Wireless Adapter

I use a Thompson Broadband Router (Model TWG870) which enables me to use my laptop wirelessly when away from my desktop computer.

I've purchased another desktop pc for the family and want to have that used wirelessly also. I'm just wondering if I need to get a specific usb adapter because my router is a Thomson or will any wireless adapter installed on the new pc suffice?

Thank you.

 

Previous to the Thomson I had a BT Voyager 2110 router for my desktop pc. I used a BT Voyager 1055 usb adapter for another pc.

If I installed the BT usb adapter (not the router) on the new pc do you think that might work, even though I'm not using the BT router?

I've also checked out the PCI card option on a video. Seems like a good option for further consideration.

Thank you.

 

I expect to have the new computer up and running next week and will give you the result then.

Thanks again.

 

Hi Lugwalker, I'm trying something myself. First go to > Device Manager > Network Adapters and see if you have Wireless in there.
A new model comp might have this installed?
This will save you a card or USB adapter. I'm using a USB adapter to do the same exercise - don't want to open comp. Lazy man's way.

This came about with my recent purchase of a new HP printer (wireless) and connecting my Notebook and Desktop to the printer wirelessly.
I thought I might as well do away with the Ethernet cable between the comp and the NetComm wireless Router. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sorry to butt in Pete, but the USB is an alternative way. Neil.

 

Thanks, retiredlearner. I'm waiting for one or two item before setting the computer up and will report back when I've all the accessories together. I'll check out your suggestion above beforehand.

Acer
Name Acer Veriton X4620G
Product Specifications
Processor clock speed 3.2 GHz
Processor model i5-3470
Number of processors installed 1
Turbo frequency (max) 3.6 GHz
System bus data transfer rate 5 GT/s
Processor socket Socket 1155
Processor number of threads 4
Processor number of cores 4
L3 cache 6 MB
Processor family Intel Core i5
Internal memory 4 GB
Maximum internal memory 16 GB
Memory slots 4x DIMM
Internal memory type DDR3-SDRAM
Storage media type HDD
Hard drive capacity 500 GB
Hard drive interface Serial ATA II
Total storage capacity 500 GB
Optical drive type DVD Super Multi
Discrete graphics adapter model No
On-board graphics adapter model Intel HD Graphics 2500
Operating system/software
Operating system architecture 64-bit
Recovery operating system included Windows 8 Pro
Operating system installed Windows 7 Professional
Ethernet LAN connection Yes
Wireless LAN connection No
Ethernet LAN data transfer rates 10, 100, 1000 Mbit/s
Cabling technology 10/100/1000Base-T(X)
Ports & interfaces
USB 3.0 ports quantity 4
USB 2.0 ports quantity 4
Microphone in Yes
Headphone out 1
Ethernet LAN (RJ-45) ports quantity 1
DVI port Yes
Technical details
Intel visual technologies Intel Clear Video HD, Intel Insider, Intel InTru 3D, Intel Quick Sync Video
Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) Technology Yes
Product type PC
Intel vPro Technology Yes
Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
Intel Identity Protection Technology Yes
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology No
Intel Anti-Theft Technology Yes
Colour of product Black
Cooling type Active
Number of 5.25" bays 1
Number of 3.5" bays 1
Source data-sheet .
Energy management
Power supply 220 W
Weight & dimensions
Width 101.5 mm
Depth 396.8 mm
Height 266.5 mm
Energy Star certified Yes

 

Your list shows - Wireless LAN = NO
So you're off to to the shop. Neil.

 

I suspected so. Talking of shops, I've been looking at some wireless PCI cards. Are they specific to particular brands of computers, or can they be used in any computer? In other words, does it matter whether you get Intel, Asustek, Startek, HP, etc., for an Acer computer?

 

I personally don't like USB adapters because they depend on USB. And unfortunately, USB (even USB 3.0) is not as reliable as it should be.

If me, and you have a spare PCIe (PCI express) slot available, I would get a PCIe Wireless Card Adapter. If no spare PCIe slot, there are many PCI adapters available like this.

If I was insistent on getting a USB adapter, I would definitely get one like TonyT suggested or like this one - with external antennas instead of one built into the dongle like this. The compact types don't allow you to reorient the antennas for better reception.

Regardless the type you get, the brand does not matter. Just make sure it supports 802.11n or 11ac for the best performance and security.

 

Thanks, folks. You've given me excellent advice. Over the weekend I'll decide on whichever options appeal to me. When everything is up and running I'll report back here.

 

I've just installed USB Adapter 802.11n 300Mbps and it's working AOK. Neil.

 

I've just ordered ASUS USB-N13, WLAN USB Adapter, WPS HW button, 802.11n 300Mbps, WPA2, Windows, Linux, MAC OS.