WiFi receivers have already entered our life so tightly that it is already difficult to imagine without them. Almost all laptops and smartphones are equipped with such a device. With it, you can easily and simply connect to wireless networks.
Execution
According to their design, WiFi receivers are of the following types:
- integrated;
- interior;
- external.
In the first case, it is made in the form of a separate chip and soldered into the motherboard. Most often, in such a design, such devices can be found on inexpensive motherboards, smartphones and netbooks.
The second option is internal. It is not so common. This is the board that is installed in the PCI expansion slot on the motherboard.
In the latter case, such a device is made in a separate case and resembles a flash drive. Such a WiFi receiver connects to a regular rectangular USB connector. The price for each of the options is different. An integrated adapter, for example, does not need to be bought. It comes with a digital device. But comparing the internal and external, we can conclude that the latter costs much less. Prices for such devices start at 150 rubles. In turn, the cost of internal adapters starts at 400 rubles.
Moreover, their characteristics are identical. Another classification of such devices is based on the standard with which this wireless adapter can work. In this case, they are divided as follows:
- 802.11a - 54 Mbps data transfer rate, 5 GHz operating frequency.
- 802.11b - in this case, the data transfer rate is up to 11 Mbps with the same frequency, but the range of this wireless network is increased to 150 meters in open areas.
- 802.11g - this standard appeared 4 years after the first two in 2003. Its speed is the same as "a", and the radius of action is two times greater than that of "b". It is backward compatible with the previous two standards.
- 802.11n - became the logical development of "g". He as the data transfer rate has increased (up to 600 Mbit / s), and the radius of action has increased (up to 600 meters).
- The latest standard, 802.11ac, has not yet been widely adopted. Its main difference from “n” is an increased data transfer rate, which in this case can reach a phenomenal 10 Gb / s.
Connection
For the integrated Wi-Fi adapter, this step is skipped. The internal receiver is installed in the expansion slot of the motherboard. To connect it, you need to remove the side panel from the system unit, install it in the white PCI slot. There may be several. It is better for these purposes to use the one with the serial number "1" (if it is free). Next, the Wi-Fi adapter board needs to be fixed with a bolt that is screwed to the system unit case . At the next stage, the computer is assembled and returns to its original state. All the described manipulations should be done only with the equipment turned on. If you need to connect WiFi receivers in an external design, then it is not necessary to turn off the computer or laptop. It is enough to find the right rectangular connector and install the adapter in it. For stationary PCs, it is recommended to use those USB sockets that are brought to the back of it and soldered to the motherboard.
Customization
The next step is to programmatically configure the WiFi receiver for a PC or laptop. First you need to install the drivers. When a new device is connected, it searches for the software necessary for its normal operation. At the end of this operation, a message should appear stating that the equipment is installed and ready for operation. But if the necessary software is not found, a message appears stating that the operating system did not find it. In this case, it must be manually installed. Each adapter comes with a CD. It has the required driver without fail. If the disk is lost, then the necessary information can be downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer. Then we launch the installation version of this software and, following the instructions of the wizard, install it on your local computer or laptop. After that, a gray ladder should appear in the lower right corner of the monitor. We make a click on it with the left mouse button. In the list that opens, we find the wireless network we need and connect to it. If necessary, enter the password to gain access.
Test
At the final stage, you need to check the operability of the established WiFi connection. The computer receiver is also already configured properly. To check, you need to launch any browser that is on your computer (for example, Microsoft Explorer or Opera). Then we enter the address mail.ru in its address bar and press Enter. After that, this portal should open. Another nuance that you need to pay attention to during the setup process: the mode of operation of the router and the Wi-Fi transmitter should be the same. For example, if one of them has “b” and the other has “n,” then data transfer will be impossible. Although wireless networks in the list of available connections will be present.
Conclusion
As part of this material, various modifications to devices such as WiFi receivers have been described. The order of their connection, configuration and testing is also indicated. All this will allow any user to configure such equipment without problems, regardless of their level of training and knowledge. So feel free to take and do. No problems should arise.