USB Wireless Adapter for Desktop?

[ZzBloopzZ]

What is a good USB Wireless adapter for a desktop? I would prefer one with an external antenna. A dresser is in the way of the computer and the Router so would be great if there is one that has a cable so I can put it on the dresser with antenna on there to get best signal.

Cousin has Wireless N and just browses web. I believe it is Windows 7 or possibly 8.

Thanks!

 

[Brian_B]

You can take pretty much any USB adapter, use a USB extension cable if needed. I know Linksys/Cisco ones used to come with an extension cable that the USB dongle plugged into. Looked like a thumb drive standing up vertically.

All USB adapters, by definition, are external (to the PC case) antennas, you just move the entire adapter around to adjust the signal (usually via an extension cable). I don't have any particular recommendations here, other than they aren't terribly expensive, and most of them are one of only a couple popular chipsets anyway and are at the mercy of their drivers. You also won't find a lot of the very fancy ones, or ones with physically external and upgradable antenna: most are going to be fairly basic, and provide fairly pedestrian speed.

If you are looking for something a bit more high power, get a bridge. It will connect via Ethernet to the computer, won't require a driver, and you can use a switch to connect multiple devices to the same WiFi point if you wanted to. It's kind of like the inverse of a Access Point. Some wifi devices are multipurpose and you can configure them to be a bridge, extender, or access point as needed in the software settings. You can get bridges with external antenna, and with all sorts of bells and whistles, depending on how much you want to spend.

But if it's just getting around a dresser to browse the web, you probably don't need to spend a lot of money here. Get a generic DLink/Linksys/Netgear (something name brand so it has some formal driver support) and a nice USB extension cable and be done with it.

 

[Spartacus]

>>A dresser is in the way of the computer and the Router

If they are that close together, just use an ethernet network cable behind the dresser.

.

 

[ZzBloopzZ]

>>A dresser is in the way of the computer and the Router

If they are that close together, just use an ethernet network cable behind the dresser.

.

Router is in 2 rooms over, but a huge oak dresser is in the way so I feel that is why it is low signal. Just want to get an ewer adapter and put it above dresser. The current adapter it is using is old G from like 8+ years ago haha. Will just follow Brian's suggestion and get basic one then attach to long USB cable to extend and place on top of dresser.

 

[Spartacus]

Router is in 2 rooms over, but a huge oak dresser is in the way so I feel that is why it is low signal. Just want to get an ewer adapter and put it above dresser. The current adapter it is using is old G from like 8+ years ago haha. Will just follow Brian's suggestion and get basic one then attach to long USB cable to extend and place on top of dresser.

Ahh... so a dresser and at least two walls and probably some other stuff.

I would actually think it may be the construction of the walls rather than the dresser, but it still gives you the same issue.
I agree that a first step would be to try the USB extension.

You also should make sure your router's firmware is up to date and see if you have any neighbors interfering with your signal.
I use a tool from Amped Wireless that is easy to use and does a good job of showing you nearby competing wifi signals.

If you see close neighbors on your channel, change your router to a different channel.


http://www.ampedwireless.com/wifianalytics/


ETA: If you have an attic above you or basement below you, it would be easy to run a cable.


.