How to choose a USB adapter - expert advice. Which WiFi adapter for your computer should you buy? The best WiFi adapter

Abrikosov Vadim

Pros: Compact. Not expensive, bought it for 450 rubles during a sale. For several months now everything has been working fine, without any glitches. The adapter is installed on the back wall of the computer and looks into the concrete wall. There is no direct line of sight to the router (line of sight is blocked by an LCD TV, audio speaker and another computer).

Minuses: The kit does not include drivers for Win 10 and instructions (the shortest!) for installing this adapter.

I have a “native” router for this adapter installed - D-LINK 320. Perhaps that is why I do not experience the problems that I read about in the reviews.
There were no difficulties with installation either. I can only repeat what has already been written here:
1) After purchasing an adapter, do not plug it into your computer right away.
2) First, download via internet cable and install the driver for it from the official D-LINK website and RESTART your computer.
3) Disconnect the Internet cable and connect D-link DWA-131.
4) On the “Taskbar” in the “Notification Area” (bottom right, in the tray) the “Wi-Fi Internet access” icon will appear. Click on it with the left mouse button. The entire list of detected Wi-Fi networks will be displayed on the screen. Select yours, click on it, enter your password and the Internet will appear right away.
5) If the password you enter will not be accepted by the system (assuming it is correct) or under the list available Wi-Fi networks will only display the “Airplane” mode, “don’t knock on the tambourine”, but simply restart the computer again and repeat the steps from point No. 3. Everything will work.

The main goal of the creators of this standard was to create a real opportunity for PC users to work with peripheral devices in Plug&Play mode. In other words, the developers wanted to create a real connection between the equipment and the running computer, after which it should be automatically recognized by the device. In this case, all necessary drivers must be installed.

Nowadays there is a huge number of different standards which can confuse and confuse ordinary users. In addition, such diversity can also affect the wallet of people using computer devices and other modern technology. Small devices such as USB adapters, capable of transforming USB interface to another type and vice versa, which greatly facilitates the use of the equipment.

USB adapter

You can often hear the term " USB adapter", which is a synonym USB adapter. Using such a device, you can increase the functionality of many devices, including a computer, due to the matching of the interfaces of adjacent devices. Another common term is " USB Hub» is also an adapter, but with circuits for separating and powering USB channels. There are many different USB adapters available. Among PC users, the most common ones are wireless ones, such as Bluetooth And WiFi. Also quite often used are adapters for car radios, TVs, power converting adapters, etc.

USB bluetooth adapter

USB bluetooth adapter is a special device that allows you to connect a computer that previously did not have this function with another device equipped with the appropriate options to detect it. They are used to wirelessly connect a computer to other devices that support this function, such as phones, printers, laptops and cameras. In this case, the transfer of information is possible on a short distance. Modern Bluetooth adapters are universal and very compact devices that can be purchased at a very affordable price.

When you connect your mobile phone to your computer, you can use them to not only exchange information, but also access records phone book, and even send and receive messages. This feature is available in almost all modern phones, so to exchange data with your computer you only need to plug in the adapter and set up the connection. By connecting mobile phone Using bluetooth, you will configure the modem function with information transfer via the GPRS protocol.

If you decide to purchase such an adapter, then, first of all, you need to decide How far away will your devices be?. Modern models provide the opportunity for high-quality connection at a distance up to one hundred meters. This parameter depends on the transmitter power that the adapter is equipped with. In some devices of this type There are external antennas that allow you to increase the range of signal reception. But the cost of models with a longer reception range is a little more expensive.

Main advantage USB bluetooth adapters are that with their help you can transfer data at a much higher speed than through an infrared port or data cables. It is worth noting that they receive the signal even if there are some obstacles between the connected devices.

USB bluetooth adapters are also used not only to connect digital devices to a computer, but also to connect two computers. Thanks to this, users have the opportunity to play network games or simply exchange information. Considering that prices in Lately These devices are becoming increasingly scarce and are the most popular wireless connection devices.

USB-Wi-Fi adapters

USB-Wi-Fi adapters make it possible to receive a wireless signal from an access point, router, etc. On computers and laptops Wi-Fi function can be built in initially. In this case, you will see a special icon on the case. But if your PC is not equipped with this function, you can use a USB-Wi-Fi adapter, which is connected through the appropriate connector.

It is recommended to use this type of Wi-Fi adapter, as they are the most universal and are suitable for all laptops and computers with a USB port. All these devices look similar to a small flash drive, but differ in their technical characteristics.

