Wi-Fi is especially convenient due to the complete absence of wires and the ability to connect any device to it. But, unfortunately, not all computers can receive the signal from a wireless router. Let's figure out how to connect Wi-Fi to a computer and what you need for this.
Computer adapters
Despite the fact that most smartphones and laptops are equipped with a built-in module for receiving Wi-Fi signal, desktop computers cannot always be connected to wireless internet without accompanying devices. That is why the PC can be connected either using a network cable or using a special adapter.
External
The external version is compact and can be used for several desktop computers at once. The device resembles a small flash drive and is inserted into a USB port. The price of adapters varies: from 12 dollars (700 rubles) and above.
To connect, just install the necessary software. You can download it from the equipment manufacturer’s website. It is important to ensure that the drivers support the purchased device.
Domestic
An analogue of this device are internal type receivers connected directly to the PCI interface. The installation process will also not waste much of the PC owner’s time - just open the system unit and place the part in it. In addition, you will need to download the software (drivers) and install it. The price is not much different from external type receivers.
As mentioned above, the lack of a Wi-Fi module on a PC is not a problem, you just need to purchase additional equipment. Moreover, the network cable will not get in the way on your desktop or floor. Also, some users find that the speed of a wireless connection is slightly higher than that of a wired connection. Of course, this directly depends on the provider, the device itself and the PC.
How to connect Wi-Fi using an adapter?
Connection methods different types adapters have common features, but still differs. The main differences are in the process of directly installing the device. To connect an external adapter, you do not need to open the system unit; just place it in the appropriate connector. A screwdriver is required to connect the internal adapter.
Connecting an external adapter
Let's take a closer look at how to connect a Wi-Fi adapter to a computer. To use a wireless connection, having only a desktop PC at hand, you will need:
- the equipment itself;
- extension cable (optional);
- drivers;
- router
Connecting the device is quite simple, and the operation does not raise any questions. It is important to pay attention to installation software, because without it the equipment simply will not function correctly. The adapter is connected in the following order:
- Remove the device from the factory box. You will need to connect the adapter to your PC. This can be done either directly (via USB) or through a special cable. Plus last method connection is that the extension cord amplifies the signal.
- Open the folder with the drivers and install them. Even if the system reports that some software is already installed.
- When opening the software, you will need to select the device model, then select “Install driver and utility.” Click "OK".
- In all dialog boxes agree to the terms of use by clicking “Next” or “Yes”. Wait for the installation to complete and close the dialog box. Reboot your personal computer.
- Once the process is complete, the icon should appear on the taskbar wireless connection. If it does not occur, check whether the drivers are installed, and whether the external adapter is inserted correctly.
This completes the process and the user can connect to WI-FI. Now let's take a closer look at installing the internal adapter.
Connecting the internal adapter
If with the installation of the external version everything is extremely simple, then with the internal one even experienced users PC may experience difficulties. The process of connecting the internal adapter is quite simple, but will require skills in working with computer hardware. The operation is performed in several steps.
To quickly connect the internal adapter, you will need the following tools:
- screwdriver;
- the device itself;
- system unit;
- pre-downloaded drivers;
- router
Let's move on to the procedure itself. For installation you will need:
- Unscrew the antenna from the device, if it is attached to it.
- Open the system unit and find the slot for the Wi-Fi module. It is usually located on the motherboard, under sound card PC. Align the contacts of the adapter and the motherboard.
- After connecting, screw the antenna back on. Now you need to close the lid system unit.
- Install pre-downloaded drivers, agreeing to all the requirements of the program. To do this, use the “OK”, “Next”, “Agree” buttons. After installation, close the window. Reboot your personal computer.
- Check to see if the wireless connection icon appears on the taskbar. If it is missing, open the cover again and make sure that the contacts of the parts are in contact and the adapter is installed correctly.
How to connect Wi-Fi to PC?
This completes the adapter installation process. Now you can start using the wireless network using your PC. You need to consider how to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network.
First, you need to find the Internet connection icon in the notification panel. If it displays a star pattern, then the PC sees available secure (or unsecured) networks and can connect.
When you click on the icon, all you have to do is select the network, then click the “Connect” button.
