Wifi connectivity of esp8266 module to arduino. Antennas: internal, external, external removable

The topic of this article is how to enable a wireless WiFi adapter on a laptop. However, we will not only talk about this. We will analyze how to install it in a PC, as well as how to determine which Wi-Fi module is currently working. This will give you a better understanding of how the technology works and how to handle such equipment.

This, in turn, will make it easy and quick to solve various problems with a network connection that may arise in the process, as well as fix all sorts of problems yourself, without calling the wizard. This is a fairly broad topic, so let's break it down in order. The best place to start is how to connect a wireless WiFi adapter to your laptop.

How to connect a Wi-Fi adapter to a laptop

First of all, it should be noted that in laptops, as a rule, two brands of wireless adapters are used:

• Atheros.
• Broadcom.

There are others, of course. But it is these that have received the greatest recognition and distribution. But whichever module you have installed, they all have the same connector. In order to remove or connect the WiFi adapter, you will have to disassemble your laptop. The module itself is easy to disconnect or connect, since it is located in a special mini PCI slot. An antenna is also connected to it to enhance reception.

All Wi-Fi modules have such a connection interface, therefore they are interchangeable. There are also external modelsthat connect to the USB port of your computer. However, it should be noted that due to their compactness, there is not enough space for a full-fledged antenna. And the connector itself is not capable of providing the required speed. This means that data transmission when uSB help adapter performance will be much slower than using an embedded mini PCI form factor device.

But at the same time, USB models are easier to use, since they are much easier to connect. You do not need to disassemble the laptop for this. It is recommended, of course, to use built-in hardware, because it is more stable, faster and does not take up USB ports.

So, in any case, we turn to the question of how to install a wireless Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop. After connecting it to the appropriate interface, we need to install the drivers.

How to enable WiFi adapter: Video

How to install the software for the wifi adapter

If you bought a WiFi adapter separately, then the device must have a disc with the necessary software. Insert it into your DVD drive and install required drivers... It should be noted that after connecting the new module to the computer, after downloading the latter system will automatically detect new hardware and ask you to install the driver. If you are using Windows 7 or 8, then, as a rule, the operating system itself will find the necessary software and install it. However, it is still recommended to install it manually from disk. If there is no disk, then you can download everything you need from the Internet, you just need to know the equipment model. You will find this information on the box or in the equipment manual.

How to determine which WiFi adapter is currently installed in the laptop? Everything here is extremely simple. To do this, simply open the Device Manager. This is done in this way. Press two keys simultaneously - Windows + R. In the window that appears, write mmc devmgmt.msc and press "Enter". This is the command to launch the Device Manager. All installed devices on the computer are displayed here.

We are interested in the "Network Equipment" branch. We open it. Wireless WiFi devices, as a rule, the name contains the model of the device and such a phrase - Wireless Network Adapter (translated as Wireless Network Equipment). Here and see what devices are currently in use. You can also disable them in Device Manager.

To disconnect a device, open information about it by double-clicking the left mouse button. Next, go to the "Driver" tab. To disable or enable, press the corresponding button. You can also do this by simply clicking on the desired device. right click mice. In the menu that appears, simply select the desired action.

How to find out which WiFi adapter is in your laptop from the moment of purchase? This is also done in the device manager. But this information can also be obtained on the official website of the PC developer. Just go to the site and indicate your model in full. Thus, you will receive detailed information about all laptop devices, including the WiFi adapter. Here you can also download the latest drivers.

How to install WiFi adapter driver: Video

How to enable WiFi adapter on laptop

Turning on the Wi-Fi module on a laptop is as easy as shelling pears. First of all, install the drivers and necessary software. Next, just press and hold the Fn key without releasing it, press the enable WiFi... It is marked with a corresponding icon. Some models have a separate button. In this case, just click it.

If after these steps the module did not turn on and the system did not start searching for available connections, then you should open the Network Control Center and general access and check the status of the wireless connection. Click the network icon in the tray (bottom right corner of the desktop). Select the appropriate item.

