We can hardly imagine living without the Internet. Whether we want to inform ourselves, entertain ourselves, stay in touch with friends or family - we are online. It doesn't matter whether we're at home, at school or in the office. Thanks to WiFi, we can connect to the internet anywhere. Many devices, such as smartphones, Tablets and Laptops, already have a WLAN chip installed.
This allows them to connect directly to the router and access the Internet. But what if you don't have WiFi or the existing WiFi is not good enough? In this case, a WLAN stick can help.
Contents
Types of wifi sticks
There are a number of different WLAN sticks on the market. Some are better than others, but all have their pros and cons.
WLAN sticks are usually divided into two different categories: standard WLAN sticks and MIMO WLAN sticks. Standard WiFi sticks are the simplest and cheapest options. They have a single antenna connection and are usually only designed for a single device class. MIMO WLAN sticks, on the other hand, have several antenna connections and are usually designed for several device classes.
Most standard WLAN sticks are only designed for a certain bandwidth. This means that they only support either 2,4GHz or 5GHz. However, some of the newer models support both 2,4GHz and 5GHz. However, support for both frequencies is mostly limited to the newer models.
Most MIMO WLAN sticks are designed to support 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz. This means they are able to communicate with multiple devices at the same time. However, these sticks are usually more expensive than standard WiFi sticks.
How does a wifi stick work
WLAN sticks work according to the 802.11 standard. This standard defines the radio technology used for WLAN networks. Most WLAN sticks are compatible with the 802.11n standard.
WLAN sticks are usually supplied with software that enables the computer to connect to the WLAN network. The software searches for available ones WiFinetworks and connects the computer to the desired network.
The connection between the Desktop and the WLAN network takes place via an access point. Access points are devices that use the WLANSignal amplify and are connected to an Ethernet network. Access points are typically provided by internet service providers or companies.
WiFi sticks are a convenient way to connect a computer to a WiFi network. They are easy to install and require no additional cables.
WLAN stick vs. WLAN router
One advantage of WLAN sticks is that they are usually more compact and lighter than WLAN routers. They are therefore also easier to transport and can easily be stowed in a backpack or purse when required. In addition, sticks usually require less Electricity as a router.
Another advantage is that WLAN sticks are usually easier to install than WLAN routers. Often it is only necessary to plug the stick into a USB port and install the software on the computer. WiFi routers, on the other hand, usually need to be connected with a network cable and the software often needs to be installed on the router itself, which can be a bit more complicated.
However, there are also some disadvantages when using WLAN sticks. Sticks can often only have a shorter range than WLAN routers. They are also often a bit slower than routers because the Data rate is often lower.
Overall, both WLAN sticks and WLAN routers are good options for using a wireless network. Which device you ultimately use depends on your own needs.
Is a WiFi stick suitable for you?
WLAN sticks are practical devices that make it possible to establish Internet access via a wireless network. They are small and light, making them easy to transport. WLAN sticks are suitable for both private and business use. They can therefore be used flexibly.
FAQ on the subject of WiFi sticks
You must be near a working WiFi network. Your computer must also have a USB port.
First you have to plug the WLAN stick into the USB port of your computer. Then you have to select the WiFi network you want to connect to. Note that you must be close to the network for the connection to work. You must then enter the password if the network is protected.
The speed that you can achieve with a WLAN stick depends on the speed of the network you are connecting to. If you connect to a fast network, you can also achieve high speeds.