What’s a Wi-Fi Adapter? Do You Need One in 2023
Wireless technology is all about convenience and efficiency. However, some devices don’t support Wi-Fi, or they only support wired connections. Luckily, wireless network adapters are here to the rescue.
A Wi-Fi adapter is a small device you can plug into your computer. It lets your PC or any device with a USB port connect to the internet wirelessly.
If you’re wondering how it works, what it looks like, or whether you need one, read on!
Table of Contents
What does a Wi-Fi adapter do?
A wireless adapter converts your PC, workstation, or other Wi-Fi-incapable devices into a capable one.
Normally, if your laptop or computer doesn’t support Wi-Fi, you have to use an ethernet connection. You have to wire your device to the router with an ethernet cable.
But with an adapter, you can easily connect devices to the internet like modern mobile devices, laptops, and other Wi-FI devices.
However, you must remember one thing: a WiFi adapter doesn’t work on its own. So this means you still need an active Wi-FI network from an internet service provider, a modem, and a wireless router.
If you connect a WiFi adapter to a gadget, but you don’t have an existing network, you still can’t connect to the internet.
Kinds of Wi-Fi adapters
There are different kinds of adapters that you can choose from. Before you buy an adapter, make sure to check your gadgets. This is so you can get the right one that meets your needs.
USB Adapter
A USB Wi-Fi adapter is the most common and most convenient one. It’s best to use on laptops and computers that have a working USB port.
It’s easy to use and install. You need to install the driver software that comes with it, and then you’ll be up and running in no time. It’s best to use if you want a plug-and-play option.
The TP-Link Archer T9UH is one of the best USB WiFi adapters on the market. It provides impressive speed and performance. Plus, it impressively boosts 5GHz signals.
PCI Adapter
A PCI adapter is used for desktop computers. It’s a card you need to put inside the PCI slot of your computer.
The PCI slot is a long, narrow clot at the side of your CPU case. The slot is covered with a metal cover, so remove that, and you should be able to see it.
The TP-Link AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card is one of the best PCI adapters you can find. Its dual-band technology lets you connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA technology. These make the adapter perfect for daily online activities, streaming, or online gaming.
Additionally, it has a built-in Bluetooth 5.0 function that you can also use!
PCMCIA Adapter
A PCMCIA adapter is used for laptops. It looks similar to a thick credit card that you can insert into a PCMCIA slot.
Some PCMCIA adapters include an antenna. What’s great about this is you can easily plug it out and use it on other laptops when needed.
Then, the Transcend PCMCIA Ata Adapter is one of the best PCMCIA adapters you can find. It’s compatible with the following OS:
- Windows 7, 8, 9, and 10
- MacOS 10.0 and later
- Linux Kernel 2.6.30 or later
It’s compatible with almost all laptop versions, so that’s a win!
Do you need a Wi-Fi adapter?
If your gadgets or appliances don’t support Wi-Fi, or the WiFi doesn’t work for some reason, then getting an adapter is a smart choice.
It gives you the same efficiency and convenience as any WiFi-capable device. Plus, you won’t need long wires every time.
However, if your device is near the router, wiring it up with an ethernet cable is the best option. It gives you faster speeds, better internet performance, lesser interference, and lesser latency.
The Bottomline
A Wi-Fi adapter is a convenient device you can use anytime, anywhere. Make sure to get the right adapter that meets your needs and preferences. Plus, it should be compatible with your gadgets.
Most mobile devices and computers today already support Wi-Fi. So if your gadget’s WiFi isn’t working, check if it’s on before buying an adapter or taking it to a repair shop.
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