Menu
homeBios

Which Wi-Fi adapter for a computer is better? External WiFi adapters. What types of Wi-Fi adapters are there? Deciding on the connection interface

Nowadays, almost all devices are equipped with wireless Internet WiFi. But there is a separate niche of devices on the market that are not equipped with wireless Internet - these are personal computers. To connect them to the wireless Internet, you will need WiFi devices. WiFi on your computer may be needed in several cases:

  • In the House there is wireless Internet, for example, on a smartphone or tablet, and it must be connected to a PC that does not have WiFi;
  • The computer already has Internet, but I want to distribute it throughout the apartment to save time and money on an additional tariff.

What is a WiFi adapter

A WiFi adapter is used to implement the wireless network function on devices that do not support WiFi. It allows the computer to receive a signal from a wireless network. Now there are two types of adapters: the first are capable of only receiving a signal, the second can operate in signal reception and signal transmission mode. Adapters that have the SoftAP function built-in allow you to create a WiFi access point on your computer.

How to choose an adapter

At choosing WiFi adapter, it is important to consider the connection method. There are so-called USB adapters that are very easy to use as they can be easily removed and connected to another computer. There are adapters that use PCI-E interface. This is a set of chips that are inserted into special slots in the system unit. Before purchasing such an adapter, you first need to check the system unit for free PCI slots where you can connect the device.

One of the most important criteria in choosing an adapter is the WiFi standard. Today the recognized standard wireless communication is 802.11n, guaranteeing fast transfer data up to 300 Mbit/s. In addition, there are new communication standards such as 802.11ac. This latest standard can transmit data from 3000 Mbps to 10 Gbps. But when home use there is no need to pay extra money for speed, since 300 Mbps is quite enough.

It is also worth paying attention to the transceiver. The recommended transmitter power is 20 dBM. If the original transmitter power is lower, the signal will be very weak, even if the Internet source is located within the apartment.

If the appearance of the adapter is not too important, then you can purchase an adapter with an external antenna. It is able to receive a signal much better, but has large dimensions. In addition, there are devices with removable external antennas.

When choosing a WiFi adapter, you should pay attention to their frequency. Manufacturers began to produce devices with a frequency of 5 GHz, but now adapters operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz are still common.

It is also worth paying attention to the presence of the SoftAP function in the adapter. It is recommended to purchase adapters from the same company as the routers that are in the house, as their compatibility will be much better. This will help avoid various kinds of connection problems.

The adapter is installed in a special slot on the computer. After installation, the adapter must be configured - install what is necessary for operation software to implement wireless transmission data. The driver can be installed from the disk that is included with the device, or by downloading from the official website. After installing the driver, you need to configure the network, select required parameters and access points.

Types of adapters

External WiFi adapters

By appearance Such adapters resemble a USB flash drive. Price standard USB The adapter is in the range from 700 to 1000 rubles. If you search hard, you can find devices within 300-400 rubles. This adapter can be connected to a regular USB port or to a USB cable.


.

Internal WiFi adapters

To connect such an adapter to your computer, you will have to slightly disassemble the system unit. The adapters are very easy to connect, and they are much larger than external adapters.

Many people are afraid that when switching to WiFi, the speed of downloading files will drop significantly, but in fact this is not the case. Typically, each WiFi adapter has its own bandwidth. Let's say the Internet connection speed is 1 Mb/s, and the adapter bandwidth is 54 Mb/s. Based on these data, we can conclude that the Internet speed will not drop, because the adapter’s bandwidth is much higher.

.

Wi-Fi Card-Bus adapters

Such adapters are designed for laptops and PDAs that have a special PCCard slot. Such adapters have a built-in antenna, they are very compact and do not require lengthy setup.

WiFi adapter D-linkDWA 525:

The cost of this model is at the level of 500-700 rubles. The characteristics of the model are as follows:

  • Supported wireless standards: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
  • Maximum data transfer rate: 150 Mbit/s
  • Connection interface: PCI
  • Supported information security technologies: WEP, WPA, WPA2
  • Number of external antennas: 1 detachable antenna with R-SMA connector

WiFi adapter ASUS PCI-N10

The cost of this adapter is 500-600 rubles.

The adapter is 802.11n standard and has a PCI interface. It allows you to connect Personal Computer to a wireless Internet network. The adapter can be installed in any 32-bit slot.