If your wireless network is protected with a password, you will be prompted to enter it. After entering the combination, click on the “OK” button. The notification panel will display the incoming signal strength.
When disabled wireless connection or the software is missing, it is impossible to connect. You need to check your settings (Network and Sharing Center) shared access") if wireless network connection enabled – check the adapter. After configuration, the panel will display the connection status “Yes” available connections" You can select a network and connect to it.
You will also need to reinstall the driver. It is enough to download the software from the official website of the router manufacturer. Then unpack the saved archive and run the program with “exe” permission. After installing the driver, you will need to restart your PC. Now you need to try connecting to the wireless network again.
Resume
Now you know how to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network. Even a beginner can connect a PC to a wireless network using an adapter. The main thing is to pay special attention to the nuances of installing hardware and software. After all, an incorrectly inserted internal module can even lead to breakdown.
Of course, the main method is still considered to be connecting the router using an inconvenient cable. That is why buying a compact adapter is a fairly profitable option for the computer owner.
Nowadays it is difficult to find a high-tech gadget, in particular a smartphone, laptop, etc., without support Wi-Fi technology . It is convenient, practical and has proven itself well. However, despite its increasing prevalence, support for Wi-Fi networks in desktop PCs has not yet become a default option: many computers are sold without it, not to mention older models. However install Wi-Fi on your computer It’s very simple, and there are several ways:
- purchasing a new motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi;
- PCI installation Wi-Fi cards;
- USB connection Wi-Fi adapter.
Do you need Wi-Fi on your desktop computer?
Before installing a Wi-Fi module on your computer, you need to decide whether we need it at all?
Let's say the Internet is connected to your PC via Ethernet cable. If some kind of rearrangement is not planned in the foreseeable future, which may entail the need to move the computer and the occurrence of problems with the cable, then the rationale for switching to a Wi-Fi connection looks very doubtful. Still, so far familiar to everyone the cable provides a more stable and speedy connection. Not least because of the reduced susceptibility to various interferences. Therefore, it is still too early to categorically refuse an Ethernet cable, even if it looks somewhat archaic. In addition, such a connection can be useful if you want to turn a desktop PC or laptop into wireless point access.
The procedure is quite simple. The main thing is that it is present on the computer Wi-Fi module, and he himself, of course, was connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable. All that remains is to configure the wireless access point. Sometimes the built-in resources of the operating system are sufficient for this, but sometimes you will have to install specialized software. However, as a rule, no difficulties arise with this. Why turn your desktop into a hotspot? ? For convenience, because you can easily connect smartphones, tablets, laptops and other high-tech gadgets to the Internet without the need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi router. The role of the latter in this case is assigned to the computer. Well, now, let me tell you in detail how you can install Wi-Fi on your computer.
Methods for connecting Wi-Fi to a desktop PC
Buying a modern motherboard
As mentioned above, the simplest, but also most expensive, solution to the problem is computer upgrade. Currently, it is not difficult to find motherboards on sale that have the default Wi-Fi support. If you still plan to purchase a new PC in the foreseeable future, then you should not waste your time on small things by buying USB adapters or PCI cards, but immediately take everything ready-made.
Buying a PCI card or USB adapter
In the case when a desktop upgrade is postponed indefinitely, there are two options left: USB adapter or corresponding PCI card. Both methods are about equally good, but each has its own nuances. For example, an internal Wi-Fi card means reliability and a stable, fast signal. On the other hand, to install it you need a free PCI Express slot, as well as the ability to easily get inside the system unit. Considering the common practice of PC sellers installing a warranty seal on the cover of the system unit in order to prevent unauthorized access, the option with a PCI card sometimes automatically disappears. Or you will have to sacrifice the guarantee, which is clearly not a far-sighted decision.
USB adapter is more practical and convenient, as it allows you to easily connect Wi-Fi to any desktop PC. Outwardly, it resembles a regular flash drive, although some models are slightly more bulky due to built-in antennas. The connection speed will most likely be slightly lower than in the two previously listed options. Let us add that sometimes for correct operation USB Wi-Fi adapter needed
Good afternoon, dear guests of the site!
