What is wifi wireless network adapter mini usb

What Is a Wi-Fi Adapter?

Ryan Dube is a freelance contributor to Lifewire and former Managing Editor of MakeUseOf, senior IT Analyst, and an automation engineer.

Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years’ experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.

• Wi-Fi & Wireless
• The Wireless Connection
• Routers & Firewalls
• Network Hubs
• ISP
• Broadband
• Ethernet
• Installing & Upgrading

A Wi-Fi adapter lets you convert a desktop computer or a laptop into a wireless-capable device. Once installed, it enables you to use the internet without the need for a network cable.

There are several kinds of Wi-Fi adapters, both internal and external. The one you choose depends on the type of computer you have, available ports, and how much you’re willing to spend.

What Does a Wi-Fi Adapter Do?

A Wi-Fi adapter allows you to connect your desktop or laptop computer to your wireless router so that you can access your home network and the internet.

Without a Wi-Fi adapter, you would need to run an ethernet cable from the router to your computer and plug it into your computer’s ethernet port.

These days, most newer computers come with Wi-Fi capability built-in (as an internal Wi-Fi adapter card). However, if you still have an older computer that only has an ethernet port and no Wi-Fi capability, you’ll need to use a Wi-Fi adapter to connect to your router wirelessly.

Does a Wi-Fi Adapter Give You Wi-Fi?

There are two things you’ll need for a Wi-Fi adapter to work correctly. Just installing a Wi-Fi adapter on your computer won’t give you a Wi-Fi network. You’ll also need:

• A working internet connection to your home (typically from an Internet Service Provider or ISP)
• Modem (usually provided by the ISP) to connect to the live internet cable or DSL wire
• A router that handles wireless communication between your devices, the network, and the internet

Many ISPs provide one device that serves as both the modem and router. But in either case, you’ll need a router capable of providing a Wi-Fi network. You’ll connect the Wi-Fi adapter to the network provided by the router.

Types of Wi-Fi Adapters

There is a wide variety of Wi-Fi adapters available, depending on your needs. Choose the adapter that’s best suited for your computer setup and how you want to use your wireless network.

A PCI adapter is a card you’ll need to slide into one of the PCI slots inside your desktop computer. Before you buy one of these, open your computer case and ensure that an empty PCI slot is available. These are long, narrow slots near one side of the case where you can remove a metal covering to open up an external hole where the external antenna usually screws into the card.

A PCMCIA adapter fits into the PCMCIA slot on the side of laptops that support it. It may also include an antenna. The adapter looks like a thick credit card. It’s convenient because you can easily remove it and use it on any other laptop that supports PCMCIA adapters.

A MiniPCI or MiniPCI express adapter inserts into a PCI slot inside your notebook. You’ll need to open your notebook case and ensure you have an available PCI slot to install the adapter. The adapter is all internal and will enable wireless functionality for your notebook without having to use one of your PCMCIA slots.

A USB Wireless adapter is one of the most convenient Wi-Fi adapters because it works with both desktop and laptop computers, so long as you have an available USB slot. It’s the best option if you don’t want to open up your computer case and want a plug-and-play solution. However, you may need to install driver software that comes with the USB adapter when you buy it.

An ethernet port adapter either plugs directly into your computer’s ethernet port or comes as a box with an ethernet port and antenna. If you buy the box version, you’ll also need an ethernet cable to connect your computer’s ethernet port to the box. This solution is best for older computers that have an ethernet port but no wireless functionality.

If you choose a Wi-Fi adapter that requires internal installation, remember to follow proper grounding practices, such as wearing a grounding strap, which will protect from damaging any internal components due to static charge.

Do I Need a Wi-Fi Adapter?

If your computer is close enough to your router that a network cable will reach it, use the cable as this is usually the best option. Using a wired connection like this eliminates Wi-Fi range and interference issues and, as a bonus, allows faster transmission of data.

However, if you’re too far from the router, a Wi-Fi adapter is the best option. It lets you use your computer or laptop at any location, as long as you’re within range of the wireless router.

As mentioned earlier, most computers sold today have Wi-Fi capabilities built-in, so make sure to turn on your Wi-Fi before you decide to buy a Wi-Fi adapter.

Источник

Wi-Fi Dongle – адаптер для доступа к интернету по Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Dongle – общее название беспроводных адаптеров, которые подключаются к ПК по USB. Устройство обеспечивает доступ к интернету «по воздуху», недорого стоит.

Зачем нужен?

Известно, что для подключения ПК к роутеру требуется кабель. В результате зачастую приходится тянуть провод через всю квартиру. Это не совсем удобно, поэтому было создано устройство для беспроводного соединения – адаптер. Он принимает сигнал маршрутизатора и передает его на компьютер или ноутбук.

Очень подробно о типах адаптеров, о том, как они работают, писала наша Блондинка тут.

Востребованные модели

В магазинах можно найти множество устройств Wi-Fi Донгл. Вот примеры моделей:

• USB Wi-Fi Mini Adapter Dongle. Популярные адаптеры, которые принимают беспроводной сигнал и передают его на ПК. Чтобы воспользоваться по назначению, требуется загрузить и установить драйвер на компьютер. Специальная программа представлена на официальном сайте производителя. Адаптеры с подобным названием можно найти на известном китайском сайте. Цена их от 50 до 200 рублей.

• D-Link DWA-131/E. Оснащен внутренней несъемной антенной. Работает на частоте 2,4 ГГц. Подходит для пяти самых популярных операционных систем. Примерная цена – 500 рублей.

• Mercusys MW300UH. Имеет две антенны, которые гарантируют более качественный прием и передачу данных. Скорость беспроводного соединения – 300 Мбит в секунду. Цена – 600 рублей.

Кроме того, есть устройства, которые работают в двух диапазонах (2,4 и 5 ГГц), подключаются с помощью USB удлинителя, то есть адаптер можно поставить в любое удобное место. Есть и такие, которые подключаются непосредственно к материнской плате компьютера.

В следующем видео – тестирование Wi-Fi Dongle из Китая:

Dongle Wi-Fi – адаптер, который помогает установить беспроводное соединение компьютера и роутера. Девайс позволяет подключать домашние устройства к интернету «по воздуху», обеспечивает стабильный сигнал. Можно купить в любом медиа-маркете или интернет-магазине.

Источник

What is mini USB WiFi adapter?

The wireless USB adapter is a small device with prominent uses. These handy devices can help you connect your laptops or PCs to wireless networks like Wi-Fi. You can achieve a stable internet connection for your devices through these adapters. These devices can provide a seamless, and lag-free connection.

What is the difference between WiFi dongle and USB dongle?

Dongles therefore include wireless modems, software copy protect devices and adapters. A WiFi dongle is 802.11g USB adapter which provides access to a wireless network….

Dongle	Modem
Types	USB Dongles can be divided into – WiFi dongle Bluetooth USB dongle Memory dongle	Cable DSL Dial Up

How does WiFi USB dongle work?

How do dongles work? A dongle plugs into your laptop’s USB port and then acts as a portable modem. Once plugged in, the dongle connects to the internet in the same way as your smartphone and gives the user 3G, 4G or 5G connectivity.

Which Wi-Fi dongle is best for PC?

1. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. Best USB Wi-Fi Adapter.
2. TP-Link Archer T3U Plus. Best Budget USB Wi-Fi Adapter.
3. TP-Link N150 USB WiFi Adapter (TL-WN725N) Best Ultra Cheap USB Wi-Fi Adapter.
4. Asus USB-AC68. Best USB Wi-Fi Adapter For Gaming.
5. D-Link DWA-192.
6. TP-Link Archer T4U Plus.
7. Net-Dyn AC1200.
8. Netgear A6150 AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter.

Can dongle be used as WIFI adapter?

Illustrious. That is what it supports. at the end is the B/G/N so yes it can be used to get Wifi from a Wireless router or Access Point like at home or at a cafe or something along with getting broadband from a broadband carrier and also it can be used as a HotSpot (connect phones, tablets, ect) to it for internet.

Does WIFI adapter increase internet speed?

A USB WiFi adapter overrides the computer’s built-in wireless functionality, giving you a faster, more reliable connection to your available network signals through the USB port instead.

Can I get Wi-Fi without Internet provider?

Depending on where in the world you live, there may be a lot of public WiFi hotspots available around you. These are great options to access WiFi without an internet provider. There are also networks of private WiFi hotspots that offer premium prepaid internet access that’s much cheaper than using mobile data.

How can I connect my PC to Wi-Fi without cable?

A wireless network adapter is a device that connects your PC to a wireless network. To connect your portable or desktop PC to your wireless network, the PC must have a wireless network adapter. Most laptops and tablets—and some desktop PCs—come with a wireless network adapter already installed.

Which is the best 4G dongle?

What is the best USB WiFi adapter?

What is the best Wi Fi adapter?

Why is my wireless network adapter not working?

Источник