Wi-Fi adapter for TV

Wi-Fi adapter for TV is a device that has the ability to receive and send signals into a wireless Wi-Fi network using the established protocols from the router to the TV port. Smart TVs also have these features.

How to connect a Wi-Fi adapter to TV: selection rules

Wi-Fi adapter for TV is a very interesting topic, about which there are a lot of rumors and ambiguities on the Internet. No matter how much we search, 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 talk about the real features of such adapters, the peculiarities of their connection and the rules of choice.

A Wi-Fi adapter, module or dongle is a device that can receive the wireless Internet signal from your router. In its appearance it resembles a flash drive, sometimes a little larger.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 that.

• USB. They look like regular flash drives, 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 processed inside the same dongle on your TV. So you can quickly display images from your phone or computer on your TV via Wi-Fi.

Benefits and features

• Connects to your wireless network without the need for twisted pair or other wires.
• Synchronization with laptops, computers, phones, and other devices to send videos, movies, photos, and music to the TV screen.
• Put your PC desktop on your TV screen.
• View movies at a higher resolution. Agree that watching a movie from your laptop with the whole family is not very convenient.
• Accepting the TV digital signal from the provider via a router. That is, the Internet cable, which is connected to the router, will supply not only the Internet, but also TV.
• Control the device from your phone or tablet. This feature is not available on all models.

To pick up this rating, I specifically looked at the characteristics of the models first. I compared two main parameters: price and quality. And then I looked at the reviews to see how this or that model behaves in real life. You can view the review and make your own comparison according to your criteria.

Dongle M3 Wi-Fi receiver for TV

Huge support for television and video digital formats. Has built-in RAM and the ability to connect an external SD drive. Does not work with the 5 GHz frequency.

TOSHIBA WLM-20U2.

A good budget option for the home. Reliable model without interruption with a quality antenna. Will be able to work uninterrupted and stable in a 3-7 room apartment.

Samsung WIS12ABGNX/NWT

Specialized unit for Samsung TVs. DLNA allows you to connect mobile devices, phones, photo and video cameras. Has the version 1.5.

How to choose?

I immediately note one very important detail: I advise you to take the module from the same manufacturer as your TV. Then there will be no problems with the connection. No matter what some models claim, which supposedly fit all models – there may be disconnects or interruptions during viewing.

Such devices cost a little more, but believe me the picture quality will be better. One time a friend of mine bought a cheap model. The result – the picture was interrupted and the flash drive was constantly heating due to the flow of data.

You should never confuse an external Wi-Fi adapter for your laptop or computer with a module for your TV. Yes, they use the same protocols and standards, but the problem lies in the TV firmware. The fact is that by connecting the adapter from the PC, most likely nothing will work and there will be no signal. Perhaps in the future the firmware on TV devices will be made more cross-platform.

PCMCIA is a more obsolete type of digital connection. Nowadays Wi-Fi modules with USB and HDMI interfaces are sold more often. For LG, Philips, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba and Sony devices, you should take a branded Wi-Fi unit. For others, cross-platform modules can be suitable, for example from D-Link.

How do you know if your TV supports the adapter?

First, you need to determine the year of manufacture of your TV. Models produced before 2010 definitely do not support Internet connection, therefore a Wi-Fi adapter is of no help either.

Newer devices predominantly support Internet connection via Wi-Fi, but there are still some exceptions. To be sure to determine the functionality of your equipment, just read the manual.

If the manual clearly states the presence of a built-in module, then you absolutely will not have to buy alternative adapters for your Samsung TV. This applies to almost all models newer than 2014, except for budget models.

Let's assume that you have long ago thrown out the box, and with it the manual. Not a problem, open Samsung's official web portal to examine this information. Do not rely on information from other sources, as it may be false.

If the TV device you are using is younger than 2010, but it does not have an integrated adapter, but it does have Wi-Fi support, contact the appropriate store to purchase the module. Adapters, as well as televisions that support wireless Internet connection began to appear after 2010.

Separately, we should analyze the problem of compatibility. Buy adapters from Samsung for TVs from the same manufacturer, then you absolutely will not have any difficulties with the connection. Each device has its own series, which allows you to determine the compatibility. The Latin letter is the symbol of the year of manufacture of the equipment:

When choosing a device, be sure to consider the series, and then you will not go wrong with your purchase.

How to choose correctly

To begin with, the devices can be branded or from third-party manufacturers. Of course, the devices of the second group are much cheaper than the original adapters. Of course, the low price contributes to attracting consumer attention.

The cost of the original USB Wi-Fi adapter for Samsung TVs is about 4000 rubles, while the price of modules from other manufacturers ranges from 1000-3000 rubles. It is clear that there are doubts, is it worth overpaying? Maybe the difference is only in the brand, and it is easier to save money?

Of course, that some distinctive features the original devices still have, so a little overpriced – quite natural. Let us list only the most significant advantages:

1. Official warranty and service. When you buy a Chinese-made device, you can't count on the warranty service. In the case of Samsung branded devices, everything is exactly the opposite.
2. There are no problems with compatibility. Samsung TVs are sharpened for synchronization with the original gadgets. It is possible that the purchase of a device from a third-party manufacturer will cause compatibility problems in the process of operation.
3. Long service life. As practice shows, the budget models of the equipment in question function correctly, but only up to a certain point. After installing the first service pack, problems with device recognition and all sorts of other malfunctions appear.

Based on all of the above, we conclude that in this case, saving money is an inappropriate decision. It's easier to pay 1-2 thousand dollars. The price to get a high-quality adapter with a warranty and a long service life.

Basic characteristics

According to the type of connection, all Wi-Fi adapters for TV are divided into three groups:

1. PCMCIA is the originally introduced PC Card standard, which was defined and developed by the International PC Association for memory cards. Today, this slot is considered obsolete and is hardly ever found in TVs.
2. HDMI is a high-definition multimedia interface. It is a native audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video or compressed digital audio data from HDMI-compatible devices. Any modern HDTV, home theater system, game console, Blu-ray player, or receiver has such a slot. An HDMI cable is also used to connect a TV tuner.
3. USB – With these ports, you can view the contents of your camera, camera, flash drive, or other USB devices on your TV. Wi-Fi adapters with USB connectivity are the most popular products on the market.

TV Compatibility

All quality TV adapters come in boxes or plastic packages that have information on the compatibility of the device with different TV manufacturers and models.

Carefully study for which TV devices are suitable for this model of wifi adapter. If only compatible brands are listed on the packaging, it means that the product will work with all models of the specified manufacturer.

Also note that if the package with the SMART TV does not come with a wireless adapter, the basic technical parameters of the Wi-Fi receiver are specified in the technical data sheet.

Transmitter power

Transmitter power is an ambiguous parameter. It's not really easy to determine what the range of a Wi-Fi device depends on. The transmitter power and radio wave intensity setting only works on the router side, not on the subscriber's device.

Connecting and configuring the adapter

To connect your LCD TV to your home network using a wireless connection, you'll need the following equipment:

The original devices are really easy to connect and set up. Universal adapters can also work great, but there is no guarantee of compatibility from their manufacturers. If you bought a device that is adapted to your model of TV, and after connecting the TV saw it, then there should be no further problems with the setup.

If we describe step by step, to configure a wireless device to connect to the Wi-Fi network, you need to do the following steps:

1. Connect the USB adapter in the socket of the desired standard on the TV body.
2. Open the TV setup menu and select "network search"..
3. If "Network Type" has different values, select "Wireless.".
4. Wait for the device to detect all available networks.
5. Select your wireless Wi-Fi network (by unique name).
6. Enter your password and press "Done..

If the connection test failed, make sure the correct network name (SSID) was selected and the correct wireless encryption key was entered. Then turn off the TV, disconnect the modem and router/access point. Wait about 30 seconds, reconnect the modem and router/access point, and then turn the TV back on. Repeat the network test.

If the connection is correct, your TV has accessed the Internet. Just type the name of what you want to watch into the TV's player and start enjoying your favorite show!

Connecting and configuring the adapter

Connect the adapter to the USB port of the Samsung TV. You do not need to do any additional manipulations – the device should be detected automatically.

1. Use the remote control to open the menu. Look for the item "Network" – "Network Settings".
2. Select the wireless connection. A list of available networks is displayed. Find your router and click on it. Now you have to use the virtual keyboard to enter your password.

It's easy to slip up here, so turn on the "Show password" option. That way it's easier to spot and correct the mistake.

If the password is correct, you'll see a successful connection message on the screen. Press OK and check that the Internet is working properly. For example, open your browser and try to log in to a site.

Connectivity problems

1. The first problem that can occur is that the TV does not connect to Wi-Fi. The list of available wireless networks does not appear. Most likely, your adapter is not recognized or is not working properly. Try disconnecting it from the USB port and inserting it again. If that doesn't work, your adapter might not be supported by this model of TV. You may need to reflash it or replace it with a different one. It is also possible that the device is defective. Contact your dealer to have it checked.
2. The TV cannot connect to the network. Most likely, the password is not entered correctly. Try connecting again. Check if the Internet works on your other devices. Restart your router. If possible, try connecting to another network. If there is a problem with your line, contact your ISP.

If you are not using DHCP or the router is configured for user authentication, check that the connection settings on the TV are correct. Check if the Internet is connected to the TV via cable. If necessary, change the connection settings. If DHCP is enabled on the router, but there is no internet on the TV, try manually specifying DNS 8.8.8.8 in the connection settings.

Connection and setup

Now, let's briefly describe how to connect the adapter to the TV set.

