Members Windows Master 172 Posted January 18 Members Share Posted January 18 Fast WiFi is now available almost everywhere, but older devices do not yet have the latest connection standard and therefore lag behind their capabilities. There is a simple solution for this: the WLAN stick. We tell you here which adapters we recommend. The WLAN stick is a small radio module that can be plugged into a USB port to connect a computer to a WLAN router. The small devices can be very helpful, especially for older devices that only support old and slow WLAN standards or have no radio interface at all. They are very easy to install, most manufacturers supply the installation software directly on the stick. Nothing stands in the way of losing surfing immediately after the connection. The frequencies supported can also play a major role. Although most sticks now support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bandwidths, older models and routers in particular are limited to the former. The 5 GHz band offers significantly better bandwidths despite a shorter range and is therefore particularly useful for devices that are close to the router. USB Wifi recommendations WLAN sticks are a dime a dozen on the market. To keep track of things, you should pay attention to a few points. Before buying, check the range of the different models to ensure that the model can cover the required distance. Pay attention to the frequency band of your router. If your router already supports 5 GHz, you can safely use a stick with the same frequency. There are also different price categories for WLAN sticks, which have different advantages and disadvantages. We have selected a few models for you and would like to present you a top product, a mid-range model and an entry-level model below. ASUS USB-AC54 B1 AVM FRITZ! WLAN Stick AC 430 TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 ASUS USB-AC54 B1 The Asus USB-AC54 for around 40 euros appeals to more demanding users. With the AC standard, the WLAN stick ensures noticeable acceleration compared to n-WLAN and achieves transfer rates of nominally up to 867 Mbit / s on a 5 GHz frequency. In the 2.4 GHz band, the Asus USB-AC54 still achieves a transmission speed of up to 400 Mbit / s, which should also be sufficient for fans of online games. Thanks to the USB 3.0 interface, the transfer between the stick and the computer is fast, but the software required is not on the stick itself, but on the enclosed CD. Advantages: High data rates 802.11ac / n / b / g / a 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies Disadvantage: Installation via software CD High-quality WLAN sticks like the Asus have the necessary accessories in their luggage: Driver installation CD, cables, operating instructions. Download Asus USB-AC54 Drivers Driver Asus USB-AC54 for Windows 10 32-bit Driver Asus USB-AC54 for Windows 10 64-bit AVM FRITZ! WLAN Stick AC 430 MU-MIMO The Fritz! WLAN Stick AC 430 from AVM is in the middle price segment for around 27 euros . Because despite its lower price, this model, like the Asus USB-AC54, also offers the current AC standard and is compatible with both a 2.4 and a 5 GHz frequency. The Fritz! WLAN AC 430 achieves a maximum of 433 Mbit / s on a 5 GHz frequency, but only a speed of up to 150 Mbit / s in the 2.4 GHz network. If you are already using a FRITZ! Box, you can briefly plug the sticker into the router's USB port. All connection and security settings are then automatically transferred to the stick. To put the stick into operation, all you have to do is plug it into a computer, whereupon the AC 430 installs itself. However, the WLAN stick is not only suitable for owners of AVM routers, it is also compatible with all common routers. Advantage: 802.11ac / n / b / g / a 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies Independent installation and "Stick & Surf" at Fritz! Boxes Disadvantage: Lower data rates Plug & Stream: The FRITZ! WLAN Stick is installed automatically under Windows. Download Fritz! WLAN Stick AC 430 Drivers Here TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 We recommend the TP-LINK Archer T3U for around 19 euros as an inexpensive entry into the new WLAN world. This WLAN stick works in the 2.4 GHz frequency range as well as in the 5.0 GHz network and achieves a speed of up to 400 Mbit / s via the n standard or 867 Mbit / s in an ac WLAN. Thanks to USB 3.0, the transfer to a PC or laptop is also very fast. The main thing about the stick is its compact design. In the notebook it only protrudes a few millimeters from the case. The Archer T3U is also a good alternative for thrifty Raspberry Pi users. It gets even smaller and cheaper with the Archer T2U Nano which achieves speeds of up to 200 Mbit / s or 433 Mbit / s at 5 GHz for around 14 euros. However, both of them dispense with an automatic installation driver and require software that is supplied on a disc. Advantage: Cheap price 802.11ac / n / b / g / a 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies Disadvantage: Installation via software CD Download TP-LINK Archer T3U Drivers Here 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Administrator 172 Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Awesome, thank you for sharing this. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts