Having a good WiFi receiver on your laptop computer is a start on having a good internet connection. Getting a good signal reception of your router transmission signal can boost internet speed.
But if you are very far from the access point or the router you cannot get a hundred percent signal strength using the built-in WiFi network adapters.
A simple solution that can be found in my previous post, is to add a parabolic reflector using aluminum foil to focus the signal where the receiver device or your laptop are placed.
But, if you don’t have access on the router where you can add that aluminum foil to boost the signal, the other solution is to increase the range of WiFi adapters installed on your laptop.
To increase the range of WiFi adapters of a laptop computer for up to 500m radius, you need to add a device called a USB Wireless network adapter with an external antenna.
Using this kind of WiFi adapter you can easily position the antenna to wherever you want where the signal strength is high.
You can even put the antenna outside, when you do this you will notice that even the wireless network with a hundred meters away you will see.
What is USB Wireless Network Adapter
A USB wireless network adapter is a small, portable device that connects to a computer via a USB port, enabling it to access Wi-Fi networks. These adapters contain a built-in wireless antenna and Wi-Fi chipset, which allows them to receive and transmit wireless signals, connecting the computer to local Wi-Fi networks just like an internal wireless card.
Here’s how it works:
- Plug and Play: Most USB wireless adapters are plug-and-play, meaning they’re ready to work once inserted into a USB port. Some may require drivers to be installed, which are often included with the adapter or can be downloaded online.
- Wireless Standards: Adapters support various Wi-Fi standards (like 802.11ac, 802.11ax, etc.) and frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), impacting speed and compatibility with routers. Newer adapters support faster standards and dual-band operation for better speed and range.
- Use Cases: Ideal for desktop computers without built-in Wi-Fi, laptops with outdated or weak Wi-Fi cards, or users seeking faster or more stable Wi-Fi connectivity without internal upgrades.
- Security and Speed: Many adapters support modern Wi-Fi security protocols (such as WPA3) and fast speeds, allowing a secure and efficient internet connection.
USB wireless network adapters are widely used for their convenience, providing a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade or add Wi-Fi capabilities to devices.
Where to Buy USB Wireless Network Adapter
In the Philippines, you can buy USB wireless network adapters from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store:
- Lazada and Shopee: These popular e-commerce platforms have a wide selection of USB wireless network adapters from brands like TP-Link, Asus, and Tenda, often at competitive prices. Many sellers offer official brand stores and customer reviews to help with your choice.
- Physical Electronics Stores: Retail chains like, Octagon Computer Superstore, and PC Express have various adapters available in-store and on their websites. They may also offer support or guidance on choosing the right model.
- DataBlitz: Known for computer accessories, DataBlitz stores often carry networking gear, including wireless adapters.
- Villman: This local retailer, specializing in computer equipment, has branches across major cities and an online store with USB network adapters.
- Official Brand Websites: For brand-specific adapters, such as TP-Link or D-Link, you can check if they have an official Philippine website or local distributors. These often provide links to authorized dealers or direct online purchase options.
- Online Marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace and Carousell also offer new and second-hand options for USB wireless adapters in the Philippines, though it’s recommended to check seller ratings and reviews for reliability.