the essentials in brief
What functions does a WLAN USB have Adapter?
A WLAN USB adapter enables a Computer or laptop Wi-Fi functionality to lend so that he can establish a wireless Internet connection. With a USB WLAN adapter, you can also access networks from wireless routers or access points at any time.
What do you have to consider when using a WLAN stick?
One should ensure that the required drivers are installed, secure Internet access (password) has been established, a suitable protocol version is used for optimal connectivity, and the appropriate security updates are loaded regularly.
How can you establish a WiFi connection without a router?
An WLAN connection without a router can be established via an existing wireless network, for example with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter in a desktop PC or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
"Why should I get a WLAN USB adapter?", some technology newcomers ask themselves. Only a few know how diverse the advantages of a fast WLAN sticks actually are. In particular when it comes to to perform on the new gaming PC or to edit videos on the desktop PC A stable internet connection is important. But even if it's not about gaming, a WLAN USB adapter can be a great addition to everyday life. In this blog article, the most important facts and data about WLAN USB adapters are presented and examined in more detail!
Contents
What is a wireless USB adapter?
A wireless USB adapter - also known as a high-speed USB WLAN stick - is a small device that can be connected to a computer to give it a wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) connection. This can be useful if the computer does not have an integrated WLAN card or if the existing WLAN Signal is not strong enough.
A pair of WLAN adapter is simply plugged into a free USBConnection plugged in and automatically installs the necessary drivers and software. The computer can then be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
minimum range
Did you know that by installing a WLAN USB adapter on the computer, data can be transmitted up to a distance of 30 meters? However, it should be noted that the range decreases with increasing distance. In addition, factors such as the strength of the WiFi signal, the number of obstacles and the transmission speed of the adapter must be taken into account, which can further degrade the signal.
Advantages and disadvantages of a WLAN USB adapter compared to other connection methods:
Below are some of the main pros and cons of a wireless USB adapter compared to traditional connection methods.
Other connection methods:
- WLAN internet card: A wireless internet card is a fixed and permanent solution that offers faster transmission speeds and a more reliable connection. However, it is also more expensive and more difficult to install than a wireless USB adapter. Another option would be a WiFi hotspot via a third party device.
- Ethernet cable: Ethernet cable offer a faster transmission speed than WLAN USB adapters and are more reliable in terms of connection stability. However, the downside is that they are not mobile and require the computer to be close to an Ethernet port.
The most important purchase criteria
When choosing a WLAN USB adapter, there are a few important factors to consider, including the Wi-Fi standards, transmission speed and coverage. Most devices support the 802.11b/g/n standard, but there are models that support the faster 802.11ac standard. It is important to check which standard the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to supports.
Another important factor is the transmission speed. The higher the transmission speed, the faster data can be transmitted. So check the transmission speed of the WLAN USB adapter and compare it with the expectations you have regarding the connection.
Finally, one should also consider the coverage. A WLAN USB adapter with a longer Antenna may allow for greater coverage, but it is important to check how well the signal can be received in the desired area.
WPS and Extenders - What's the Difference?
WPS and Extender are both features included in some WiFi routers and WLAN USB adapters are available to extend or improve the Wi-Fi signal. However, it is important to know that they fulfill different purposes and work differently.
WPS - also Wi-Fi Protected Setup called – is a simplified process to create a secure connection between a device and a Wi-Fi network or WiFi stick to manufacture. This feature comes in handy when you want to connect a new device, like a printer or laptop, to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of typing in a long password manually, you can just click the WPS button on the Router to press and then the WPS button on the new device or WiFi stickto connect.
A pair of Extender - also known as Repeater – is a device that extends the Wi-Fi signal by mirroring the signal from an existing router. It can be placed elsewhere in the house, to improve a weak or non-existent Wi-Fi signal. The amplifier has one Antenna, which picks up and passes on the Wi-Fi signal to increase the range of the network. A connection extended in this way is particularly popular in the gaming community, since most games in gaming depend on a stable Internet connection.
