With a WiFi dongle you can still have a good internet connection even if the WiFi signal is weak. This is because a WiFi dongle amplifies the signal. This makes it less sensitive to disruptions and a more stable and faster connection can be established. A WiFi dongle uses existing WiFi networks with a weak signal. By amplifying that weak signal you can still use these networks. A WiFi dongle helps to improve the internet connection of computers in difficult places in the home. But it is also a useful device at the campsite in places where WiFi signals are very weak.
Disruptions due to crowds
WiFi is very popular. There is a WiFi network in almost every home. These signals can sometimes be received up to a hundred meters around the home. The result is that there are several dozen WiFi networks available at the same time in busy neighborhoods. WiFi consists of radio signals with a frequency around 2.4 Ghz. Because so many of these signals are close together in busy neighborhoods, they start to interfere with each other. That's called interference. WiFi receivers, especially the older types, suffer a lot from this. The WiFi signal becomes weaker and this is at the expense of internet speed.
Thick walls
The WiFi signal in the home can therefore become weaker because there are more WiFi networks in the area. The construction of the home and the location of the wireless access point or router can also be a cause of weak WiFi signals. Many routers with WiFi are in the meter cupboard and that is not a good place. Before the WiFi signal reaches the laptop or smartphone, it has to pass through concrete floors and walls. In addition, part of the signal reflects against all kinds of obstacles. As a result, there may be places in the house where you can no longer receive a WiFi signal at all.
WiFi dongle provides flexibility
You can of course choose to connect the laptop and computers to the router with cables. Then you are guaranteed a good, fast internet connection. But that's a lot of hassle. If the router is on the ground floor and the computer is in the attic, you have to run a very long cable, which sometimes requires drilling through thick walls. With a WiFi dongle this is not necessary and you have an equally good internet connection. Moreover, you have the freedom to move your computer to another room over time.
Old computers are extra sensitive
Older laptops and computers are most susceptible to interference due to a weak WiFi signal. These devices are equipped with WiFi receivers that are not nearly as advanced and sensitive as modern ones. With a WiFi dongle, the internet connection can become a lot more reliable and faster. Installing a dongle is very simple. First switch off the old receiver. Then plug the new WiFi dongle into a USB port. The software will automatically recognize this, install the necessary drivers and start the network. From that moment on you will have a much faster internet connection.
Confusion of speech
If you don't regularly work with the technical aspects of WiFi, it's easy to get confused by the different terms used. Therefore, here is a brief explanation. An internet dongle is a device, often a USB stick, that connects to the internet via the mobile network. A dongle like this also connects to the internet, but via existing WiFi networks. A WiFi dongle is also called a WiFi adapter, a wireless adapter or a WiFi receiver. Another device that appears regularly is a WiFi repeater. It is plugged into the socket and amplifies existing WiFi signals.
New techniques: dual band
Older WiFi devices use the 2.4 Ghz radio frequency. This is known to be sensitive to interference. In recent years, dongles have been developed that use a radio frequency of 5 Ghz. Because it is much less busy on that frequency, these are more stable and, above all, faster connections. There are also products that use 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz. These are called dual band adapters. Purchasing a dual band adapter only makes sense if your router is also suitable for dual band.
WPS technology
Linking a new WiFi dongle and a WiFi network is often an annoying job. Because you need the security key of the router or wireless access point, and not everyone has that at hand. If your router and the new WiFi dongle have WPS, you will no longer have this problem. WPS is a technique that allows you to connect a secure network without entering the password. To do this, first press the WPS button on the router and within a minute the WPS button on the WiFi dongle. The new device is then registered on the network almost fully automatically.
Technical specifications of a WiFi dongle
There are many types of WiFi dongles, with countless technical features. It is wise to look into this if you want to purchase a WiFi dongle. Three aspects are important. First investigate whether you need a 'normal' adapter or a dual band adapter. Then check whether the speed of the WiFi dongle matches the speed of the USB port in your computer. Finally, the security of your network is a point of attention. Always choose the adapter with the best security standard: WPA2. If your router does not support this, you can use WPA. WEP security is outdated. You better not use that.
Buy WiFi dongle online
A large number of WiFi dongles are available in the Mediawinkel.eu webshop. In the shop you can compare the adapters so that you can make a choice that suits your needs. Compare on price, speed, technology and functionality. If you need help, you can ask one of our expert customer service representatives for advice. By ordering something from Mediawinkel.eu you don't pay too much and you have a chance to win lucrative discounts. All purchases are subject to the extensive customer terms and conditions. Once your order has been placed, your WiFi dongle will be delivered to your home within a few days.