When purchasing a Wi-Fi adapter, it is best to give preference to more modern models that support the latest standards for transmitting information at high speeds. up to three hundred megabits per second. Such devices will cost you a little more, but given the fact that equipment ages very quickly, you will save yourself from some problems in the future.

It is also necessary to pay attention to such a parameter as antenna power. The best option is to choose a device at least twenty decibels. In this case, you will be able to receive even weak signals. You can find out about this characteristic in the instructions. An additional advantage would be presence of a connector for an external antenna, which can be included or sold separately.

Today, the most advanced standards that ensure the security of a wireless network are encryption types such as WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and WPA/WPA2, which you should focus on when choosing USB-Wi-Fi adapter. Also an important parameter is support multiple connection modes, which can be either from an access point to a computer or between two computers.

If you want to purchase USB-Wi-Fi adapter for general home use, then you can choose a simpler and cheaper device, having decided only on the brand and some additional characteristics, for example, the ability to automatically configure WPS connection parameters. But if you are going to use the adapter in difficult conditions, it is better to choose a more serious model.

Concerning Wi-Fi adapter manufacturers, then their choice is simply huge, but it is recommended to purchase devices from the company whose equipment is already used in your network. For example, if you have D-Link router, then it is better to purchase the adapter from the same manufacturer. Also among the reputable companies are Asus, Zyxel, Netgear and TP-Link, which produce high-quality products.

Good luck with your choice!

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Wireless technologies are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives. Until recently, the optimal way to connect a personal computer to a local network and the Internet was considered to be a twisted pair connection, which provides a speed of 100 Mbit/s (and even higher) and excellent stability. However, progress does not stand still and there are already quite a lot of wireless devices on the market that can provide fairly fast and reliable communications.

If you already have a wireless router installed in your home or office (aka router), which allows you to organize a wireless network, then to connect to it personal computer or smart TV you will need a wi-fi adapter . This will be a good alternative to a wired connection, which requires labor-intensive cabling.

There are hundreds of models of wi-fi adapters on the market. How to choose the right model?

Wi-Fi standards

First of all, you need to decide on the supported standards. wireless communication. Modern devices can support the following standards (in order from slow to fast): 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac.

The 802.11n and 802.11ac standards are the most modern and fastest. At the same time, the 802.11n standard was adopted in 2009 and this moment most of the time wireless devices supports him. The 802.11ac standard was adopted in 2014. Devices that support this standard, are produced in smaller quantities and are usually more expensive. The remaining standards are considered obsolete, but all modern devices they are also supported for compatibility.

Below is a summary table reflecting the main differences between the different standards.

Wireless connection speed

The speed of the wireless connection depends on the supported standard, as well as the number of transmitting and receiving antennas. In the 802.11n standard, the maximum data transfer rate per antenna is 150 Mbit/s, in the 802.11ac standard - 433 Mbit/s.

It should be noted that the theoretical data transfer rate in all standards differs significantly from the real one. Firstly, wi-fi devices Half the time is spent transmitting data, and the other half is spent receiving. Therefore, the theoretical speed must be immediately divided by 2 (which is reflected in the table). Secondly, together with useful information Quite a lot of service traffic is transmitted, including that necessary to ensure noise immunity.

That is why, even under ideal conditions, the data transfer speed from one device to another will be 2-3 times lower than the theoretical one (the one indicated on the box), depending on the class of the device. Budget models, as a rule, show noticeably more modest results than top-end adapters. If there is interference from walls or household appliances the speed may drop several times more.

Frequency range

Wireless devices can currently operate in two frequency bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz.

Number of antennas

Wireless communication standards 802.11n and 802.11ac provide the ability to use multiple antennas (MIMO, from the English Multiple Input Multiple Output), which increases the connection speed by a multiple. The 802.11n standard allows the use of up to 4 antennas, 802.11ac - up to eight.

To achieve maximum speeds and a stable connection, it is advisable to choose wireless equipment with multiple antennas. As a rule, adapters and routers with multiple antennas are more expensive.

Supported OS and other hardware

Manufacturers of wi-fi adapters, as a rule, release drivers for their devices for most operating systems. However, older versions of operating systems (such as Windows XP) may not be supported. There may also be problems with device support on new operating systems.

Therefore, when choosing an adapter, you must definitely pay attention to the list of supported operating systems.

If you purchase an adapter to connect to a TV network, it would be a good idea to check the list of supported adapters on the manufacturer’s website (if available).