Specifications:

  • Encryption support 64/128-bit WEP,WPA2-PSK,WPA-PSK,WPS;
  • WPS (Wi-FiProtectedSetup) button – quick setup of a secure connection;
  • Software AP allows the WLAN adapter to work as virtual point access.
  • Standard 802.11n (150 Mbit/s) with PCI interface.


Modern USB WiFi adapters ensure receipt wireless signals from access points, routers and other devices. Many computers and laptops are already equipped WiFi function, but if it is missing, you can use a usb adapter. These devices are similar in appearance to small flash drives, but they have different specifications.

You should also take a closer look at the parameters that characterize the antenna power (ideally, at least 20 decibels). Thanks to this, it will be possible to clearly capture even the most weak signals. The presence of a connector for an external antenna will become additional benefit. The antenna can be purchased as separate device, and included.

In some adapter models, two antennas can be raised in operating mode, which will enhance the signal quality and increase the data transfer speed. You can purchase compact models in which the antennas are built into the device body itself. The body should preferably have ventilation holes, through which heat will be removed. Due to the absence of such holes, the performance of the device may deteriorate significantly.

The main characteristics of the adapter can be found on its packaging. The front side contains information that lists the standards that the device supports, special features for quick setup adapter, as well as the choice of protection method. In addition, one of the most important points is support for multiple connection modes between two computers.

One of the most popular models on modern market are D-Link adapters DWA-127 and D-Link DWA-566.

The DWA-127 adapter has a built-in antenna providing a wide range wireless connection, and a special hardware WPS button used for automatic settings secure WiFi connection. Thanks to this adapter, a high-quality connection with devices of standard standards (labeled IEEE 802.11) is ensured.

DWA-566 is wireless adapter, giving the opportunity high speed connection computer devices to the network. There is no need to install additional Ethernet cables. This adapter fits all standard slots (x1/x4/x8/x16), has two detachable antennas (with a gain of about 2 dBi), is capable of operating in two bands: at a frequency of 2.4 GHz (marking: IEEE 802.11; b/ g/n) and at a frequency of 5 GHz (marking: IEEE-802.11; a/n). Due to these conditions, wired connection can reach speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s.

These adapters can operate using WEP/WPA/WPA2 encryption protocols, are fully suitable for secure wireless networks and provide reliable security for transmitted data.

The package includes the D-LinkManager WC utility, which allows you to configure convenient parameters and saves the most frequently used profiles. The DWA-127 costs about $22, and the DWA-566 costs about $47.

Setting up a WiFi adapter on a computer

For initial setup The WiFi adapter will require the following components:

  • The WiFi adapter itself;
  • Disc with drivers and other software;
  • User guide.

First you need to install the device into a USB port. It is best to use the ports that are located on the back of the system unit, as they are connected to motherboard and are completely ready for work. You can use the ports located on the front side of the system unit, but first make sure that they are in in working condition. After connecting the device, a message indicating that a new device has been detected will appear. Next you need to install the software and driver package. You should also install software utilities, they will not be superfluous, since with their help you can adjust network parameters and carry out more fine tuning. Next you need to look at the display network connections(the network connections icon is at the bottom of the taskbar). The drop-down window for network connections will list a list of devices that are connected to the PC; you must select the one that was installed in currently. After this, you need to click on the new connection with the left mouse button. In the available network connections window that opens, click on new network to enter the password.

Basic mistakes when choosing a WiFi adapter

One of the most common mistakes people who come to the store to buy a new device is that they unconditionally trust the sales assistants. In reality, the seller, as a rule, tries to sell not the model that best suits the characteristics of others, but the one for which he can get his percentage. That is why, before purchasing, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the functionality of the selected models and read reviews about them on the Internet.

Another mistake is that people think that all adapters are essentially the same. In fact different models differ from each other in power and characteristics, even from the same manufacturer.

Many people are confident that there is no need to spend money on expensive devices. Of course, you can buy an inexpensive device, but its power will be much less than that of one for which you will have to overpay only a few hundred.

In addition, it is also worth noting one of the most big misconceptions that absolutely all equipment produced in China is of poor quality. In reality, the quality of products does not depend on where the manufacturer is located, but on who ordered the production of these products and from whom.

As practice shows, absolutely any user can configure a wireless network. WiFi adapters are reliable devices that are becoming indispensable for people. Buying an adapter can save you from many inconveniences, such as a large number of wires

WiFi receivers have already become such a part of our lives that it’s hard to imagine life without them. Almost all laptops and smartphones are equipped with such a device. With it you can easily and simply connect to wireless networks.

