Dongle?

MrsE_2

I've moved my main PC upstairs & the router. The wireless Internet for phones & tablets is awful, I guess that's because the router is running off an extension socket rather than the master?

I've been told I need a dongle, the router can go back downstairs & the dongle will make the wired PC wireless :-)

When I put dongle in on PC world, I get USB network adapters, are they the same thing? I read about them, but it sounded like they push the Internet out rather than grab it I'm - but that could be just my ignorance :-(

MrsE_2

They are the same thing aren't they !

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/networking/networking/wireless-cards-adapters/belkin-f9l1106az-dual-band-usb-ac-adapter-19430662-pdt.html


Any good?

MrsE_2

Or this

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=14649

amiaspden

I bought the Edimax EW-7711UAN dongle from Amazon. Only costs about £11 and works very well in weaker signal areas. I have 2 as it works with my Humax Freeview recorder as well.

MrsE_2

I got one of those tv Internet things plugged into my sky box, not sure what it does?
I could use that for the PC in the bedroom couldn't I?

Lifeforms

Before you start buying stuff, enable wireless on the router, if not already. Use passworded, or check the back of the router for a password (if it came from an ISP)
THEN go upstairs with a wireless device, phone etc and see just what signal you get upstairs where you computer is. You may find the signal doesn't carry enough to be able to use it properly, and therefore homeplugs would be a wiser move. If you can get a decent wireless signal at your computer you need a Wireless USB adaptor.

Cheaper results from PC world:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/search-keywords/xx_xx_xx_0_xx/wireless+usb+adaptor/1_12/price-asc/xx-criteria.html BUT be aware to make sure it says "Wireless" "USB" and "adaptor/adapter" as some listed are bluetooth etc. Also speed and making sure if you have an "N" router that you buy a compatible one, as well as duel band if that is a feature.

What is your router make/model?

roddydogs

Excellent "Wi fi" dongle on Fleay bay for £4 or so delivered. wont advertise just say the first letter is D the last Z.... tiny as well

MrsE_2

We always used iPhone & tablets well & fast upstairs, when the router was downstairs.
I've moved the router back downstairs & taken the tv link, the sky on demand doesn't work now - clearly that's what that did lol

MrsE_2

The plug link is working great :-)
If I bought another set, could I plug one into the sky box & it would go to that as well? Do I have to get the same brand or can I buy any?

Lifeforms

basically yeah, I would find out what kind of router you have to make sure you get the best adaptor, throw the other one back into the sky box (as you know it works with that) then go find a new one for the PC. You can buy for a few quid off ebay, or through pc world link you can find cheaper ones than you first linked with. You could also buy a wireless card for inside the computer if you're competent to install it. The only benefit that has is not to take up one of the USB sockets.

amiaspden

No they don't have to be same brand, but Freeview or Sky boxes can be more fussy as to which dongles they will work with. So the safest thing might be to buy a new dongle for your PC, then return the other one to the Sky box which you it will work on.