problems setting up wireless connection...

losgiganteskid

Have been using a wired bt voyager modem until recently on a desktop when i lost the connection and despite dozens of calls to aol help I have decided to go wireless.

I have bought a new laptop and used an aol "speed touch" wireless router - this has been set up ok and i can use the laptop anywhere in the house no problem

I also want to connect up my desktop computer to the same wireless router however trying to do so I get such a weak signal that the computer will not connect up to the internet - I get a message that says "The device will function at reduced speed. You must add a hi-speed usb host controller to this computer to obtain maximum performance".

My desktop HP is approx 8 years old.

Questions - what is a hi-speed usb host controller, how does it connect to the computer (plug in) where do I get one from and price and finally will this piece of kit solve my problem ? thanks in advance :cool:

exup

signal strength can affected by distance from the router, objects in the way, and also the channel the wireless channel the router transmits on.
How is the desktop PC picking up the signal (what wireless network adapter does it have)

however if possible the best way would be to connect the PC to the router with an ethernet cable. If you had problems before,the ethernet controller on the PC itself may be faulty. (this is unlikely to affect the wireless though)

wouldn't worry about the fast USB just yet

losgiganteskid

The desktop is receiving a signal via a Belkin N wireless USB network adapter

The wireless router is downstairs in the living room and the desktop in the upstairs bedroom. I took the laptop up to the bedroom and that picks up the signal from downstairs no probs so it seems the signal is reaching upstairs ok but the desktop as it stands is not picking up the signal

I don't have an ethernet port on the desktop !!

j2011

You could connect the USB network adapter to a long USB lead then move the network adapter for best signal strength.

losgiganteskid

j2011 - I could but that would somewhat defeat the object of going wireless - if I need to extend the usb lead

I might give that a try though ! - thanks

TonyMMM

losgiganteskid wrote: »

"The device will function at reduced speed. You must add a hi-speed usb host controller to this computer to obtain maximum performance".

My desktop HP is approx 8 years old.

USB speeds were upgraded a while back to USB2.0 and your desktop is telling you that the USB ports it has can't work at the higher speed. They should still work at the older/slower USB1.0 rate.

You MAY be able to bring it up to date by installing new USB/motherboard drivers from the HP website (if any were ever released), or you could add a USB2.0 card, or you could add an ethernet card and use that - I would recommend the ethernet (always going to be more reliable than wireless).

Hammyman

losgiganteskid wrote: »

The desktop is receiving a signal via a Belkin N wireless USB network adapter

Ah well. USB wifi adapters are, to put it bluntly, a pile of cack. Get a PCI one. You'll need to open up the computer to install it but it'll work infinitely better.