth 5.0 – doubles the speed up to 48 Mbps, and triples the reception radius – up to 300 meters in ideal conditions. The minus is that it has no backward compatibility with older versions, that is, both devices must support this protocol for quality communication and to use all its features.

When selecting an adapter for the PC, you should focus primarily on the generation of Bluetooth 5.0. It meets all modern standards and allows you to play music with maximum quality, encoded in the latest audio formats. And also freely use the control of smart home systems. At the same time, the cost of devices with 5.0 support is not much more expensive than similar ones with 4.2 Also Bluetooth 5.0 consumes the least amount of power, which means the battery of the same volume will be enough for a longer battery life of the device connected to the computer.

External antennas

In theory, the presence of an external antenna should improve the quality of communication bluetooth adapter with other devices. However, in practice, the effect is not so noticeable. And in the presence of interference in the form of baffles, the signal will still be as unstable as if you use the adapter without an antenna. Therefore, I would not pay attention to its presence, but give it to other more essential parameters.

Still, in the end, which Bluetooth adapter is better to choose for installation in a notebook or a PC?

1. For PC I would recommend the PCI adapter due to its better mounting and deeper integration into the system
2. If you are looking for a universal device that can be used on a PC as well as a laptop, then definitely the USB adapter
3. Both must support the latest Bluetooth 5.0 wireless standard and be class 1

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