As a router to configure as a WiFi adapter. Configuring a router in a wireless network client mode as a WISP AP adapter - TP-LINK, ASUS, Netis

Today, full-fledged work at the computer is possible only if there is access to the Internet. Outdated wired connections handed over their positions - just connect to the nearest access point. And if adapters are usually installed on laptops, you will need to install a Wi-Fi adapter for a stationary PC. Let's figure out how to choose the optimal model for various requirements.

Types of adapters

First of all, you need to decide on the type of WiFi adapter for a computer. According to the installation features, two large groups allocate. The first includes external models that are connected outside the computer. The second group includes internal options that are mounted in the device case. The mansion is standing out of fashion, but still encountered adapters on the Cardbus bus, installed in a special connector.

External Wi-Fi Adapters

External models are the most popular and simplest in the installation, because they do not require special knowledge by the computer. They can be installed outside the PC, without opening the case. It is only necessary that the corresponding port is free, most often USB.

Dimensions may differ: compact models practically do not protrude beyond the ports, larger look like flash drives. For convenience of placement or enhanced reception (for example, to physically reduce the adapter closer to the access point) is possible to connect through the extension cable.

Since the USB is a universal port, then the external models can be connected to almost any computer - at least to stationary, even to the laptop. Modern operating systems can recognize most of these models. Such a USB computer adapter is automatically activated after installation.

Please note that the transfer rate from the most modern models can exceed the possibilities of old connectors. For example, USB 2.0 will not be enough to use the entire 802.11ac standard adapter channel - they must be connected to the high-speed ports of USB 3.0.

Occasionally, models are associated with connecting to Ethernet connector. In this case, between the adapter and the computer, the connection is installed on the usual network cable.

Internal WiFi Adapters

Internal options are provided for installation in the system unit. Outside, they may not be visible at all - of course, if the model has no special external antenna to improve the quality of reception. But in this case, it is located in the rear end of the PC and is practically not striking. So if the appearance of the computer is critical, and even undesirable to take USB ports, then it is better to stop at this option.

Note that with a fully internal installation, the signal can be worse, since the metal elements of the housing will be blocked. In models with remote antenna, such difficulties almost never occur. Some adapters also provide for the replacement of the outer part to a more powerful antenna.

A typical installation option is inside the system unit in the PCI Express connector, as for a regular network card. Less often meets the PCI standard, since it is already obsolete. At the same time suffering tolerability, because it will not be easy to rearrange the adapter to another PC, as well as to move it to improve the quality of the reception.

Wi Fi Card Bus Adapters

The rarest type of adapter, which practically stopped being released. It requires a special connector for its installation. The advantages include compact dimensions and a very simple setting, to minuses (along with low prevalence) low power. Most often, such models are used in laptops - for example, when the main adapter fails.

Wi-Fi adapter D-Link DWA 525

Available internal model for connecting PC to the network - DWA 525 from the company. To connect to a Wi-Fi router, 802.11 B / G / N protocols can be used, which gives the maximum speed at 150 Mbps. In most cases, this is enough for reliable work in the apartment. The model supports encryption by WEP / WPA / WPA2. To install, you need a free PCI Express or PCI connector - both modifications are manufactured, so you need to clarify which model you purchase.

The antenna for the adapter is removed. The manufacturer guarantees the operation of the device in the OS from Windows XP to 8 version inclusive.

WiFi adapter ASUS PCI N10

Another internal adapter. According to the characteristics, it is similar to the previous model: installation in the PCI port, the transfer rate to the same 150 Mbps due to the external antenna and the ability to work within 802.11n. To quickly configure the connection, you can use the WPS, while the connection will be automatically carried out through the encrypted channel. Additional plus - adapter can work as an access point.

Wi Fi Stationary PC Computer Adapter

If the signal is weak, the laptop can be transferred closer to the access point. With a fixed computer, such a focus will not pass. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately select a model with the conditions at the site of its installation. Thus, the apartment with a complex layout or thick walls may require a more powerful option. But you can not limit yourself to the assortment of only external models or modify the already existing one if the antenna does not cope with the reception.

