Choosing and connecting a Wi-Fi adapter for a digital set-top box

In essence, a wi-fi adapter is a network card enclosed in a plastic case of a flash drive. Modern models also have an antenna that enhances signal transmission. Comparison with the drive also has its own rationale, since the connection port is USB. The radius of the adapters may be different, but it should be understood that the computer network card and the card built into the adapter are two different devices in terms of their power. A computer network card can transmit a signal in a very narrow range, while adapters and some of their modern models can cover several kilometers in a row.

If we are talking about a Wi-Fi adapter for a digital set-top box, then its main task will be specifically to provide the Internet for the TV. This is required for those models that do not have a built-in network card. This adapter has several interesting features.

1. In the process, the very wireless transmission of information within the local network is provided by a whole set of protocols, thanks to which, using a smart TV, you can even stream in real time without losing signal quality.
2. For Apple technologies, special protocols are provided for faster and more reliable streaming. This is due to the fact that the programming took into account the unique technical features of this manufacturer.

The equipment is constantly being improved, and the technologies are moving forward. The speed and quality of the signal increases and improves, but the essence remains approximately the same.

First of all, you should pay attention to the standard wireless communication protocols through which modern adapters work. This list includes:

1. 802.11a;
2. 802.11b;
3. 802.11g;
4. 802.11n;
5. 802.11ac.

The last two points are preferred, as they have proven their reliability over time. 802.11n has been around since 2009, and 802.11ac has been around since 2014. The other standards on the list are now accepted as obsolete, but are still used for the most effective device compatibility. The next parameter that users pay attention to is the speed of the Internet connection. It depends on the protocol used and the number of antennas for a particular adapter model.

But it should be borne in mind that in any technical documents it is not only about "pure" speed. During operation, the adapter spends time transmitting and receiving information, including service protocols. That is why the speed indicated in the documents of any adapter, in reality, will be about half the declared speed. In addition, the number of devices and physical obstacles such as walls or household appliances in the path to the signal also affect the speed. Therefore, it is better to install the adapter where the user plans to work with a laptop or connect to the phone from the Internet.

The next characteristic in turn is frequency. Most devices today operate in the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands. Accordingly, the higher the frequency, the more possible communication channels.But when buying, you will have to take into account that devices with a high frequency will cost a little more than standard ones.

Since there are many channels for data transmission this time, the interference will be provided by physical obstacles in the form of walls and furniture. By considering the location of the adapter in advance, the problem can be easily and effectively resolved. All these parameters are very important, because if different devices in the local network operate on the same protocols and at the same frequency, the data exchange rate between them will be much higher than in the usual case, and physical speed losses will become far less.

The next nuance is the interfaces for connecting the adapter to the device. In general, they can be divided into two main types:

1. external;
2. internal or embedded, in a more professional language.

There are several external interfaces, the simplest and most famous of them is the USB port. With its help, flash modems and drives are usually connected. Today, ports 2.0 and 3.0 are used, the latter is preferable, since it transfers data faster. Ethernet (RJ45) or twisted pair is much less common today than it used to be.

There are also several built-in connection types, usually we are talking about interfaces integrated into the motherboard. As an example, we can mention the following.

1. PCI interface used on all types of motherboards with standard protocol since 2009.
2. PCI-E interface supports the fourth and fifth types of protocols, it is inserted into a special connector in the motherboard.
3. Mini PCI-E serves to connect the adapter to the laptop motherboard. The standard configuration for most modern models, although not very often used.
4. Previously used to connect peripheral devices to a computer or laptop PCMCIA interface... But today, external connection methods are generally used instead.

The next important technical characteristic is power. Naturally, the rule "the more the better" works here, but it is not worth focusing only on power. In addition, the speed is influenced by the type and number of antennas used by the device. Lower cost models usually use an internal antenna, but the gain remains very low, so this is the standard but least preferred option.

An external antenna in this context is more effective in terms of signal transmission, but it should be understood that it does not amplify it, but works as a direction repeater. This mitigates the problem of poor radio reception and physical interference. It is much preferable to use an external detachable antenna that can be moved anywhere in the apartment and relayed the signal in this way.

In the form of an external network card, the Wi-Fi adapter can be different. What works for a set-top box doesn't necessarily have to effectively distribute internet throughout the home. Modern adapter models are equipped not only with a USB interface, but also with a built-in power supply. There are also a lot of adapter manufacturers, and they offer different equipment to their customers.

For example, Lumax offers a full line of USB 2.0 TV adapters. An internal TV antenna is sufficient to transmit the signal within 10 or 15 meters from the very location of the access point.Suitable for standard internet speeds and uses two digital encryption protocols to prevent hacking.

Of the built-in adapters, you should pay attention to TP-LINK network cards with two external antennas. It also supports two-level encryption protection against hacking, and the connection is carried out using the PCI interface. The most powerful option from the above can be considered the built-in Intel 8265AC 2.4 / 5G 1733Mbps Wi-Fi network card, which supports not only the distribution of the Internet, but also the bluetooth interface of version 5.0.

When shopping for a network adapter, there are several characteristics that you need to pay key attention to, taking into account the price and the manufacturer.

1. Compatible with other devices.
2. Protocol standard.
3. The used frequency.
4. Transmitter power.
5. Encryption.
6. Range.

If we talk about the last two characteristics, then encryption provides reliable protection against hacking from the outside. For this, the WAP and WAP2 protocols are used. The range, on the other hand, ensures the transmission of a signal over a certain distance in meters, but it should be borne in mind that the range in the room and the range in the open area are two more differences. For premises, a range of up to 5 meters inclusive is suitable. Paying attention to the technical specifications, it is easy to quickly and correctly choose the right adapter for your home.

In order to connect the Wi-Fi to the computer, in the Network and Sharing Center after installing the driver and restarting the computer, you need to enable the adapter using the right mouse button, and then enter the encryption password from the network. The name of the network and its password, along with all technical information and protocols, are indicated in the provider's contract. After entering the password, the connection will start automatically.

Before connecting wi-fi, in order not to face the problem that the computer does not see the adapter, it is worth pre-configuring the equipment. In other words, you need to install drivers and software on your computer or laptop. Usually, when purchasing an adapter, the user is also provided with a floppy disk with everything necessary. But if this is not the case or the required connector is missing in the computer, you need to download the required driver from the manufacturer's official website.

The next step is to go to the "Network and Sharing Center" section. To do this, the easiest way is to right-click on the wireless network icon and go to the desired section. In the control center itself, you need to go to the properties of the network adapter if the computer does not have components, protocols and the required IP address specified. It can be viewed in the agreement with the provider or clarified in the support service. It is preferable to use the TCPIPv4 protocol. But usually the address is issued automatically.

See below for how to configure the adapter.