Execution

According to its execution WiFi receivers there are the following types:

  • integrated;
  • interior;
  • external.

In the first case, it is made in the form of a separate microcircuit and soldered into the motherboard. Most often, such devices in this design can be found on inexpensive motherboards, smartphones and netbooks.

The second option is internal. It doesn't happen that often. This is a card that fits into the PCI expansion slot on the motherboard.

In the latter case, such a device is made in a separate case and resembles a flash drive. This WiFi receiver is connected to a regular rectangular USB connector. The price for each version is different. There is no need to buy an integrated adapter, for example. It comes complete with digital device. But comparing internal and external, we can conclude that the latter costs significantly less. Prices for such devices start from 150 rubles. In turn, the cost of internal adapters starts from 400 rubles.

However, their characteristics are identical. Another classification of such devices is based on the standard with which a given wireless adapter can work. IN in this case they are divided as follows:

  • 802.11a - data transfer rate 54 Mbit/s, operating frequency 5 GHz.
  • 802.11b - in this case, the data transfer speed is up to 11 Mbit/s with the same frequency, but the range of this wireless network increases to 150 meters in open areas.
  • 802.11g - this standard appeared 4 years after the first two in 2003. Its speed is the same as “a”, and its range is twice that of “b”. It is backward compatible with the previous two standards.
  • 802.11n - became a logical development of "g". Its data transfer speed has increased (up to 600 Mbit/s), and its range has increased (up to 600 meters).
  • The latest standard - 802.11ac - has not yet become widespread. Its main difference from “n” is the increased data transfer speed, which in this case can reach a phenomenal 10 Gbit/s.

Connection

For integrated Wi-Fi adapter this stage skipped. The internal receiver is installed in the expansion slot of the motherboard. To connect it, you need to remove it from the system unit and install it in the white PCI slot. There may be several of them. It is better for these purposes to use the one with the serial number “1” (if it is free). Next, the Wi-Fi adapter board needs to be fixed with a bolt that is screwed to the case. The next step is to assemble the computer and return it to original state. All described manipulations must be done only with the equipment turned on. If you need to connect external WiFi receivers, you do not have to turn off your computer or laptop. Just find the right rectangular connector and install the adapter into it. For stationary PCs, it is recommended to use those USB sockets that are located on the back side and soldered into the motherboard.

Settings

The next step is software for a PC or laptop. First you need to install the drivers. When you connect a new device, it searches for the software required for its normal operation. At the end of this operation, a message should appear indicating that the equipment is installed and ready for use. But if the required software is not found, a message will appear stating that the operating system did not find it. In this case, you need to install it manually. A CD is included with each adapter. It has required driver V mandatory. If the disk is lost, then necessary information can be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website. Then we launch the installation version of this software and, following the instructions of the wizard, install it on your local computer or laptop. After this, a gray ladder should appear in the lower right corner of the monitor. Click on it with the left mouse button. In the list that opens, we find the wireless network we need and connect to it. If necessary, enter a password to gain access.

Test

At the final stage, you need to check the functionality established connection via WiFi. The computer receiver is also already configured properly. To check, you need to launch any browser that is on your computer (for example, Microsoft Explorer or Opera). Then we enter into it address bar mail.ru address and press “Enter”. After this it should open this portal. Another nuance that you need to pay attention to during the setup process: the operating mode of the router and Wi-Fi transmitter must be the same. For example, if one of them is set to “b” and the other to “n”, then it will be impossible. Although wireless networks are listed available connections will be present.

Conclusion

Within the framework of this material, various modifications of devices such as WiFi receivers were described. The procedure for connecting, configuring and testing them is also indicated. All this will allow any user to easily configure such equipment, regardless of their level of training and knowledge. So, feel free to take it and do it. There shouldn't be any problems.

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 they can be technical specifications, as well as 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 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 USB interface, are ideal for people who often use different computers and laptops, since they are designed to be reconnected frequently. 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 connector PCI Express, which is located on the computer motherboard. In fact, such a receiver is a 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 laptop or modern computer Net-top format, you can purchase a receiver that is installed in the PCMCIA “expansion slot” or its analogues from various manufacturers electronic technology. This Wi-Fi adapter looks like an oblong card without 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 additional module without restarting the computer, and no protruding parts, unlike USB adapters. However, the problems remain the same - the built-in antenna cannot provide stable reception of information on long 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. Normal indicator For modern house and the average office is 20 dBM. If it is lower, using such a device will only be possible to connect a PC to a Wi-Fi network in a small apartment.

