wireless adaptor

iammumtoone

Looking for recommendations for a wireless adapter, at least I think thats what I need

My wifi connection is useless on my PC I keep having to re-set the wireless network. I am fed up with it now and just want it to work. Happy to pay for something that will help, its too far away to use a cable.

I have looked and read loads of reviews but have no idea which are any good. Does it matter can I just pick anyone or is there a brand that is recommended? I don't want to waste my money and buy twice, rather spend a bit more in the first place to get something reliable.

If it matters I am using windows 10

Thanks

esuhl

I know you've probably ruled it out, but I'd try to consider if you could place your router in a more central place, closer to the PC. Or run a cable at least part of the way and putting a second wireless access point on the end so you cover a wider area.

Otherwise, try searching for a USB adapter with a "high gain" aerial. That's the technical term for an extra-sensitive one that should work better when the signal is weak. The gain is measured in decibels (dB), I believe.

You might also be able to replace the aerial(s) on your router with high-gain ones.

Or try this DIY method to focus the signal from your router in the direction of your PC:
http://freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html
http://lifehacker.com/296367/boost-your-wireless-signal-with-a-homemade-wifi-extender
https://rchelimenace.wordpress.com/how-to-build-your-own-windsurfer-antenna/

kwikbreaks

Worth checking by using InSSIDer if you are using the least congested WiFi channel too.

elsien

I got a cheap one off ebay which worked for a while then kept losing the connection almost straight away. And it was definitely the adaptor as my laptop and phone picked up the signal in that room fairly quickly.

Having no idea if a dearer wifi adaptor would work any better, I then went for the powerline adaptors instead. So far, working much much better, if that's something else you want to consider.

AndyPix

+1 for the high gain antenna

Heedtheadvice

+1 for trying a cheap solution! At least to start with!

Using the aforementioned software to see if there is a better channel (if you feel you can run/understand it-not too difficult) is a good start - if not try changing the channel for WiFi on the router on a trial and error basis (usually range something like 1 to 6) to see if you can get a better signal. Noted that you do not mention anything about the signal strength being received by the laptop -see on the icon or WiFi properties or any error messages....

Some WiFi receivers/transmitters do seem to loose sensitivity with age so you could even try a very cheap USB plug in one for only a couple of quid or so. Well worth the try. Fixed a problem with the same symptoms last year by just doing that. Cheap and cheerful but it worked.

Try the simple things first?

molerat

Check that the wifi adaptor drivers are up to date, W10 seems to be doing some weird things to them. My granddaughter's laptop wifi went dodgy all of a sudden. Checked and updated the driver now all good again.

iammumtoone

I think I gave the wrong impression in my OP (my fault I didn't use the correct terminology)

The problem isn't with my router, its the PC. I keep having to reset/repair the wireless network adapter on the PC. molerate is right it is to do with a windows 10 update. I have tried everything including deleting it completely and re-installing it. It works for a day them keeps having to be repaired. It is so slow and some websites just don't connect at all.

I will look for a high gain antenna, thanks I hadn't heard of that before.

Elsien suggestion is a good one but my PC is connected via an extension lead so it would mean re-organising furniture to plug straight into the wall, still its possible if I need to. Unless I can use a powerline adapter with an extension cable?

I will try a wireless adapter first to see how I get on.

Thanks everyone

WantToBeSE

NOt sure what a Wireless Adaptor is (i must be getting old ) but i was having the same problems as you OP, and just bought this from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XYEPLXU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It worked a treat, and is half price
I used to have to use my laptop in my front room, as i could never get WiFi in my bedroom, it would cut out after a few mins. This has solved all the problems and was so easy to get up.

elsien

iammumtoone wrote: »

Elsien suggestion is a good one but my PC is connected via an extension lead so it would mean re-organising furniture to plug straight into the wall, still its possible if I need to. Unless I can use a powerline adapter with an extension cable?

I will try a wireless adapter first to see how I get on.

Thanks everyone

The power line adaptors shouldn't be used with an extension cable, and extensions with surge protect can cause real issues.

However due to the position of my sockets (too close to the floor) I've had no choice but to use an ordinary extension lead for the power line adapter at the computer end of the arrangement and so far it's still working. You can also buy extra long Ethernet cables to run from the socket to the desktop which can avoid the need for the extension cable, if all else fails, and use a plug through adaptor so the rest of the set up stays the same.

chipp

How about a powerline/homeplug type setup? If computer has an ethernet port, that is, and on same electric meter as the router. Argos do them. Works for me.