In the menu that opens, go to the "Changing adapter parameters" section. We find the shortcut Wireless network (or wireless network connection). If it is gray, then right-click on it and select "Enable".

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 stationary computer to Wi-Fi - this allows you to get rid of the laying of wires during the finished repair, as well as to increase the convenience of interaction of various devices in the same network.

To do this, it is not at all necessary to purchase a PC with a built-in module. wireless - it is enough to install an additional receiver. We will consider 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, it is worth deciding which interface you will use to connect the adapter to the computer. The most popular is the portable receiver with a USB plug. In terms of 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, ideal for people who often use various computers and laptops, as they are designed for frequent reconnections. However, such a receiver has a very serious drawback - models with external antennas are extremely rare, so the range of the wireless connection will be minimal.

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

For a laptop or a modern computer in Net-top format, you can purchase a receiver that is installed in the PCMCIA "expansion slot" or its analogs from different manufacturers electronic equipment. Such a Wi-Fi adapter looks like an oblong card devoid of any protrusions (like the model with a USB plug, you can carry it in your pocket). An unambiguous 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 stationary computer... They are sure that all devices, without exception, use standard parameters, so there are no significant differences between them. This is absolutely wrong, because adapters differ in signal strength, which determines the quality of reception over a sufficiently long distance. A typical figure for a modern home and medium office is 20 dBM. If it is lower, using such a device, it will be possible to connect a PC to a Wi-Fi network only in a small apartment.

The antenna gain is also important - the higher it is, the greater the reception radius of the computer. However, one should not focus on exorbitant values, since such adapters will be expensive and, moreover, will consume too much power. 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 should focus on an indicator of 5 dBi.

Finally, you need to pay close attention to the wireless standards that the adapter supports. It is worth immediately abandoning devices that use connection protocols B or G - they provide data transfer at a speed not exceeding 16 Mbps. Despite the blatant 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 high enough speed, choose an N adapter - its maximum bandwidth reaches 300 Mbps. 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 will be using a 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. Searching for USB adapters that support Wi-Fi AC is almost useless - they are quite expensive and usually come in the form of plug-ins.

Remember that it is useless to purchase a receiver that does not match the Wi-Fi standard used by your router. Even if you buy the latest device that uses a high-speed data transfer protocol, a Type G router will not allow your computer to connect to the Internet at speeds over 16 Mbps. Therefore, it is worth taking a look at the characteristics of your existing wireless network before purchasing an adapter.

Top Models

External receiver

To connect your PC to a wireless network, you should choose the D-Link DWA-127 receiver. Unlike numerous USB counterparts, it features a full-size antenna that provides superior signal amplification. Thanks to this, the adapter can work at any distance from the router without dropping the data transfer rate. 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 connected to a stationary PC, this problem is unlikely to be relevant.

An adapter that supports the N data transmission standard is a reasonable solution, given its widespread use in modern electronics and limited throughput interface version USB 2.0. Its body contains a WPS key, designed to connect to a router in automatic mode... Such a device would be ideal 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 the best way to describe the ASUS PCI-N10 adapter. This model costs about 800-1000 rubles, but in terms of its parameters it is not inferior to analogues with a price 3-5 times higher. The main advantage of the device is the use of a special technology that allows it to be installed as a virtual router, to which you can connect another computer or mobile device. This scheme is often used by small businesses - to expand the range of the Wi-Fi network, they use not expensive routers, but adapters for stationary computers.

The device supports the N data transmission standard and provides connection speeds up to 300 Mbps. The PCI Express slot has a large enough bandwidth, so there are no lagging when watching multimedia content online will not arise. The user can connect the 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 to the router.

For laptops

Of course, most laptops are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi communication modules and do not need to install an additional adapter, but there are exceptions. Examples are mobile workstations as well as specialized mobile computers, which are designed to perform a limited range of functions. The D-Link DWA-645 PCMCIA card was specially developed for them, which uses the N data transfer standard, which provides a connection speed of up to 300 Mbps. It has a relatively low cost - about 700-850 rubles, which makes it affordable for every user.