Conditional price ranges of wi-fi adapters (note that price policy manufacturers may vary greatly):

adapters costing up to 1200 rubles. As a rule, these are inexpensive 802.11n adapters that have either an internal antenna or 1-2 external antennas. Claimed data transfer rates range from 150 to 300 Mbit/s. Provide acceptable communication quality at an affordable price.

adapters costing from 1200 to 2500 rubles.

These are 802.11ac adapters that have 1 - 2 internal or external antennas (depending on the type of connection). They provide theoretical data transfer rates from 300 to 867 Mbit/s (in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, respectively), significantly ahead of cheap models.

adapters costing over 2,500 rubles support speeds of up to 1,300 Mbit/s and higher, and have 2-3 external or internal antennas. Provide maximum speeds at maximum price.

I hope this guide will help you understand the nuances of wireless technologies and consciously approach the choice of wireless devices.

A Wifi wireless network adapter for a computer/laptop is a special device that allows you to receive a signal from a router. As well as an access point, repeater, or any other device that broadcasts the Internet using this method of data transmission. Today I will tell you how to choose the right one for your computer or laptop.

Types of wifi adapters for computers and laptops In the vast majority of cases, the wifi network adapter in a laptop is built-in from the factory. It is placed inside the case itself, and the typical Wi-Fi icon will be present on the lid or in the instructions. U desktop computer

most often it is not. Especially if you assembled it yourself. In this case, you can use an external wireless adapter connected via the USB connector. This type is also suitable for a laptop if the built-in module fails, which happens quite often.

Why do you need a Wi-Fi wireless network adapter?

A WiFi adapter is required to connect a computer, laptop or TV to the Internet via a wireless signal. Without a network adapter, neither a computer nor a laptop will be able to connect to the Internet via a router via wifi.

Despite all the shortcomings, I would choose the USB option for home, since it can be used not only on a PC, but also on any laptop that has this port. It looks like a flash drive, and in size they range from very small to quite voluminous.

Characteristics of wireless WiFi adapters for laptops and computers

In addition to the classification by built-in/external type, when choosing a wifi network adapter you need to pay attention to its specifications.

First, you need to choose a device that supports the latest data transfer standard - at a frequency of 2.4 GHz with speeds of up to 300 Mbit per second - 802.11 N.
If you have a dual-band router, that is, supporting the 5 GHz frequency range, then you can significantly increase the speed and stability of the connection - up to 700 Mbit/s according to the 802.11 AC standard. And although they cost a little more, by choosing such a thing you save yourself from possible problems in the future, technology will become obsolete very quickly.
Secondly, you need to pay attention to the power of the receiving antenna. The best option is from 20 dBM. This characteristic is indicated in the instructions. By choosing this parameter you ensure more stable reception of signals that are not very strong.
A good feature is the presence of a connector for connecting an external antenna. In more expensive models of wireless wifi adapters, it is already included in the kit, most often it is non-removable. In cheap ones, on the contrary, it is hidden inside the device body. However, the presence of such a connector will allow you to purchase a more powerful antenna separately. For this type of antenna, a gain of 3 dBi (decibel) is recommended.
The picture below shows the most inexpensive option with a built-in antenna. The speed in such models usually does not exceed 150 Mbit/s, so they are only suitable for performing simple office tasks on the Internet

Larger size - more powerful filling

More productive - with external detachable antenna

And the most powerful - several antennas + USB extension cable
Another positive point is the included USB extension adapter. It is convenient, when the computer is standing somewhere under the table, to bring the receiver unit itself to the surface to improve the quality of communication.

By the way, a remote module with antennas is also found on PCI models
Supports WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption types. These are the most advanced security standards for a wireless network today, which allow you to reliably protect it from intruders
Supports various connection modes. The main mode of any wifi wireless network adapter is from the access point to the client, that is, you receive a signal from the router to it, thanks to which the computer has Internet. But there is another mode - Ad-Hoc (client-client). It will allow you to directly connect two client computers bypassing the router.
Various additional features

Which Wi-Fi adapter to choose for a computer or laptop?

In accordance with the above parameters, you can already figure out which model of wifi adapter to choose for your computer. As I already said, the USB type is more universal and is suitable not only for a desktop PC, but also for a laptop. And perhaps a tablet or even a TV.

In principle, for home, if your router is located nearby under the table, you can choose any one. Preferences only for companies and additional characteristics. Such as support for media application prioritization (QoS) or technology automatic settings WPS connection settings. You can buy such an adapter for less than 1000 rubles. If you want to use your computer in different combinations of wireless connections and have stable reception in difficult conditions, then take a more serious model. For one and a half to two thousand and more.

