Would a USB Wifi Adapter help for this issue?

Question

So I got a desktop a couple months ago and am having serious connection issues. The main desktop in our house is on the other side of the house, and I barely get connection. I get 1 to 2 bars, and the connection goes down all the time. For some reason, the laptops do not lose connection and get good connection, but I don't. My desktop doesn't have a router connected to it since the main desktop has the router collected to it but like I said I barely get connection. So would getting a USB Wifi Adapter help? And if so, can you explain why?

Answer 1

If the laptops are getting a good connection at the same distance then most likely the issue is with your particular computer not with the signal strength itself.



A wifi adapter would not help specifically because an adapter is for use on a computer that does not have a network card installed which allows for a wifi connection.



Clearly you do already have a network card that has wifi capability because you would not have any options to create a wifi connection in the first place if it did not.



I think what you are contemplating wanting to get is something that will boost the signal strength, but like I said I doubt that is the issue if other devices are working fine at the same distance.



What you should probably look at doing is replacing your network card. The one that is in your computer now could simply be failing, they tend to do that.



You can try to update the drivers for it through your Device Manager and see if that helps things, but if it does not then you're going to want to replace the card.



If indeed the issue is with the network card itself then you can certainly buy an adapter and run off the signal from the adapter instead of the signal for the network card, that would solve your connectivity issues, however, if the problem is actually a signal strength issue then the adapter is not going to make any difference at all, you would need to look at a signal booster or simply use your computer closer to the main connection for the house.

Answer 2

If you have a WiFi card, there should be 1 or 2 antennas connected to it. Try different positions because depending upon how everything is located, having the antenna(s) angled or horizontal can sometimes work better than vertical.



Some USB WiFi dongles include a USB extension cord, so if the WiFi does not get a good signal plugged directly into the computer you can position it away from the computer to find a location with stronger signal. If you get one of those you might get a better signal with a larger one than a tiny miniature one.

Answer 3

You must have a wireless adapter fitted internally on your desktop at present.

If you buy a usb Wi-Fi adapter you can use that instead and as it is on the end of a short cable you can try putting it in different positions to see if any advantage can be gained which you cannot do with a card.

However if you are having trouble with your Wi-Fi is is usually either because of distance, obstructions such as walls or kitchens ( because of the amount of metal things that kitchens contain ), or the radio frequency used is being interfered with by nearby devices using that same radio frequency.

A change of channel might help, read the article below and take particular note of tips 7 & 6 in that order;

https://aspenitcouk.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/10-tips-to-help-improve-your-wireless-network/

Or you can use home plugs also known as power line adapters to connect over your electricity mains cables if they are on the same phase, which they probably will be in a normal house;

http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/powerline.html

Probably that option is the best bet for you.

Regards, Bob.

Answer 4

You are ALREADY using WiFi so another WiFi adapter is POINTLESS and will bring you NOTHING. Lets see unless you live in a palace the "other side" of the house is going to be less than 100M. So get a CABLE and connect it via Ethernet. WiFi is blocked by ANYTHING that disrupts the signal. This includes people walking in front of it, hands over WiFi antennas ect ect. CABLE connection is ALWAYS better so do that whenever possible. ( It is MUCH faster too)

Answer 5

I assume the desktop has an internal wifi card to use wifi without having an external adapter. If that is so then then typically the computer case is used as the antenna. So make sure the computer is not blocked.

A USB wifi may help depending on your setup.

Ethernet over power may be another solution better for a desktop and gaming consoles.