How to choose a wi fi adapter

If you have already chosen between the internal and external installation option, it is time to get acquainted closer with the technical characteristics of the devices. Pay attention to the following key points when choosing a Wi Fi adapter for PC:

  • compatibility with available devices (first of all, access point - router);
  • support standards because it determines the transfer rate;
  • frequency used;
  • transmitter power in the adapter;
  • ability to encrypt the connection;
  • receiver range.

You should not be limited only to the speed written on the package. This is theoretical maximum limit for this model. Real speed also affect the above factors.

Also pay attention to the future place of work. If the system unit is hidden in the depths of the massive table, it will be logical to try to make an antenna using the extension cord higher.

Sometimes it is recommended to use the adapter of the same company that released your router. Tholika common sense is there: the manufacturer can test equipment for the stability of collaboration, and the software interface is likely to be similar. In practice, popular models are quite successfully connected to routers of other manufacturers. Difficulties due to different manufacturers are extremely rare, as a rule, the old equipment.

Compatibility

First, check if the computer has an appropriate free port. PCI Express Adapter will not be able to put the connector in the USB, as well as in the usual PCI, and the Ethernet connection model is in the Card Bus slot. As for the operating system, everything is easier: Popular models support Windows and Mac OS on a decent level. The full list is provided on the package or in the accompanying documentation.

If you need to connect a specific device (for example, on the old version of Windows or a rare OS), you first make sure that there is a manufacturer on the manufacturer's website or supplied with the disk of suitable drivers.

Standard

Support for one or another communication standard determines the possible high-speed communication modes between the adapter and the router. To work at high speed requires support for modern 802.11n or 802.11ac. If you use the device with only g or even b standards, then the connection speed will be quite and very limited - it makes sense to do only if the router does not support faster options.

If you connect with a slow adapter, the router will automatically go into reduced performance mode. In this case, all other connected devices will also be forced to operate at a lesser speed.

The minimum reasonable requirement is support for the version of N. It provides speed at 150 or 300 Mbps depending on the model. This will be enough for comfortable surfing on the network, and to view the video content without long waiting.

The 802.11ac standard is characterized by the support of the frequency of 5 GHz and is gradually gaining popularity. It provides data transmission already at speeds up to 10 Gb / s. True, this speed in home equipment may not be useful. Is that you want to choose an adapter with an eye on the future or for professional goals like participation in tournaments on online games or regular work with large amounts of data.

Frequency

Two different frequencies are used for wireless equipment. Old or cheap models usually use only 2.4 bands, new and more expensive can work in both bands or exclusively on 5 GHz. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the adapter and the router can "make friends" and use one frequency for communication.

Advantages of increased frequency - increased data transfer rate between devices. In addition, in this range you can accommodate more channels without mutual overlap. That is, separate access points even with close location will not interfere with each other to transmit data. And since such devices are more expensive, then the radio in this range is less busy, which has a positive effect on the stability and the speed of the connection.

However, there is such an approach and disadvantage: the high-frequency signal penetrates worse through the walls and other obstacles. Because of this, the radius of confident reception, with other things being equal, it may have less. If it is possible, it is recommended to check both options for connecting and choose from them the best for a particular computer.

Power of the transmitting module

The transmitter power of the Wi Fi adapter for the computer determines the range to which the radio signal will be distributed. What it is above, the more confident will be supported with the router. So, the data speed will be higher. On the other hand, legislation limits maximum power.

If there will be obstacles between the computer and the router, it is better to focus on the values \u200b\u200bof the order of 20 DBM. In direct visibility (for example, if the access point is in the same room) you can use less powerful models.

Encryption access

The connection with a wireless way due to the use of radio waves has a significant drawback: if there is equipment and finding a signal near the transmitter, anyone can take anyone. That is, the data is actually transmitted in an unprotected medium. So you need to take care of the encryption of access so that no one outside can connect to the channel and view what is transmitted in the radio.

Modern WPA2 standard is a whole set of technologies aimed at protecting data. The enhanced version of the WPA3 standard is only announced. But from the outdated WEP it is better to immediately refuse, since the technologies of hacking have already been developed.