For Samsung

Insert the adapter into a USB port. Using the remote control, enter the TV settings. Open "Network" – "Network Settings".

Select the network type "Wireless. Find your router in the list that opens and tap on it. Enter your password and click "Done. Wait for the connection to be established.

For LG.

First, you need to plug the adapter into the USB port. When the TV recognizes it, a pop-up message will appear on the screen saying the device is connected.

Go into settings and select the "Network" menu item. Go to "Network connection".

Here, select your wireless connection. A list of available networks will appear. Find yours among them.

For Sony

Connect the Sony proprietary adapter to the USB port on the TV. On the remote control, press the Home button. Go to "Settings" – "Network" – "Network Settings".

Press the "Wireless" button first, then "Next". Select your network from the list and enter your password to connect.

Problems and solutions

The TV does not see the Wi-Fi network

Make sure the adapter is detected. Pull it out of the jack and insert it again. Most TVs will display a message on the screen saying the device is connected. If the TV does not recognize the adapter, there is most likely a compatibility issue.

When the adapter is recognized but networks are still not available, try placing the router next to the TV. Your device may not have a strong enough receiver.

Check to see if other devices are connecting to the router. Reboot your router.

If your adapter is running on 2.4 GHz, make sure that broadcasting in this band is turned on on your router. When only the 5 GHz network is active, the adapter won't be able to detect it. Also set the wireless mode to mixed – b/g/n standards.

The TV sees the network, but cannot connect

Check if you are entering the password correctly. Turn on the "Show password" option on your TV.

Connected to the network, but the Internet is not working

Check if the Internet is available on your other devices and the router. Reboot your router. If there is no Internet connection on it, contact your ISP's customer service.

Why do I need a Wi-Fi adapter?

If the TV model you purchased is not equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, it does not mean that you will not be able to connect to the internet without using a cable. It is enough to get a special router that is compatible with your equipment.

To ensure that the Wi-Fi adapter for LG TV works without any failures, buy a portable router of the same brand as the TV equipment. This decision is due to compatibility issues. Unfortunately, it is not possible to install drivers on the TV device. Consequently, if the module and the TV are made by the same company, they are absolutely compatible.

The portable hardware module has all the capabilities of wireless Internet, just like built-in adapters. If we talk about appearance, the component is extremely reminiscent of a flash drive, it is connected via a USB connector.

To connect the Internet to the TV, you need to buy a quality adapter. Therefore, the selection process is extremely important. You can not take the first router you see and buy it. It is necessary to take into account certain nuances.

What to pay attention to when choosing?

To successfully buy a modem, it is necessary to study in detail the instructions, which are included in the basic package of TV equipment. At the same time it is necessary to take into account that the USB Wi-Fi adapter, designed for a PC, is not compatible with the TV.

It is also necessary to take into account additional parameters that reflect the functionality and service life of this type of device:

Let's start with the most important, what modules are compatible with the TV from the company LG? To answer this difficult question, you should carefully study the technical characteristics of the adapter and the TV. As mentioned earlier, if both devices are made by LG, there will be no problems with compatibility.

This parameter is extremely important, because it determines the speed of data transmission. For all of the above standards, there are a few more parameters – the maximum bandwidth (the figure that is supported by the equipment in theory) and real (the actual output of the receiver).

The weakest standard in terms of throughput is 802.11b. It maxes out at 11 megabits per second, while the actual throughput is only 3 Mbps. 802.11n has the highest capacity. The real bandwidth is 150 Mbit/s.

All other standards have the following parameters:

Why is the difference between maximum and real bandwidth so significant? It is not about advertising and marketing, the quality of the Wi-Fi signal is also affected by interference. Sometimes the signal cannot penetrate certain obstacles, which are often walls, furniture, etc. In order to maximize the bandwidth you need to be in an empty house without walls and partitions, it is clear that this is not possible.

Possible problems when connecting

It is not always possible to set up a network the first time. Sometimes the message "Network Error", "Check the connection of the hardware key" or "No Internet connection" pops up on the screen.

If all your devices are connected to Wi-Fi and the TV can't, it may not be set up correctly. What to do:

1. Go to "Menu" – "Settings".
2. Section "Network" – "Wi-Fi network connection".
3. The "Advanced Settings" item.
4. Press the "Change" button, uncheck "Automatic" and specify DNS: 8.8.8.8.
5. Select "Connection".

The menu items may vary depending on the TV model.

Sometimes Smart TV doesn't want to connect to the Internet due to errors accumulated in the software. To avoid encountering such a problem, it's worth timely updating the software.

Another problem is technical work on the part of the provider. In this case, it is sufficient to call the operator and see if he carries out service work or fixes the problem.