The computer was created to exchange information, which means it must be connected to a network, be it just a local network or the Internet. A computer without a connection to the World Wide Web has long lost its relevance and cannot satisfy all our needs.
Until recently, when choosing a method for connecting a computer, we settled on connecting using wires. The point is that wireless equipment it was quite expensive. Fortunately, technology does not stand still!
Quite recently I moved to another apartment, which means I again needed to connect my computer to the World Wide Web. And if there are no problems with the laptop, since I use wireless router, then I had no desire to run wires across the entire room to a desktop computer. There is only one way out - you need to install it on your computer wifi adapter.
Wi-Fi adapters come in two types:
- external- connect via USB port;
- internal- connect to the motherboard via a PCI or PCI-E 1X connector;
There are also motherboards with built-in wi-fi, but these are usually motherboards in the upper price range.
I opted for an external adapter. To be honest, I didn’t think long about which adapter to choose. By technical specifications adapters differ in their support for different standards, which determine the data transfer speed and compatibility with new equipment, and also differ in their support for encryption methods.
Since I rarely use the local network, and the adapter will mainly be used to connect to the Internet, almost any speed suits me. Almost all modern adapters support WPA2 encryption. Therefore, first of all, I chose based on price.
So I bought myself an adapter D-Link DWA-127. Adapters with similar functionality very low prices can be bought here - aliexpress.com
Specifications:
Maximum wireless connection speed
150 Mbit/s
Information protection
WEP/WPA/WPA 2
Transmitter power
17 dBM
Connection interface
USB 2.0
The price of the adapter is 550-650 rubles.
Perhaps I was bribed by a rather large antenna :-), in the hope of better signal reception, although in practice I did not notice the influence of the antenna on reception.
All we need to do to connect the wi-fi adapter is to plug it into a USB port and install the drivers from the disk that comes with the kit.
After the drivers are installed, all we have to do is search for wireless networks within range and connect to our network, or not ours?
In general, the connection diagram looks like this: 
The cable from the Internet provider enters the apartment and connects to the wi-fi router (a device that provides an Internet connection), then through the channel wireless transmission data we connect other devices.
This way we get everyone connected at once wi-fi devices to the network, we save a lot of time and don’t clutter the room with unnecessary wires.
That's all for today. I wish you to always stay in touch!
Setting up a WiFi connection in Windows 7 is not difficult at all. In the tray, on the “Network” icon, you need to click on the left mouse button and then, in the menu, select one of the WiFi access points, click on it, and then click the “Connection” button:
After this, a window will open in which you need to enter the password for this access point:
Enter the password, click "OK" and if the password is correct, then in half a minute or a minute the connection will be established. The network icon in the tray will change its appearance, and if you click on it, the one you connected to will be highlighted in the list of networks:
In this case, all other parameters, except the password, for the new Windows connections 7 will install automatically.
But there is another way to create wifi connection to the Internet is a little more complicated, but it allows you to manually specify some parameters for a new connection. On the same network icon, in the tray, you need to click right button mouse and then select “Network and Sharing Center” from the menu:
Then, in the dialog box, select manual setting:
In the next window, enter the access point name, security and encryption type, and password:
After this, the created connection will be available through the network icon in the tray.
If you need to change the settings of a connection that has already been created, then to do this you need to press the left button on the network icon, and then the right button on the connection you want to change and select “Properties” from the menu:
In the dialog box you can change connection parameters:
How to use wifi
Using wifi is very easy. Once you have created a connection, you can turn it on and off through the network icon in the tray. However, you need to understand that the ability to use wifi greatly depends on external factors. Because the radio signal is affected by the external environment. Various obstacles such as walls, ceilings, floors weaken both the signal of the access point and the signal of the client device. Windows shows the signal strength from the access point in “sticks”. The pictures at the beginning of the article show the signal level of one or two short sticks. This is very weak signal. With such a signal, you most likely will not be able to use the Internet.
There are programs that show the signal level in numbers - dBm, for example 60 dBm or 40 dBm. The higher the number, the weaker the signal - a good signal is a number less than 50 dBm. However, you need to understand that the accuracy of such numbers varies depending on the adapter and the driver of this adapter. Under the same conditions, one adapter may show, for example, 71 dBm, and another adapter 82 dBm.
