Wireless options

Kireas · July 8, 2014

Hi guys, I recently upgraded to fibre internet which is great and all but the problem now is that the access point, which is the modem connected to an ASUS RT-AC68U is located in my living room and my desktop in located in my room and it does not have wireless access. The router that I am currently using (Linksys WRT120N) does not seem to be able to act as a wireless adapter. So now I'm not sure what I should do to get internet access to my desktop. Friend of mine told me about using a dongle, not sure if that is my best option so I'm looking for advice.

William12h · July 8, 2014

If your computer does not have a wireless card then you cant connect to the device wirelessly. That router is a wireless and wired router. It wont act as a wireless adapter for your computer. You will need to get a wireless adapter, either on that plugs into the motherboard via PCI slot or you can get a USB Wireless adapter etc.

You may as well buy a Ethernet Cable (J45 Cable) to connect your router and your computer together and it will provide a faster and more stable connection.

Kireas · July 8, 2014

Ethernet cable isn't a viable option at the moment since I can't lay the wire in a way that will not look ugly around the house and the only way that I can do that is by drilling through a thick wall.

Is there any major difference between the adapter that plugs into the PCI slot vs a usb adapter in terms of speed?

William12h · July 8, 2014

You can always buy a long enough ethernet cable which will be long enough to go around your house and the walls etc but then tie up or hide the cable until you can properly manage it.

USB wireless adapters i dont trust and would always go for the PIC wireless card, they both do their job.

I would recommend getting a PCI wireless adapter if you will be using Wirless mostly. Otherwise it may be cheaper to get the USB adapter until you can get the cable and fit it.

Dazfeeder · July 8, 2014

I had to use a dongle for years and and they are pretty good, I had a Netgear adapter and it was fine, you would get the occasional crash but nothing serious, but you still cant beat a wired connection mate

Kireas · July 9, 2014

I agree, I personally favor wired connections as well though at this point of time, wireless is the way to go since I'm terminating my previous ISP soon and I may not be able to set off some time to sort out the wiring before the termination deadline. Are there any things to look out for in picking and installing PCI wireless card?