Wi-Fi adapter for your TV is a practical addition that will give it access to the Internet. Wireless connection is much more convenient and practical than a wired connection – nothing gets under your feet, does not get in the way when cleaning. The main thing is to choose the right module, making sure that it is compatible with the TV model. It's easy to set up – plug it in, connect it and enjoy watching your favorite movies and TV shows.

Signal amplification and enhancement

Sometimes it happens that the adapter is already connected, but video broadcasts are of poor quality. The image is interrupted, freezes, and lags. These signs indicate a drop in transmission speed.

1. Move the router closer to the TV.
2. Remove obstacles in the signal path. It is especially important to move appliances that cause interference – microwaves, phones, etc.
3. Open the router settings and then the wireless network. Select the desired country so that the device determines the communication channels by itself. In this case, Wi-Fi will not conflict with standard phone waves. If the adapter does not have a country setting, set the mode to 1, 3, or 5.
4. Turn the antennas of the router toward the TV. Install them so that they create a 45 degree angle with the floor surface.

Connecting Problems

It is not always possible to successfully connect and configure the adapter the first time. Sometimes "network error" or "no internet connection" messages appear on the screens. The problem must be solved before you can find the cause of the problem.

Incorrect autosetup

If of all the devices "powered" by home Wi-Fi, only the TV has problems, most likely it has a wrong autoset. To fix the problem, you need to enter the Google DNS address in the appropriate field.

Procedure:

1. Press the "Menu" → "Settings" button on the remote control. Go to "Network" → "Wi-Fi connection".
   
2. Then go to "Advanced Settings" → "Change". Uncheck the box next to "Automatic" and enter the numbers: 8.8.8.8. Click on the "Connect" button.
   
3. If the problem is really due to auto settings, then after you have done the work, you will see a message on the TV screen that the Internet was successfully connected.

Problems with the software or hardware

As the Smart TV is used, bugs may appear in the hardware causing problems connecting the TV to the Internet. To prevent them, you need to preventively update the software.

If there is no Wi-Fi connection, reflashing is performed via wire or flash drive. Software update instructions are usually published by the manufacturers on their websites.

When updating the software it is worth bearing in mind that using third party firmware leads to denial of warranty service.

Problems from the provider

Lack of signal can be due to incorrect operation of the provider's equipment. To clarify the issue, call your service provider and find out if any work is being done or if there is a global breakdown.

How to connect and configure?

It is not enough to successfully pick up a quality Wi-Fi adapter with suitable parameters. It must be installed correctly. You have to connect the device to an existing device, and then configure it. In these procedures, there is nothing too complicated and incomprehensible.

Let's break down how to properly connect and configure the devices in question for the TV.

• Firstly you need to carefully insert the purchased Wi-Fi adapter into any of the available slots (it all depends on what type of connection your device has, usually it is USB).
• After that, you will need to take the remote control. Using this control, you will need to go to the settings or options on your TV.
• Then go to the "networks" section. Depending on the type of firmware on the equipment, the name of the section and configuration may be different, such as "Wireless Networks" or "Wireless Connections". The main thing is to grasp the meaning of the selected item.
• You will now need to connect to a wireless network. Select your network.
• Next, you will need to enter the access password and make the connection.

WPS connection is performed as follows.

• The user must go to the router. It will be necessary to find the button to enable the quick access WPS. Typically, it is located on the back of the device. If you have a Zyxel Keenetic router at home, you can find the button on the front side of the router – it is marked with a key or a wave symbol. Press the button.
• Set it to WPS in your TV settings. Enter your password or an active PIN.
• Now you need to go back to the router again. Press the same WPS button again to grant access.

As you can see, the whole procedure for connecting and setting up the Wi-Fi adapter is elementary. Don't be intimidated if you don't understand something.

Possible problems

Despite the fact that modern models of Wi-Fi adapters are made high-quality, reliable and durable, this does not mean that there will never be problems with them. Let's consider what kind of malfunctions the user may encounter and how they can be corrected on their own.

Many people are faced with the fact that the wireless connection can not be set up, and the TV does not see the adapter. Such a problem can arise due to the work or subtle settings of the router. It can be solved by entering data and manual network settings. The algorithm may not be the easiest. Let's consider step by step how to proceed if the equipment does not connect to Wi-Fi.

• Open the menu of your TV. Again, go to "Wireless Networks" (in your case, the name may be different depending on the firmware).
• The next step is to select the "Manual Setup" type.
• Open the field where you will need to enter the appropriate data to configure the technique.
• Enter the IP address carefully. Usually you will enter it using the remote control.
• Then go to the next input field. Here you need to specify the gateway and subnet mask.
• You need to enter the DNS values.
• Select the network and press "Ok" or "Enter". If you do not see the network you want on the list, you will have to create it yourself. To do this you will need to enter the password and name that you entered and set up when you set up your router.
• At the end of all the procedures, check that the network is working properly.

See the video on how to connect the Wi-Fi adapter for your TV.

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