The D-Link DWA-645 user has access to a proprietary application that allows him to analyze the used Wi-Fi networks, determining the connections with the best speed. In addition, with its help, it is possible to select the optimal wireless channel, its width and other parameters for the router. RangeBooster N technology significantly increases the range of stable signal reception in comparison with similar devices. The transmitter power is 17 dBM, which 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

Combo adapters are now available for users who appreciate the versatility of any device. They provide a robust wireless connection that is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compliant, Miralink, Apple AirPlay and more. In addition, in stores, adapters are often found also 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 wirelessly controlled, can find sense in purchasing them. In other cases, it is better to give preference to the options described above, since they combine such advantages as practicality, economy and ease of installation.

Today's topic is a Wi-Fi adapter for a desktop computer. Yes, they can be safely used for a laptop, but this is not about that. The whole problem of a computer is that for some reason they are not immediately equipped with wireless adapters, unlike laptops. And this sometimes creates the need to choose a Wi-Fi adapter. So I propose to see what is now available and how you can simplify your choice. By screws!

Computer or laptop connection options

The computer can be connected to the router in two ways:

1. By wire. Of the minuses - sometimes it is difficult to stretch it if the computer is far from the router. But there are overlapping advantages here - reliability and connection speed, besides, there is a network card for the wire on almost any stationary PC.
2. Through the air. Using the same Wi-Fi adapter. There are no default adapters in the computer, but it is easy to purchase and install. Used when you don't want to pull the wire or there is no such possibility. Cons - speed limit and possible problems from the use of Wi-Fi technology. But sometimes it is still very necessary. Another possible target is analysis wireless networks from a computer.

Further, we will get acquainted in more detail with wireless modules, their types, options for connection and use. I will mention again, they can be used not only on PCs, but also on laptops (for example, if the built-in WiFi adapter breaks down, or you need a special one). Some smartphones also support some Wi-Fi adapters via OTG - here it is better to check for your model.

What is it for?

The main functionality of our device, for which people purchase it:

1. Connecting to existing Wi-Fi networks from a PC - home router, Wi-Fi modem. Wi-Fi receiving device on the computer.
2. Create a wireless hotspot from your PC - so other devices at home can connect.
3. Replacing a failed adapter on a laptop.
4. Specific use - like analyzing external networks, when there is not enough power or the hardware on the built-in adapter is not suitable.

Types of adapters

Here we will briefly consider the main characteristics by which you can choose an adapter for yourself. There are not so many of them here, so everyone can easily figure it out.

Attention! Do you have any questions? The comments in this article are always open to them - we will definitely consider any problem and try to solve it.

Connection interface

First you need to decide how you will connect it. There are only two main options for sale.

USB- the most popular option external adapter... And for me - the most convenient, because USB ports are now everywhere. In addition, they are more compact - there are both options in appearance with a nail flash drive or a mouse connector, and powerful "modem" adapters, even with a plug-in external antenna. Appearance:

Such devices can also be used through an extension cable, for example, to take them out of the window for better signal reception. If you need stable reception, take it with an external antenna. It may be inconvenient to place, but here it is more convenient for someone. For me, it is USB adapters that should be considered first.

PCIExpress... Internal adapter. We are talking about a card slot on the motherboard itself inside the system unit. In such slots, various other extensions are placed, such as video capture cards, TV tuners, dial-up modems, etc. There are the same modules before. From the pros - you will not notice it, because located on the back of the system unit. Of the minuses - there is not always free space there, you cannot pull it out and connect to a laptop, difficult access. But it will be convenient for someone too. For outdoor outdoor antennas and a system unit, laying a cable one-time will be more convenient than constantly pulling out and fiddling with USB. Another option for such cards for expanding the old format is PCI. The difference here is, perhaps, only in internal standards. PCI Express is still newer.

Which adapter is better -USB orPCI? There is not much difference between these two types - it's just the type of connection, all other characteristics are suitable for both. But for me now it is more universal to use all the same yusb. The arguments are above.

I will mention that there is one more type - PCMCIA or Card Bus, which are analogous to PCI cards for laptops. But this is already a little unnecessary.