In addition to passive barriers, the quality of wifi signal transmission can be negatively affected by sources of electromagnetic radiation. So, even if you have the best wifi adapter installed on your laptop, this does not mean that you will always be able to use the Internet via wifi.
In a situation with bad signal Using an adapter with an external antenna may help. For example, the TP-Link TL-WN722N/C USB wifi adapter is equipped with an external antenna. Moreover, it is removable and, if necessary, can be replaced with another one with a higher gain.
What does presence give external antenna? Continuing the same example - under equal conditions - the same access point, the same time and place of connection, the presence of passive barriers between the access point and the client - as a result, a weak signal in both directions:
- The internal "native" wifi adapter of the laptop connects to the access point, but practically does not allow you to use the Internet due to low speed and frequent interruptions.
- TP-Link TL-WN722NC with its own antenna provides a stable Internet connection at a good speed.
If wifi doesn't work
If your computer does not have a "Wireless Network Connection" the reason may be the following:
- There is no wifi adapter on your computer at all. You can find this out through Device Manager. There should be a wireless network card in the list of devices.
- There is a wifi adapter on your computer, but it is disabled. For example, many laptops have buttons to turn off the wifi adapter. This can be a separate button or one of the F buttons in combination with the Fn button. If the wifi adapter is built into motherboard, it can be disabled in the BIOS.
- There is an adapter, but the drivers for it are not installed, in this case it will be in the list of devices as an unidentified device.
- There is an adapter, but it is disabled by software.
If "Wireless network connection" is present, it shows list of networks but can't connect to the desired network, then the reason could be that:
- The signal between your adapter and the access point is too weak. Long distances, thick walls, etc. Moreover, the signal level of the access point may be decent, but the signal from your adapter does not reach the access point. Because the adapter signal is generally weaker than the access point signal. Especially if the adapter is built-in, such as in a laptop.
- You entered the wrong password. This is especially true for Windws XP because the password characters cannot be seen there.
If the connection to the access point is established, but the Internet does not work, then the reasons may be:
- Wifi router (access point) is not connected to the Internet. For example, a technical failure at the provider, or a lack of funds in your account with the provider.
- Technical failure DNS servers at the provider.
Home WiFi networks
WiFi Security
Since when using wifi all information is transmitted via radio waves, this makes wifi networks much more vulnerable compared to wired networks. The fact is that radio signals sent by the access point (wifi router) and devices that are connected to the access point are available for interception by any similar device that is within the “hearing” radius of the access point or from the client of this access point. That is, intercepting network traffic becomes very simple, affordable and invisible. And intercepting network traffic allows you to collect the information necessary to attack a wifi network. As there are more and more access points, wifi increases and the number of people who want to “hack” the wifi network increases.
The most common motivation for hacking points wifi access This internet connection via wifi is free. A fairly common picture today is that you have a wifi router installed in your apartment and not only your devices are connected to it, but also the computer of one of your neighbors. You pay for the Internet, and your tech-savvy neighbor gets the Internet for free.
But "theft" The Internet is not the only reason why it is "hacked" wifi networks. The fact is that if an attacker gains access to your access point, through it he can gain access to all devices that are connected to your wifi router. And this gives him the opportunity to steal your personal data. For example, passwords to mail, to online banking, your documents - in one word, to everything you own.
Therefore, you need to use wifi with caution. Here are a few rules to follow.
Do not connect to open public wifi networks through a laptop on which you store valuable information. And if you need access to the Internet via open networks wifi, then use a firewall and antivirus on your laptop. It’s even better if you install two operating systems on your laptop. One main one, in which all your valuable information will be stored. And the other is empty, only for accessing the Internet through open wifi networks.
If you are using a wifi router at home or in the office, you must correctly wifi setup router:
- Use WPA2 security type.
- The password for protection should be long - preferably 50 - 60 characters, and should consist of an arbitrary set of characters. Password marina1234 very bad - it will be hacked in a few minutes. Password nvysue57k-sjehr)