Which adapter brand should I choose?

There are countless manufacturers of USB wifi adapters. But I recommend choosing exactly the company whose devices you already have on the network - this is not a necessary condition, but this way you will achieve maximum compatibility and stability. If you have an Asus router, then it is better to take the adapter from this company. If Zyxel, then Zyxel.

Any wifi adapter comes with a disk with drivers that need to be installed. And also most likely there will be a special utility for use network settings. For example, this is what the interface for a device from Trendnet looks like:

However, I recommend using it only if you have a buggy Windows XP. Built-in in Windows 7, 8, 10 and higher software for wireless connections it copes with the task perfectly on its own - all you need is drivers.

If there is no disk, then you can easily download them from the network. It is best from the official website of the manufacturer. You can also most likely download the instructions there, since only a small brief guide is included with the purchase.

I have provided the official websites of all major companies producing network equipment in. By the way, it also contains some practical tips, many of which are suitable for choosing a wireless network adapter.

How to connect a wi-fi network adapter to a computer and laptop?

Let's now look at how to connect a wifi network adapter to a PC or laptop.

First of all, you should insert it into the USB connector. It is best not to use any adapters for this, namely those sockets that are located at the back of the computer case. They are directly related to motherboard, so the connection will be better. In most cases, this does not apply to a laptop, since few people use adapters. Unless it's a MacBook, of course.

At work Windows desktop a notification will appear indicating that a new device has been detected in the system.

If it is not installed automatically, then insert the CD and start the installation. Along with firewood, you can also supply special utility. With its help, you can not only connect, but later set the network parameters in more detail.

To connect a laptop or computer adapter to wifi, click on the wireless connections icon that appears in the lower right corner of the taskbar.

A list of networks available for connection will open. Next, select the one you want to connect to and enter its password.

After which the computer will connect to the Internet.

I hope this article will help you choose the right WiFi adapter. Read about that in another article. I answer all questions in the comments.

Video on connecting and setting up a wireless wifi adapter

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Most modern laptops and other mobile devices are equipped with Wi-Fi receivers that allow you to connect to wireless networks. However, this does not always apply to stationary PCs, which are designed for a wired connection due to their characteristics. But for many users, it is vitally important to connect a desktop computer to Wi-Fi - this allows you to get rid of wiring during the finished repair, as well as increase the convenience of interaction between different devices on the same network.

To do this, it is not at all necessary to purchase a PC with a built-in wireless communication module - just install an additional receiver. We will look at what Wi-Fi adapters for computers are, what their technical parameters may be, and also which specific models should be preferred.

Any desktop computer can be upgraded for Wi-Fi

First of all, you should decide which interface you will use to connect the adapter to your computer. The most popular is a portable receiver with a USB plug. In size, such devices do not differ from large flash drives, so you can even carry them in your pocket or on a key ring. Adapters using the USB interface are ideal for people who often use different computers and laptops, since they are designed for frequent reconnection. However, such a receiver has a very serious disadvantage - models with external antennas are extremely rare, so the range wireless connection will be minimal.

The adapter can also be connected to the PCI Express connector, which is located on motherboard computer. In fact, such a receiver is network card for a computer with the ability to work in a regular wireless network. The PCI Express interface provides better power supply to the module, so connecting a PC to Wi-Fi will be easy, even if the router is quite far away. Embedded adapters usually have internal or external antennas high power, so the user will not experience any serious problems with the quality of the connection.

For a laptop or modern computer in Net-top format, you can purchase a receiver that is installed in the PCMCIA “expansion slot” or its analogues from various electronics manufacturers. Such wifi adapter outwardly it is an oblong card, devoid of any protrusions (like the model with a USB plug, it can be carried in your pocket). A clear advantage of the PCMCIA interface is the ability to install an additional module without rebooting the computer, as well as the absence of protruding parts, unlike USB adapters. However, the problems remain the same - the built-in antenna cannot provide stable reception of information at a great distance from the router.

Technical specifications

Most people make the mistake of buying a Wi-Fi receiver for their desktop computer. They are confident that all devices, without exception, use standard parameters, so there are no significant differences between them. This is absolutely false, because adapters differ in signal strength, which determines the quality of reception over a fairly large distance. The normal value for a modern home and average office is 20 dBM. If it is lower, use such a device to connect the PC to Wi-Fi networks This will only work in a small apartment.

The antenna gain is also important - the higher it is, the larger the reception radius of the computer. However, you should not rely on exorbitant values, since such adapters will be expensive and will also consume too much energy. To connect a PC to a wireless network via a USB receiver, you should choose a model with a gain of 2 dBi, and for a built-in device with an external antenna you need to focus on a figure of 5 dBi.

Finally, you need to pay close attention to the wireless communication standards that the adapter supports. You should immediately abandon devices that use connection protocols B or G - they provide data transfer at a speed of no higher than 16 Mbit/s. Despite the outright obsolescence of such communication standards, many manufacturers still produce USB receivers that support them. It is worth purchasing such models only in one case - when you are looking for a cheap device that you will use very rarely.

To connect your computer to global network at a sufficiently high speed, select an N standard adapter - its maximum throughput reaches 300 Mbit/s. Practice shows that this is quite enough for watching movies online, downloading large multimedia files, as well as Internet surfing and other purposes. And only if you use your PC to work with professional applications or for cutting-edge online games, you will need to buy an AC receiver that can transmit up to 10 gigabits per second. It is almost useless to look for USB adapters that support Wi-Fi AC - they are quite expensive and are usually produced in the form of built-in modules.

Remember that purchasing a receiver that does not match the Wi-Fi standard used by your router is useless. Even if you buy newest device Using a high-speed data transfer protocol, a type G router will not allow you to connect your computer to the Internet at a speed of more than 16 Mbit/s. Therefore, before purchasing an adapter, you should take a look at the characteristics of your existing wireless network.

Best models

External receiver

To connect your PC to a wireless network, you should choose the D-Link DWA-127 receiver. Unlike numerous analogs that use the USB interface, it is equipped with a full-size antenna that provides excellent signal amplification. Thanks to this, the adapter can operate at any distance from the router without a drop in data transfer speed. Of course, for a USB receiver external antenna is not only an advantage, but also a significant disadvantage - carrying it in your pocket will be inconvenient. However, when connecting to a desktop PC, this problem is unlikely to be relevant.

An adapter that supports the N data transfer standard is a reasonable solution, given its widespread use in modern electronics and the limited bandwidth of the USB 2.0 interface. Its body contains a WPS key designed to connect to the router in automatic mode. Similar device will be an ideal option for a modern computer equipped with a sufficient number of USB ports - it provides a stable connection and does not require any effort to install.

Built-in model

The phrase “Cheap and cheerful” is perfectly suited to describe the ASUS PCI-N10 adapter. This model costs approximately 800–1000 rubles, but its parameters are not inferior to analogues with a price 3–5 times higher. The main advantage of the device is the use of special technology that allows it to be installed as virtual router, to which you can connect another computer or mobile device. This scheme is often used by small businesses - to expand the reception radius of a Wi-Fi network, they use adapters for desktop computers rather than expensive routers.

The device supports the N data transfer standard and provides connection speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. The PCI Express slot has a fairly large bandwidth, so there will be no delays when viewing multimedia content online. The user can connect a computer to a wireless network using any type of data encryption. On the back panel of the adapter there is a WPS button, designed for automated connection with the router.

For laptops

Of course, most laptops are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi communication modules and do not require the installation of an additional adapter, but there are exceptions. An example of them are mobile workstations, as well as specialized mobile computers, which are designed to perform a limited range of functions. A D-Link DWA-645 PCMCIA card was developed especially for them, which uses the N data transfer standard, providing connection speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. It has a relatively low cost - approximately 700–850 rubles, which makes it accessible to every user.

The D-Link DWA-645 user has access to a proprietary application that allows you to analyze the Wi-Fi networks in use, identifying connections with the best speed. In addition, with its help it is possible to select the optimal wireless communication channel, its width and other parameters for the router. RangeBooster N technology significantly increases the radius of stable signal reception in comparison with similar devices. The transmitter power is 17 dBM - this is an excellent indicator for a compact device built into a laptop or desktop PC. The adapter can be recommended to anyone who needs a stable connection to a wireless network, but does not want to use receivers with large antennas protruding outward.

Modern options

For users who highly value the versatility of any device, combined adapters are now available. They provide sustainable wireless connection, which complies with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, and also supports Miralink, Apple AirPlay and many others. In addition, in stores you often find adapters designed to establish a direct connection with mobile devices without the participation of a router - they are created using WiMax or Wi-Fi Direct technology. However, only users who own several mobile devices, as well as home electronics that are controlled via wireless communication, can find meaning in purchasing them. In other cases, it is better to give preference to the options described above, since they combine advantages such as practicality, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.