The antenna gain is also important - the higher it is, the larger radius The reception will be at 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 cheap device, which you will use very rarely.

To connect your computer to global network enough 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 multimedia files large volumes, 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 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, an external antenna is not only an advantage, but also a significant disadvantage - it will be inconvenient to carry it in your pocket. 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 limited throughput interface USB versions 2.0. 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 come with built-in modules Wi-Fi connection and does 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. She has 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 better speed. In addition, with its help it is possible to select optimal channel wireless connection, 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 a stable wireless connection that complies with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, and also support Miralink technologies, Apple AirPlay and many others. In addition, in stores you can often find adapters designed to establish a direct connection with mobile devices without the participation of a router - they are created using WiMax technologies or Wi-Fi Direct. However, only users who own several can find meaning in purchasing them. mobile devices, as well as home electronics that are controlled wirelessly. 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.

If you have a regular desktop computer and the Internet is connected via Wi-Fi router, that is, there are at least two ways in which you can connect your PC to the router.

Let's look at both options:

  1. Using a network cable. In this case, there is one big minus and one big plus. The downside is that you need to lay a network cable from the router to the computer. And if the router is installed near the PC, then this is not a problem. But it is not always possible to stretch the cable. It is not always convenient and beautiful. Well, the plus is that the cable connection is more stable and the Internet speed will be higher.
  2. By Wi-Fi networks, using a special adapter. Desktop computers, as a rule, do not have built-in Wi-Fi adapters, and in order to connect the PC to a wireless network, this adapter must be purchased, installed and configured. This is not a problem, but it is an additional cost. But no wires. I wrote about this in the article: .

In this article, we will look in detail at what Wi-Fi adapters for PCs are, what to look for when choosing, and how to choose a suitable adapter for a desktop computer. It should be noted that the USB adapters discussed in this article can also be used on laptops without any problems. If the built-in module is broken or does not work for some other reason.

In the meantime, you are choosing a Wi-Fi adapter, you can use it instead mobile device on Android. I wrote in the article how to set it all up.

Perhaps you have another router, then you can try setting it up as a receiver according to the instructions.

What types of Wi-Fi adapters are there? Deciding on the connection interface

First of all, I advise you to decide on the interface through which the adapter will connect to desktop computer. The most popular are USB and PCI Express. There is also PCMCIA (mainly for laptops), but they are no longer very relevant, therefore, we will not consider them. Let's take a closer look at receivers that connect via USB and PCI.

I think you have decided on the connection interface. As for other characteristics, there are no differences between USB and PCI. The information you will find below applies to Wi-Fi adapters with different interfaces.

Selecting a Wi-Fi receiver based on technical characteristics

Once you have decided on the connection interface, you need to look at other technical characteristics. Basically, this is one indicator: data transfer speed wireless wifi networks. The Internet connection speed that you will get on your computer when connected via a Wi-Fi receiver depends on this.

Also pay attention to the coefficient Wi-Fi boost networks. I watched different adapters, the characteristics usually do not indicate the power of the antennas. If your computer is installed far from the router, where the signal is not very stable, then for good Wi-Fi reception signal, take a receiver with external antennas. The system unit is usually installed on the floor. Therefore, for best reception the adapter can be connected via a USB extension cable (if you have an external model) and put it on the table.

Wi-Fi standard, support 802.11ac (5 GHz)

At the time of writing this article (end of March 2017), the most adapters on sale support the 802.11n standard. Wireless network speed up to 300 Mbps (maybe higher). The cheapest Wi-Fi adapters provide speeds of up to 150 Mbps. I would advise buying such adapters only if you need to save a lot. It’s better, of course, to buy a receiver with speeds up to 300 Mbit/s, and even better with support modern standard 802.11ac.

Also, by connecting the Internet to the computer via network cable, and by installing a Wi-Fi adapter, you can distribute Wi-Fi rather than receive it. I wrote how to do this in the article: .

If your PC was previously connected to the Internet via cable, then after connecting via Wi-Fi, the connection speed may drop significantly. There is nothing wrong with this, and it does not mean that you did something wrong or configured something incorrectly. True, it all depends on how much the speed has dropped. Tips for enlargement Wi-Fi speed connections you can find in the article.

In the comments you can leave your question or share useful information on this topic!

Wifi USB adapter is a device for connecting a personal computer or other device to a wireless network.

What are Wi-Fi devices for?