Other interesting options - connecting the adapter via a wire directly to the Ethernet port (RG45) of the network card, sometimes occurs.

Antennas: internal, external, external removable

The main task of the receiver is to receive the signal with high quality. And antennas help with this. The whole point is that whatever one may say, adapters without external antennas still receive a signal worse. It's one thing to be in the same room, and another to have a couple of walls between you and the router.

The bottom line - if you need to receive a signal confidently and at a great distance, choose models with external remote antennas. Otherwise, the usual "flash drive" will be enough.

Antenna gain characteristic is often found in stores and on packaging. But for some reason, many do not score it. For those who still need numbers in the characteristic, the power of the model can be viewed precisely by this antenna gain. Normally, the figure will be about 20 dBm. The second power parameter is the transmitter power. It will not finish off the next house, but at home, the range will be enough to reach through the walls to the next room. For lovers of something very powerful - see external detachable antennas.

Another thing related to antennas is MIMO support. This is a functional that provides simultaneous operation of several antennas (802.11n - up to 4, 802.11fs - up to 8). Of course, everything will affect both speed and quality. But here you need to understand that both on the router and you must have several antennas.

Standards (802.11n and 802.11ac) and frequency

We are talking about the supported standards of the Wi-Fi itself. Time has already passed low speeds on wifa (we are talking about the "g" standard), and now everything is pretty cheerful. Basic standards for the current day:

• 11n - up to 300 Mbps. Although some routers and adapters here only support up to 150 Mbit / s - we are talking about the simultaneous use of several antennas, and individual devices give high speed, so on my TyPilink there is the possibility of setting the speed to 450 Mbit / s.
• 11ac - up to 6 Gbps. A relatively new standard.

Both standards are compatible with each other. The main thing to understand is that the final network speed will depend on the narrowest link. If you have wireless adapter for a computer supports the 802.11ac standard, and the router operates on 802.11n, then the entire network will operate at the speed of the N.

What to take? Of course, it's best to get an 802.11ac-enabled device now so you don't worry in the future. They are now quite affordable.

An interesting note. 802.11 speedac exceeds the port speedUSB 2.0 - this may cause slower speeds.

Another consequence of the standards is frequency. The modern frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some models in dual-band mode can operate at both frequencies. But the main thing is not to stuff your head with this. The standards are compatible, which means that there will be no problems with frequencies. All current standards for self-study is in the following table:

Compatibility

Don't worry about network compatibility at this time!

In the old days it was relevant - either there was no driver, then the hardware did not fit, and even the standards may not coincide. From about windows versions 7 these problems disappeared. The manufacturer releases drivers for both "7" and modern Windows 10. Some even try to please and release software for MacOS and Linux.

You shouldn't worry about the compatibility of the adapter and the router either - all modern Wi-Fi standards are compatible with each other. And the maximum inconvenience that can happen is that the network will operate at the speed of the oldest standard.

It is also not necessary to select manufacturers for each other - all manufacturers produce equipment primarily for international standards. So you can take whichever you like best and not think about possible problems.

Manufacturers

Many people recommend not looking at the manufacturer. Yes, in general they all do the same now. And it's better to pay attention to the price and characteristics. But do not forget that it is better to choose a model among the main manufacturers of network equipment - this way there will be fewer problems with reliability, drivers, interface and other hidden points.

Here are the best manufacturers of Wi-Fi adapters on the market for me now:

• TP-Link
• D-Link

There are other great models, but these are the mastodons of networking equipment. Choose something among them.

Price

The price tag is not widely scattered here - after all, it's just a small receiver. Optimally, you can take a cool device in the range of 800-1500 rubles. Maybe someone will find better. But it's not worth chasing prices either, and a small "whistle" can play you a long and excellent service.

So when choosing it is easier to refer to the desired characteristics and REVIEWS of other people. Pay special attention to the second, for many, the study of reviews becomes a turning point. For me, all models are about the same, so grab the most popular model in the store and don't worry.