In summary, WPS is a feature that makes it easier to set up a secure connection between a device and a Wi-Fi network, while an extender extends the Wi-Fi signal by mirroring the signal from an existing router. Both features can help you get a better Wi-Fi connection!
Creating optimal connection conditions: That's how it works!
A good Wi-Fi connection with the Wi-Fi Stick is indispensable nowadays to establish a smooth connection. However, there are many factors that the Performance and the stability of one Internet connection impair such as interference from other electronic devices, walls, obstacles or the Wi-Fi Stick itself. Therefore, below are some of the most important tips for creating optimal connection conditions so that you can get the most from your Wi-Fi Stick.
- Place the router in a convenient location: One of the most important things you can do to get a good Wi-Fi connection is to place your router in a convenient location. Place the router in the middle of your house if possible to achieve an even distribution of the signal. Avoid placing the router near obstacles such as walls, doors, or furniture, as this can affect signal transmission.
- Use a WiFi extender: If the Wi-Fi signal is weak in certain areas of your home, a wireless extender can help. An extender is simply placed in a spot in the house where the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough and will then spread the signal further. This can increase the range of the network, resulting in better Wi-Fi connection conditions.
- Avoid electromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic interference can cause the Wi-Fi signal to degrade. Interference can come from other electronic devices such as microwave ovens, baby monitors or other WLAN networks. It is therefore advisable to place these devices as far away from the router as possible.
- Use secure encryption: Secure encryption helps prevent unwanted users from accessing your Wi-Fi network. Use an encryption method like WPA2 to protect your network. Make sure you use a strong password that is not easy to guess.
- Update your router software regularly: Manufacturers often release updates to their router software to add new features or fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure you have the latest software installed on your router to get the best possible connection conditions.
- Use a LAN cable for device-intensive applications: While a Wi-Fi connection is convenient and easy, it can become unstable during device-intensive applications such as online gaming or streaming movies. In such cases, it may be helpful to LAN cable to use to achieve a more stable and faster connection.
In summary, there are some simple steps you can take to create optimal Wi-Fi connection conditions. By following these tips, you can enjoy a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection!
Discover excellent WLAN USB adapters here:
Frequency bands at a glance: 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz
If you search for a wireless USB adapter, you will probably come across the terms 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz. These relate to the frequency bands on which the devices transmit. It's important to understand what these frequency bands mean and how they affect the performance of your WiFi network.
2,4 GHz band
The 2,4 GHzBand is one of the most commonly used frequency bands for Wi-Fi networks. It offers a longer range than the 5GHz band and is able to penetrate through walls and other obstacles. Therefore, it is a good choice for use in large houses or apartments with many rooms. However, one disadvantage of the 2,4GHz band is that it can get crowded. Because it's used for a variety of devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and other wireless devices, there can be overlap and interference, resulting in slower transfer rates and unstable connections can lead.
5 GHz band
The 5 GHz band is a higher frequency band, which has less overlap and interference. Therefore, it offers faster transfer rates and a more stable connection. It is best suited for device-intensive applications such as online gaming, streaming movies, and editing footage with the Camera. However, a disadvantage of the 5 GHz band is that it has a shorter range and does not penetrate through walls and obstacles as well as the 2,4 GHz band. As such, it may not be the best choice for large homes or apartments with many rooms.
Which frequency band should you choose?
Choosing the right frequency band depends on your individual needs and the conditions of your WiFi network. If you have a large apartment or house with many rooms and need a stable connection, the 2,4 GHz band may be a better choice. However, if you use more internet-intensive applications such as online gaming or streaming services, the 5 GHz band is probably a better choice as it offers faster transfer rates.
802.11 b/g/n or 802.11 ac? The main differences!
If you're looking for a wireless USB adapter, you've probably noticed that some Devices with different WLAN standards are marked as 802.11 b/g/n or ac. But what do these labels mean and how do they affect WiFi performance?