Range

An important parameter is a signal reception range. After all, from a little bit from Wi-Fi, if you have to spend all the time near the access point. The more powerful the transmitter, the better antenna, the more distance you can confidently support radio communication. However, it is worth it in mind that the manufacturer specifies this parameter for ideal conditions with numerous reservations. The fact is that the range is influenced by the presence and material of the walls between the router and the adapter, the degree of radical noise (number of routers or other radio equipment nearby), the frequency range used, etc.

Other parameters

Pay attention to the support of MIMO technology. Despite the funny reduction, it allows you to improve the signal: instead of using one, the use of several antennas is allowed, both from the side of the router and on the adapter. In the standard N standard, 4 pieces are allowed, and AC is immediately 8. Since all they work in parallel, the speed is multiple increase. It also has a positive effect on the stability of the connection. True, and such adapters are somewhat more expensive.

If you also need to distribute Wi-Fi to the device nearby, check the SoftAP support - this mode allows you to use the adapter as an additional signal transmitter. Then you can set one powerful module in the PC, and the smartphone or tablet is already connected to it.

If the adapter is bought to communicate directly, make sure that the appropriate technology is supported. For example, it can be Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast. Otherwise, the benefit from the adapter will not be.

Configure and connect Wi Fi adapter

Next, we will analyze how to configure the purchased adapter. First, it must be connected to the corresponding connector. To connect via PCI or PCI EXPRESS, you will need to open a system unit. Then you need to neatly, without excessive pressure, put the adapter into the slot and make sure that it was fixed there. If the module has an external antenna, it is necessary to remove the cap from the back of the wall and put instead of it running with the player adapter. With external models, everything is much easier: you only need to connect it to a free USB.

Popular models are not bad for modern operating systems. OS can independently install all the necessary drivers and activate a new device. In this case, additional setting may not be required - on the computer, it will simply be possible to connect to wireless networks in standard methods.

If the system has not coped with the installation in automatic mode, it is necessary to help her. Drivers can be found on the disk (if it is complete with the device) or the manufacturer's website. To activate additional functions, such as distribution of Wi-Fi from a computer or thin settings for transmitting parameters, a special brand utility may be required.

First actions

After installation, check the presence of communication. If the drivers are installed correctly, the computer will be able to connect to your router. Specify the correct name for the access point and password. If necessary, configure the interaction with the router - select the desired frequency range and the required standard, optimize the connection with the help of branded utilities.

Network problems

Sometimes after installation, the network is unstable. Causes can be different: incorrect setting of the router or computer itself, software problems or even the adapter malfunction. This manifests itself in that the connection is interrupted after a while after the connection or the computer does not see Wi-Fi.

The reason why this happens may be trivial: activated power saving mode for the adapter. Often it is found on laptops, OS optimizes energy consumption, turning off all "unnecessary". To check, you need to open settings in the wireless connection properties. Then, on the Power Management tab, you need to remove a check mark that allows you to disconnect the device.

Problems with router

It is also necessary to check whether other devices can connect to the router. For example, with a smartphone or tablet. If another device successfully establishes communication and stably supports it - it means that the router itself works correctly. Also try to restart the router.

Otherwise, you need to check the access point configuration: whether a compatible standard is used, whether the same radio channel is selected (if the automatic configuration is disabled), is the correct password specified. As an extreme measure, you can reset the router settings to the factory and then adjust it again, checking each step.

It is also possible that the router firmware update is required. In this case, you will need to download it from the manufacturer's site and then update it through the router control panel. Detailed instructions for a specific model are usually listed in the user manual.

If all these measures did not help, make sure that the device is normal. For example, to check, contact the manufacturer's service center.

Software

Also, the problem may wage in the outdated profile of the wireless connection - if the router settings have changed, and the operating system does not know about it. Then you need to remove the profile, after which it will be created again. First, run the command prompt (CMD), then execute such a command by specifying instead of the profile name:

nETSH WLAN DELETE PROFILE NAME \u003d

After that, you will need to re-specify the password when connected to the router.

If a message is shown that the connection is limited, you can set the TCP / IP settings into default values. To do this, use such a reception on the command prompt:

netsh int ip reset c: \\ resetlog.txt

After reboot, check the connection.