Popular models

Just suggesting a list of very popular models. But again - see the current models in your stores, read the reviews. Well, remember - they are all about the same. Below is just what the people love very much:

• ASUS PCI N10
• ASUS PCE-N15
• ASUS USB-N14
• D-Link DWA 525
• D-Link DWA-131
• Tenda W311MA
• Tenda W311M
• TP-LINK TL-WN725N
• TP-LINK TL-WN727N
• TP-LINK TL-WN722N

But nobody forbids you to look at other devices.

D-Link DWA-127, a USB adapter with an external full-size antenna operating on the 802.11n standard, is often singled out from the list.

ASUS PCI-N10 is mentioned among the built-in models. Budget, on the N standard, minimum functions:

I don't want to rate devices. New devices regularly appear on this market. What was relevant this year is unlikely to be top-notch next year. But I offer you something better - the ability to choose. You can make your current device rating using my exclusive algorithm below.

How to quickly choose a Wi-Fi adapter for PC: step by step instructions

Above, I described the main characteristics to you and made an approximate selection of models. And now my exclusive algorithm that will help you choose a Wi-Fi adapter if you don't want to choose for a long time:

1. We go to any store.
2. Select the category of Wi-Fi adapters.
3. We set the price - up to 1500 rubles. (if you need less, feel free to choose).
4. Manufacturers - ASUS, D-Link, TP-Link.
5. Standard - 802.11ac
6. We read reviews for each model and make our choice. If you need a rating, sort it by rating or reviews. If it is necessary to select special properties (like external antenna or internal adapter) - set this before choosing a standard.
We simply insert it into any available USB port (the best and simplest option).
7. We open the case and insert it into a special PCI expansion slot - in case your card is PCI.

In the first version, everything is simple, for the second, watch this video and everything will fall into place:

All! Usually, a modern system itself successfully recognizes the model, but some manufacturers complete it with special drivers, just in case.

Customization

Now the most difficult thing is that there is a driver. Usually the manufacturer also provides a utility for configuring the device, where you can drive in all the necessary parameters. Some give access to the control panel via a web interface. It is best to read the basic instructions.

But usually this is all unnecessary. If your operating system has already recognized the adapter, then you can immediately connect to the available network in a standard way:

1. We chose a network.
2. Enter your password.
3. We are happy.

If you need an adapter not for receiving, but for distributing. Then this can be done by standard creation of an access point. The topic of the article is not about detailed instructions is on our website.

Wi-Fi modems for computers

Many telecom operators provide their users with their Wi-Fi modems, so that they can connect to their network via 3G / 4G using a SIM card and distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi. These modems are known from Yota, Beeline, MTS, Megafon, Tele2.

Do not confuseWi-Fi modems withWi-Fi adapters are two different things. Adapters do not know how to create a connection via SIM cards.

That's all! I hope this article helped you dispel some myths and determine the conditions for choosing a Wi-Fi adapter that are important for you. Write your comments and opinions in the comments! It will be very pleasant for me, and it is simply useful for the guests of our site to read practical situations and other people's opinions. Thanks!

In this article, I promised to tell you about one interesting scheme that can be used to connect a TV to the Internet wirelessly.

I will quickly tell you what the essence of this method is and in what cases it can be used. Well, then, let's start setting up.

This method is useful when your TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver, in which case, the TV can only be connected via a network cable. But, you don't want to pull the cable from the router, or it just doesn't work.

Yes, you can buy this very branded external Wi-Fi receiver. But it costs twice as much as a simple router. But I am still inclined to believe that you will use this method in the case when you already have a router that just stands idle.

Or for example, your signal Wi-Fi networks does not catch in the place where the TV is. Yes, in this case, you can also buy Wi-Fi repeaterwhich will strengthen the signal of your wireless network. But even a regular router can be configured as a repeater.

What do we do?

We'll take the router (which, for example, is gathering dust somewhere in your locker), install it somewhere near the TV, and configure it in repeater mode. Then, from this router, connect network cable to the TV. That's the whole scheme.

Now a little more detail.

So, we take our router and install it near the TV. I have it TP-Link TL-MR3220, he has been standing idle for a long time. It is not necessary to install it near the TV itself, for example, you can even somewhere on the floor, behind the bedside table.