- 802.11b/g/n: 802.11 b/g/n is on older WiFi standard, that on the 2,4 GHz band based. It is widely used and supports transfer rates up to 300 Mbps. 802.11 b/g/n is fine for simple tasks like web browsing and watching videos, but it's not as powerful as the newer 802.11 ac standard.
- 802.11ac: The 802.11 ac standard is the latest WLAN standard and works on that 5 GHz band. It offers higher transfer rates of up to 1,3 Gbps, making it better suited for more demanding applications such as online gaming, HD video streaming, and large data transfers. In addition, 802.11 ac has a longer range than 802.11 b/g/n, making it a better choice for large homes or apartments.
When purchasing a WiFi USB adapter, you should make sure that it is compatible with the WiFi standard you intend to use. For example, if you have an older network that only supports 802.11 b/g/n, an 802.11 ac adapter will not work. In this case, an 802.11 b/g/n adapter would be a better choice.
Tip: Some WLAN USB adapters have the option of connecting an external antenna to increase the range and stability of the signal. Since WiFi signals can be affected by walls and other obstacles, you should consider whether an additional antenna might not be useful!
WiFi Security: Encryption and password protection
WiFi networks offer us many advantages, including easy and fast access to the Internet. However, it is important that we also consider the security of our wireless network. Poor WiFi security can Data theft, hacker attacks and even financial losses .
To protect your WiFi, there are two main factors: Encryption and password protection.
- Encryption: The encryption of your WLAN network offers a secure transmission of your data. There are different types of encryption, such as WEP, WPA and WPA2. WPA2 is the most secure encryption and should therefore be used if your router supports it.
- password protection: A strong password is another important factor to protect your WiFi. Use a long password with letters, numbers, and special characters to make sure it's hard to guess. Avoid using simple passwords like "password" or "1234". It's also important to change your password regularly for extra protection.
Basically, it is important that you protect your WLAN wellto avoid data theft, hacking and financial loss. This way you can ensure that your WiFi network is secure and your data and devices remain protected.
Setup and installation of a WLAN USB adapter
A wireless USB adapter can help you connect wirelessly to your home network. This is particularly useful if your computer does not have an integrated WLAN card or you need better wireless coverage. Here are detailed instructions on how best to set up and install your WLAN USB adapter.
Step 1: Check the system requirements
Before you start setting up your WLAN USB adapter, you should make sure that your computer meets the necessary system requirements. You can find this information in the instructions that came with your adapter.
Step 2: Connect the adapter to your computer
Simply connect the adapter to a free USB port on your computer.
Step 3: Install the driver software
Most wireless USB adapters come with a CD or a link to download the driver software. Install the driver software on your computer to ensure your adapter is working properly.
Step 4: Configure your network
Go to your computer's control panel and open the Network and Sharing Center. Click on “Set up a new connection or network”. Then select “Set up wireless network”.
Step 5: Connect to your WiFi network
Select the WiFi network you want from the list of available networks and enter the password if required. Click "Connect" to connect to the network.
Step 6: Check the connection
Check the connection by visiting a website or running a network connection test.
These steps should help you set up and install your WiFi USB Adapter. If you have difficulties, you can ask the manufacturer or a technician for help. A properly setup and installed WiFi USB Adapter can give you better wireless coverage and a reliable internet connection!
WLAN USB adapter summarized
In summary, a wireless USB adapter is a convenient and cost-effective way to connect a computer, laptop or Desktop PC to connect to a WiFi network. Just select the device that meets the requirements and you're good to go!
FAQ - Everything about WiFi USB adapters at a glance
The difference between the WLAN adapter and the WLAN stick is that the adapter is built into the computer, while the stick is a portable USB stick that allows you to take a wireless network with you wherever you go.
A wireless adapter is a device that allows computers and other devices to establish a wireless network connection over a Wi-Fi network.
The installation of a WLAN stick depends on the operating system of the computer and the WLAN stick itself. It's usually a little easier than connecting a network cable. The WLAN stick only has to be connected, so that you then usually find out everything else that is necessary for a successful connection.