The best wi-fi (Wi-Fi) Adapters rating 2019: how to connect, prices, reviews

Wi-fi adapter - what is it and how it works

Wai-Fi adapter - this is a special technical device, designed to connect to a wireless network in a certain frequency band by a radio broadband type. Adapters are used in electronic devices that did not originally come with this feature, they can only work on the reception or the reception and transmission of the signal. Their structure may be built-in or an external antenna of the circular type.

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The operating principle of Wi-Fi based on the use of radio waves and is as follows:

• an adapter mounted on one of the devices, converts the information (necessary for transmission Internet or other electronic devices) to a radio signal and transmits it to the broadcast through its antenna;
• router is installed on the local wireless network, receives the signal and performs inverse - if then used another type of communication (telephone or LAN cable etc.);
• if further communications are provided by a radio signal, the router enables the transmission of both with other elements of a wireless local area network and the Internet.

Similarly, there is and to receive information from external networks (Internet, other electronic devices) - the information originally converted into a radio signal that catches the Wi-Fi adapter and converts it displays this information on a computer screen, laptop, or TV.

Why do you need wifi adapter

All mobile communication media (smartphone, tablet, etc.), as well as notebooks originally performed the installation of Wi-Fi, which allows them to perform the connection over the wireless network. Desktop computers and old TVs not equipped with such a module, so to include them in a local network and needs Wi-Fi adapter.

Types of connection interface units

All wi-fi adapters are divided into three types: external, embedded and card.

1. external. This type of device looks like a USB-drives, due to their design and connection method performed via USB-port connected equipment. This is the easiest-to-use and affordable type of adapters.
   To connect it enough to include it in my spare the USB-port and connect to a wireless network.
   

   The model built-in type

2. built-in. Embedded or internal adapters require installation into the inner space of the electronic device and connected to its motherboard. Installation of this type of equipment requires experience and knowledge of the design of the device to which you want to install the adapter.
3. Card. To use this type of adapters on the device to which it is assumed to set, to be a special card slot PPCard, and in which the adapter is installed. This type of device is equipped with a built-in antenna, easy and reliable to use, which explains its increasing demand.

Models external installation type, unlike embedded analogs are not capable of high speed transmission information, but the ease of use and relatively low cost make them popular among users.

Technical specifications

In order to properly select the adapter, you need to know the specifications that define the possibilities of its use. These settings for different types of Wi-Fi devices are:

Standard Wi-Fi connection. This indicator shows the data transmission rate for this type of equipment is: 802.11n and 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

802.11n standard provides a maximum rate that is 300 Mbit / s and 802.11 standard - transfers information with the lowest rate is 54 Mbit / s.

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Compatibility with a particular type of equipment. To connect the adapter to a stationary PC, TV receiver and other equipment necessary to install the drivers for the operating system of this equipment and its brand.

Adapter manufacturers produce models as a focused type of use and universal, so when they are selected for this indicator should pay special attention.

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The operating frequency of wireless communication. This indicator determines the frequency range within which the wireless connection. Because of different standards for communications bandwidth is as follows:

• standart11a - 5 GHz;
• standart11n - from 2.5 to 5 GHz;
• standarty11g, 802.11b - 2,5 GHz.

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Power. It affects the quality of the transmitted signal and dependability compounds with other elements of the wireless network. It is measured in dBm, and the optimum values ​​are 16-20 dBm for residential usage patterns.

Range of action. For different operating conditions, the range's Wi-Fi adapter is different. In this regard, the company manufacturers indicate separately the range of action of the device indoors and outdoors. Operating range is measured in meters.

Ability to encrypt access. Having the ability to encrypt access to your wireless network to protect the information stored on electronic devices, as well as to prevent the use of Internet traffic is not registered on the local network users.

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What determines the compatibility of the devices

For normal operation under consideration in this article should take into account its equipment compatibility with the technology on which they are to be installed and which is subject to the following indicators:

• operating frequency must be in the same range;
• interface adapter used must conform to the interface available on a connected device;
• adapter power and range of his work must correspond to the mode of use;
• adapter drivers must be available to install on devices that work with a particular operating system.

Wi-Fi adapter for your computer

On desktop PCs, as a rule, there is no preset wi-fi adapter, so to connect such a PC to a wireless network you must separately purchase the equipment, install and configure him. Which adapter in this case it depends on the user's fitness and skills for the repair of electronic instruments, as well as wireless local area network configuration and the type of its use, which is determined in each case purely individually. Desktop PC can be used to connect the following types of adapters:

• with USB-interface - a simple solution to the problem;
• interface type PCI Express - are connected to the appropriate port on the PC motherboard.

The rest of the adapter to a stationary PC must meet the parameters of compatibility with other devices, wireless local area network.

How do I turn on the laptop

All notebook models are equipped with a built-in module, which provides Wi-Fi connection in the specified frequency range. To put into operation this type of connection in two ways:

• hardware - by pressing the keys or set specific keys on a laptop keyboard;
• program - going to the PC control system and performing certain settings.

The hardware configuration of the module Wi-Fi

On the laptop keyboard is always a button marked with an antenna that transmits a signal, and it is enough just press it, then the Wi-Fi module is included in the work, what will signal lamp integrated in the key. On some models, to enable this type of connection must be performed by pressing a combination of keys arranged in a series of F1-F12 and Fn keys. Combination keys on models from different manufacturers are different, so their combination should be studied in the operating instructions or the specific model to find the net The Internet.

Software setup Wi-Fi module

To set up a similar manner, perform the following operation.

On laptops with Windows 8 / Windows 10, Wi-Fi module includes a special switch located above the list of available access points or operating parameters.

Wi-fi adapter to the TV

To access the Internet TV should be equipped with built-in Wi-Fi connection, or it must be purchased and installed separately. When choosing a model, the adapter is necessary to pay attention to the presence of the drivers on the TV and the receiver technical parameters: communication standard and compatibility, the operating frequency, power and range actions. To connect the Wi-Fi adapter is used USB-interface on the television set, and the connector on the adapter housing. To reduce interference caused by built-in TV receiver, the receiver can use an extension cord or USB-Hub.

After installing the adapter, you must perform certain configuration, namely:

• go to "Menu" TV and find "Settings";
• in "tinctures" select "Configure network" and connect to a wireless network.

For different TV models the sequence of connection may differ, it may be the following:

• Select the access point and the introduction of a network logon password;
• automatic adjustment;
• synchronization via Ad-Hoc (ad hoc network mode).

Popular models of Wi-Fi TP-LINK adapters

Wai-Fi adapters can be bought in shops and retail chains involved in sales of consumer electronics and computer equipment, and specialized in the replacement parts for such equipment and components him. The most popular, according to its users, the model wi-fi adapters TP-LINK are summarized in the following table. The cost of devices is current as of the II quarter of 2019.

As has been described above, adapters popularity is determined based on real user reviews and here are some of them.

Video: What is the Wi-Fi adapter

The fact that such a wi-fi adapter, and for what it is, tell the video presented below the plot.