If it does not help, check the correctness of the driver installation. In the OS Control Panel, click Device Manager, then check your network adapter list. Open its settings and try reinstalling the driver (delete and install anew). Use drivers from the official site. You can also try to install the older version of the driver (with a smaller index).

Fault adapter

When the listed measures do not help or the adapter is not even detected by the system - it is possible that the device itself is. For reliability, you can try to install it in another computer. If he earned, it is necessary to check the settings of your computer. If the adapter refuses to function on another machine, it is necessary to replace it (if the guarantee is still valid) or repaired.

Quickly you internet!

Wireless networks provided us with the comfort of movement, but confused in terminology. The average user who has access to the Internet and periodically there is a working or having fun, network equipment is represented by a wiser somewhere with a box and a bunch of wires, although most often proudly wearing a "wireless" naming. To understand the data transmission technologies without particular, I do not want anyone, to study the theory - especially. Therefore, by organizing independently access to the network, it is not difficult to get involved at the form of a variety of technology that should open this most access. Wi-Fi adapters and Wi-Fi routers on store shelves are equipped with scant lists of characteristics, practically identical, they also have the same manufacturers, and the price range is quite wide. However, at the clue of the device, these are different, and in something even diametrically opposed.

Wi-Fi adapter - A device for receiving and transmitting a Wi-Fi signal (IEEE 802.11 standard), which is connected to a computer by means of common physical interfaces.
Wi-Fi adapter
Wi-Fi Router - A device intended to exchange data packets between the segments of one network by wireless IEEE 802.11 standard.
Wi-Fi Router

Comparison Wi-Fi adapter and Wi-Fi router

The difference between the Wi-Fi adapter and Wi-Fi router, first of all, in the tasks performed by them. The adapter is a discrete receiver installed in the system so that the computer can connect to the Wi-Fi network. Router is a device that organizes this network connecting all of its participants. In itself, neither the adapter nor the router access to the Internet is carried out.
Wi-Fi adapters are designed mainly for stationary computers, whose motherboards do not have the wireless connections. Mobile technique in adapters does not need. Conjugation of the adapter and computer is possible through different interfaces, but today most users prefer USB, SD and PCI. Wi-Fi client gradation routers do not create, and work with any devices having a Wi-Fi receiver.
The key difference of the Wi-Fi adapter from the router is autonomy. If the router does not require communication with client devices to work, then adapters without connecting - a set of glands and plastic. Most Wi-Fi adapters receive food from the client's motherboard, while the routers most often require an autonomous power supply unit (exception - USB routers, which have enough energy from the port).
Wi-Fi adapter - the device is extremely simple, customizable except physically (if there is an antenna - it can be rotated, for example) or the means of the operating system. The Wi-Fi router assumes the setting multiple, and is able to perform the firewall functions. The router has an IP address, the adapter is accounted for without that, and its coordinates are displayed according to the address received from the router.

Thedifference.ru determined that the difference between the Wi-Fi adapter from Wi-Fi router is as follows:

The adapter is designed to connect a system to a wireless network, a router - to organize this network.
Wi-Fi adapter requires systems or devices without a wireless module, Wi-Fi router works with all devices in the network zone.
Wi-Fi Router - Device Self, Wi-Fi adapter requires a client.
The router is fine configured, the adapter practically does not give the ability to set up.
The router has its own IP address, the adapter receives it from the router.

The article, I promised to tell about one interesting scheme that you can use to connect the TV to the Internet via the wireless network.

I will quickly tell you what is the essence of this method and in what cases it can be used. Well, then, proceed to the configuration.

This method is useful in the case when there is no built-in Wi-Fi receiver in your TV, in which case the TV can only be connected via a network cable. But, stretch the cable from the router you do not want, or simply does not work.

Yes, you can buy this very, branded, external Wi-Fi receiver. But it is twice as expensive than a simple router. But I still inclined to the fact that this way you will be used when you already have a router that is just worth it.

Or, for example, the signal of your Wi-Fi network does not catch in the place where there is a TV. Yes, in this case, you can also buy a Wi-Fi repeater that will enhance the signal of your wireless network. But the usual router can be configured as a repeater.

What do we do?

We will take the router (which, for example, dust somewhere in the locker), We set it somewhere near the TV, and configure in the repeater mode. Then, from this router, connect the network cable to the TV. That's the whole scheme.

Now a little more.

So, we take our router and install it near the TV. I have it TP-LINK TL-MR3220, He has long been idle for a long time. It is not necessary to install it near the TV itself, you can even even somewhere on the floor, behind the bedside table.

Turn on the router in the outlet (You can not connect to TV yet). The main thing is to configure the router in the repeater mode. We need that he would take the Internet from the main router and passed it to the TV. Configure everything on this instruction.

And only after this router (which we set near the TV) will distribute the Internet, go to the second step. To check, simply connect the laptop, or the phone. If the Internet is working, you can connect the TV. If all the same, you could not configure the bridge mode, then you need to remember that not all routers can work in this mode with each other (I am now on the incompatibility of devices). Well, when both devices from one company, then more chances to make friends.

If you all happened, then.

Author: admin.

Today we will talk about how to set up a router in WiFi client mode, or a wireless network adapter. In English terminology, it is indicated as "WISP" - Wireless Internet Service Provider. This feature can most often help in such a situation when you need to connect a computer to WiFi, or a TV console with a connector for the Ethernet network cable. But at the same time you do not have a separate optional USB wireless network adapter or there is no port to connect it.

WISP, or client mode in the router - what is it?

What is the work of the router as a client? In fact, in this mode, it turns into a kind of similarity, that is, it does not distribute the wireless signal, obtained by the cable, as it happens in the most familiar role for it, but on the contrary - takes the Internet on WiFi from another source and transmits it to a computer, laptop , Printer or TV using a network cord.

In this case, the configuration of the main wireless point can be not changed, except one:


on the first router, you need to configure it defined to avoid subsequent difficulties when working associated with automatic frequency scanning.

After that, we take a router client, set it up on the main router, distributing the Internet in the apartment, connect to this device cable and voila - it has already appeared wireless Internet, although it only has a LAN port for cable connections.

How to configure ASUS router in wireless adapter client mode?

And now I want to show in detail how to configure the router in the client mode on the example of the model from Asus. Surprisingly, the manufacturers have not yet decided how to correctly call WISP router mode as a wireless adapter. Each company has a different name - Wisp, WDS, Bridge, Bridge.

This is especially noticeable at ASUS, where in each model it can be designated in different ways. For example, on ASUS EA-N66, it is called "Wireless Network Adapter". To activate it, you need to go to the "Administration" section, the "Mode" tab and check the checkbox at the required paragraph.


WISP client mode in very many cases is not available in the official firmware installed on the routers from the factory. For example, as on my home ASUS RT-N10U, this regime is not officially not. Therefore, if you plan to use this type of connection, then make sure that the purchased model has a client mode - is usually indicated as "Client Mode".

But if you have already bought it and it turned out that there is no WISP function from the router, then not everything is lost - you can use the informal firmware, for example, to my dd-WRT group, in which this opportunity has opened.


Details about this firmware in video

WISP TP-LINK client mode - router as a wireless adapter

In the TP-LINK router model, the WISP adapter client mode is called "WDS Bridge". For example, I took the model TL-WR1043ND. The admin panel is located at 192.168.0.1 - go here in the Wireless Mode - Settings menu and activate the "Enable WDS Bridge" checkbox - additional fields will open.

Here we do the same as with other routers - we prescribe an SSID, password and other data from the main WiFi network, after which we save the settings.

How to connect a router in WISP client mode on the Netis example?

In configuring the Netis router in the client mode, everything is also very simple - it is necessary to absolutely identically configure all the basic Wi-Fi parameters, as is done at the main access point.


That's all - now the router as a client takes the Internet wireless Internet technology from the main source and transmits it to the cable to the computer.

Video on setting up TP LINK client mode as a WiFi adapter

As you can see to customize the client mode on the router, you do not need to make special efforts and to mute deep knowledge - I am sure that you read this article, you can do it yourself!