Support NeoGAF

[Perineum]

I was unsure if we have a megathread of some sort for tech savvy folks to answer questions, so if this needs to be moved or closed no biggy.

I have a PC desktop that is fairly old now. I would say 7+ years old. The wi fi for it has never worked in the past 5 or so years. I am unsure if in the 2 years before that I ever even tried to use the wi fi on it.

Well right now my computer is my primary source of streaming entertainment for my wife and I while we use other devices to browse the web. In our last home I had the ethernet cable hooked up into the modem right next to it, and then ran another cable all the way downstairs to the PS4 so that I could play games plugged in as wi fi on fighting games is a joke.

Now she doesn't want the cord, feels its a tripping hazard, etc. Bluetooth wont work on it either, and I tried to get it to connect via bluetooth or wifi to the modem downstairs, or even to my phone as a hot spot. No dice. So clearly it's something internal and my options are to plug it in.

Keep in mind this place we are in right now is like a townhome/apartment so I cant just create holes to funnel the cord straight downstairs to avoid running a 100 foot long ethernetcable between the two spots.

I plugged my iphone into the computer via usb and I am able to get online with it that way, and it runs fairly quick, but after a while the phone seems to stop wanting to provide internet, I have to get up, restart the phone so to speak to get it running again.

What are my options if wi fi and bluetooth aren't at all? I don't know that a router would help here would it ? Or would I hook up a router upstairs, plug in an ecable from router to computer, but then the router wirelessly connects to the modem back downstairs? Ive never used a router so that is foreign as hell to me.

Let me know if you guys need more details, but yeah the TL DR version is: How do I connect online on a desktop to a modem very far away if the desktop has no wireless capabilities?

 

[Syriel]

USB wireless adapter.

 

[Tuber]

Get a USB wireless adapter, or a new PCI wireless card, or if the townhouse's electrical lines are good, you could try a powerline adapter to stay wired.

 

[Perineum]

So I plug this device into a USB port, and it will feed it internet from the modem downstairs? Wonderful.

Any recommendations on type or brand? Not trying to spend an arm and a leg, but will take into consideration if I have to pony up to make sure it isnt trash.

 

[Tuber]

So I plug this device into a USB port, and it will feed it internet from the modem downstairs? Wonderful.

Any recommendations on type or brand? Not trying to spend an arm and a leg, but will take into consideration if I have to pony up to make sure it isnt trash.

Yep! Just to be clear (it's probably just a terminology thing), but you do have a wifi router, right? The modem converts your input (coaxial cable or phone line or whatever) into internet, the router spits internet out as a wireless network. Often, people have a modem/router combo -- is that your case?

As long as you have an existing wifi network, you can get a wireless USB adapter, plug it into a USB port, and you'll be set. Depending on whether your router is broadcasting AC vs. N, and depending on the range between the router and your computer, among other things would determine what's a good option for you, but the easiest solution would be something that's a dual-band capable adapter like this. If you are going through older walls or a longer distance, you can get a more powerful unit with a better antenna, but something around that price range will do the trick unless you're looking for high bandwidth or very low latency gaming.

If you'd like some personalized suggestions, how far is the signal going, and what's the model of your router or modem/router combo?

Edit: And I shouldn't assume: are you running Windows on that PC, or Linux?

 

[Perineum]

Yep! Just to be clear (it's probably just a terminology thing), but you do have a wifi router, right? The modem converts your input (coaxial cable or phone line or whatever) into internet, the router spits internet out as a wireless network. Often, people have a modem/router combo -- is that your case?

As long as you have an existing wifi network, you can get a wireless USB adapter, plug it into a USB port, and you'll be set. Depending on whether your router is broadcasting AC vs. N, and depending on the range between the router and your computer, among other things would determine what's a good option for you, but the easiest solution would be something that's a dual-band capable adapter like this. If you are going through older walls or a longer distance, you can get a more powerful unit with a better antenna, but something around that price range will do the trick unless you're looking for high bandwidth or very low latency gaming.

If you'd like some personalized suggestions, how far is the signal going, and what's the model of your router or modem/router combo?

Edit: And I shouldn't assume: are you running Windows on that PC, or Linux?

WIndows 10 on PC I am running. It is a wifi router and modem combo from Comcast. It's whatever their biggest most expensive one is they offer where it has more than one Wi Fi option I can connect to. It has about 8 E cables slots in the back.

Distance between PC and that device is probably close to 80 feet. I had to buy a 100 foot ethernetcable before and it had slack, but I would say 80 feet. Computer is upstairs, and device is down a flight of 15 stairs and around a corner.

The actual specific device I can't get the information for right now, but I can post back tomorrow if you want the exact one it is. I feel comfortable investing up to $35.00 on a device so if you think I should go up one tier from your suggestion I could otherwise I will just go with the one you linked.

 

[Tuber]

Okay, that's pretty painless then. Sounds like you've probably got an AC router doing 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If it's down a staircase and around the corner, the 5GHz signal may be weak where you are, but I'm sure the 2.4 band is fine.

Do you get a solid signal on your smartphone? If so, the adapter I linked or things in that price range should work well.

My only other suggestion would be that if Bluetooth matters to you at all, you can also get adapters that are combo wifi/Bluetooth. Just a heads up. Otherwise, a basic USB adapter will be sufficient.