When building a radio network in an office or home, you have to use devices that do not have wireless functions. For example, system units computers, televisions, gaming consoles And so on. Even if the device is equipped with a wireless client, you often have to purchase and install a more modern Wifi USB adapter that supports faster communication formats. After all information Technology are constantly evolving, it often turns out that a device released 2-3 years ago is now irretrievably outdated. Every day, devices are being produced smaller and smaller, while the functions and parameters are increasing. If a couple of years ago, in order to provide the Internet to two personal computers at once, it was necessary to install switches and stretch twisted pair cables around the apartment, today everything is much simpler. It is enough to install a Wifii USB adapter on your PC, which is compatible with all versions of operating systems, and that’s it - the network is ready. You can connect several simultaneously to such an improvised access point. wireless devices. For example, communicators, laptops and other computers. To support such networks, specialized Virtual Wi-Fi software is used. This software is the basis of the Windows 7 operating system. This wireless network supports encryption high level WPA2PSK.

Communication standards for wireless networks

When choosing a Wifi USB adapter, you must first of all pay attention to the standard that supports this device. This setting must match your router. Because if you buy a device that is incompatible with the main equipment, you will not be able to negotiate and configure a wireless network. In this case, an important parameter is the frequency of radio signal transmission. Today, two are widely used (2.4 MHz and 5 MHz). In addition, when choosing an adapter, you need to pay attention to the number of transmitting and receiving devices that the device can support.

Interfaces that support Wi-Fi receivers

Just a few years ago you could find them with a variety of connector types: PCMCI, PCI, and others. However, today USB standard supplanted all other types of interfaces. This is very convenient because, having purchased the mentioned device, the user can use it with any personal computer. And even when replacing your PC with a new one or upgrading an old one, you can always use this adapter.

Specifications

The wireless USB Wifi adapter transmits data at a speed of 300 Mbit/s, and some models are capable of transmitting information at a speed of 450 Mbit/s. There are Wi-Fi devices with three antennas, which significantly increases the performance of the wireless connection and signal stability. On Russian market The top sellers are adapters produced by Asus, D-Link and TP-Link.

Turning a Wi-Fi USB adapter into an access point

Thanks to technology Wi-Fi Virtual any adapter whose drivers support this technology can be used as a Wi-Fi signal distributor for client devices. To debug the system, installing drivers is not necessary; it is enough to use a personal computer with the Windows 7 operating system. This software contains built-in installation utilities. And when installing the equipment, it will offer to download latest version software A list of adapter models that are compatible with the Virtual system can be found on the official website of software developers. Essentially, this is graphical shell, which works with the netsh snap-in via the console. This program makes the process visual and user-friendly; moreover, it is completely free and has all the necessary functionality. In addition to its main purpose, it is capable of switching the adapter to Ad-hoc mode, which allows you to create peer-to-peer networks. Almost all laptops and personal computers are capable of supporting this standard.

How to connect and set up a Wifi USB adapter with the Virtual Router system?

The first step is to install the necessary software on your PC (for example, Connectify), it will convert the Wi-Fi receiver into an access point. After this, we connect the adapter to the USB port of the personal computer. operating system Windows 7 installs drivers on its own; for this, the PC must be connected to the Internet. After this, we launch the program. The first step is to set the name of the wireless network, which is indicated in the HotspotName field. Next, in the Password section, you need to set an access password to the created system. For reliable protection It is recommended that you specify a password of eight characters or more that uses capital letters and capital letters, numbers, and Special symbols. In the future, it must be entered at each wireless client upon first connection. In the "Internet" field, you must select the connection through which the personal computer gains access to World Wide Web. For example it could be LAN card. Then you should select “Local Area Connection”.

Next, in the Advanced field you should specify the Wi-Fi adapter. If only one device is connected to the computer, then select the default, and if there are several, then you need to specify exactly the device that will be used as an access point. This completes the setup; all that remains is to turn on the device. Essentially, we created a Wi-Fi router from a regular adapter and a PC. After clicking the Start Hotspot button, another NAT server appears on the network. After this, you can connect your first clients: laptop, tablet or smartphone. To do this, we search wireless networks and “connect” to ours using given password. After this, the device is ready for use.

How much can a USB Wifi adapter cost?

The price of such a device will depend primarily on the manufacturer and the parameters of the device. In any case, the cost of a USB Wi-Fi adapter will be affordable for almost everyone; it is 10-20 US dollars, depending on the chosen model.