We plug the router into an outlet (you can not connect to the TV yet)... The main thing is to configure the router in repeater mode. We need it to take the Internet from your main router and transfer it to the TV. We configure everything according to this instruction -.

And only after this router (which we put near the TV) will distribute the Internet, go to the second step. To test, just connect your laptop or phone. If the Internet works, then you can connect the TV. If, nevertheless, you failed to configure the bridge mode, then you need to remember that not all routers can work in this mode with each other. (I'm now about device incompatibility)... It's good when both devices are from the same company, then there are more chances to make them friends.

If you succeed, then.

by the author: admin

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 at home, you have to use devices that do not have wireless functions. For instance, system blocks computers, televisions, gaming consoles etc. Even if the device is equipped with a wireless client, it is often necessary to purchase and install a more modern Wifi USB adapter that supports faster communication formats. After all information Technology are constantly developing, very often it turns out that a device released 2-3 years ago is now irrevocably outdated. Every day, devices are produced more and more miniature, and functions and parameters at the same time increase. If a couple of years ago, in order to supply the Internet to two personal computers at once, it was necessary to install switches, stretch twisted pair cables around the apartment, today everything is much simpler. It is enough to install a USB adapter on the PC Wifii, which is compatible with all versions of operating systems, and that's it - the network is ready. To such an improvised access point, you can simultaneously connect several wireless devices... For example, communicators, laptops and other computers. To support such networks, a specialized software Virtual Wi-Fi. This software is the basis of the Windows 7 operating system. This wireless network supports encryption high level WPA2 PSK.

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 parameter must match your router. Since, having bought a device that is incompatible with the main equipment, you will not be able to coordinate 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 must pay attention to the number of transmitting and receiving devices that the device can support.

Interfaces supported by Wi-Fi receivers

A few years ago, one could meet with various types of connectors: PCMCI, PCI, and others. However, today uSB standard supplanted all other types of interfaces. This is very convenient because, having purchased the said 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 300Mbps, and some models are capable of transmitting data at 450Mbps. There are Wi-Fi devices with three antennas, which significantly increase wireless performance and signal stability. On russian market the sales leaders are adapters manufactured by Asus, D-Link and TP-Link.

Turning a Wi-Fi USB Adapter into an Access Point

Thanks to wi-Fi technologies Virtual, any adapter that supports this technology in the drivers can be used as a Wi-Fi signal distributor for client devices. To debug the system, installing drivers is optional, just use personal Computer with Windows 7 operating system. This software contains built-in installation utilities. And when installing the equipment, it will offer to download latest version software. The list of adapter models that are compatible with the Virtual system can be found on the official website of the software developers. Basically, it is a graphical shell that works with the netsh snap-in through the console. This program makes the process visual and user-friendly, moreover, it is completely free and has all the necessary functionality. It is capable, in addition to the main purpose, to put the adapter into 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 Wifi USB adapter with Virtual Router system?

The first step is to install the necessary software on the PC (for example, Connectify), it converts the Wi-Fi receiver into an access point. After that, we connect the adapter to the USB port of the personal computer. Operating windows system 7 independently installs drivers, for this, the PC must be connected to the Internet. After that, 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 a password to access the created system. For reliable protection, it is recommended to specify a password of eight characters or more, which uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols... In the future, it must be entered on each wireless client during the first connection. In the "Internet" field, you must select the connected with which the personal computer gains access to The world wide web... For example, it could be a network card. Then you should select "Local Area Connection".

Next, in the Advanced field, specify the Wi-Fi adapter. If only one device is connected to the computer, then we select by default, and if there are several, then it is necessary to specify exactly the device that will be used as an access point. This completes the setup, it remains only to turn on the device. Basically, 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 that, you can connect the first clients: laptop, tablet or smartphone. To do this, we search for wireless networks and "connect" to ours using the specified password. Then the device is ready for use.

How much does a USB Wifi adapter cost?

The price of such a device will depend primarily on the manufacturer and on 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 model chosen.