How to install wifi in the system unit. How to Choose a Network USB WiFi Adapter for a Computer or Laptop

Desktop computers are usually connected to the Internet using wired connection. But sometimes it’s not very convenient to pull wires and you want to organize everything using wireless connection. If you are also interested in how to connect desktop computer to a Wi-Fi network, we suggest you read this article.

Equipment for connecting a desktop computer to Wi-Fi

In order to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network, you need to have it installed. Wi-Fi adapter. Such adapters are available on any laptop, but with desktop computers it’s not so simple.

Motherboards for desktop computers are very rarely equipped with built-in Wi-Fi adapters. Such adapters can only be found in the most expensive models or models designed for HTPC. Other motherboards are produced only with the usual network adapter, designed for connection to wired Ethernet networks.

If you don't know if your motherboard has a Wi-Fi adapter, then just look at back computer, where the motherboard connectors go. If the motherboard has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, then there will be two connectors for connecting antennas.

Connectors for Wi-Fi antennas

But, most likely, you will not find such connectors, which means that to connect your desktop computer you will need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter. There are two types of such adapters: external and internal. External ones are connected to the computer via USB, like a regular flash drive, and internal ones need to be installed in the connector PCI Express x1.

The speed that Wi-Fi adapters can provide depends on the standards wireless communication, which they support, and the class of the device itself. Models from the lower and mid-price range usually support the 802.11n standard and in practice provide speeds from 50 to 100 Mbps. More expensive adapters support the 802.11ac standard and in real use can provide 200 Mbps or more.

At choosing Wi-Fi adapter you need to take into account not only what speed you need, but also what kind of router you have. If your router only supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, and you do not plan to change it to more modern model, then overpay for the expensive and fast wifi the adapter makes no sense. Because without support from the router, the Wi-Fi adapter will not be able to show everything that it is capable of.

Connecting a desktop computer to Wi-Fi

Connecting a desktop computer to Wi-Fi is not much different from connecting a laptop. First you need to install the drivers for the Wi-Fi adapter. If your motherboard has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, then you need to look for drivers for it on the website of the manufacturer of such a board. If you use a separate Wi-Fi adapter, then you need to look for drivers on the website of the manufacturer of the adapter itself. Installing drivers is not difficult; they are installed into the system in the same way as regular programs. After installation, you may need to restart your computer.

After installing the drivers, a Wi-Fi icon should appear on the taskbar, next to the system clock. Depending on Windows versions This icon may look different. The screenshots below show how this icon looks in Windows 7 and Windows 10.

Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar

To connect your computer to Wi-Fi, you need to click on this icon and select one of the available networks. Below is shown how this happens in Windows 7 and Windows 10.

Connecting a computer to a Wi-Fi network

After selecting a network, you may be asked for a password, or the Wi-Fi connection will occur automatically. If you have any connection difficulties, we recommend that you read our articles on how to connect Wi-Fi to and. The entire connection process is described in more detail there.

To connect your computer to the desired wireless network and world wide web, we will need 2 devices that will be:

Distribute the Internet, thereby creating this network at the place of its installation
P use the internet on your home computer

Connecting and installing the router

The main center that distributes the Internet is the router. First of all, it must be configured correctly; without this step, sites will not open. So what we do:

We place the router in the apartment so that our network is accessible from anywhere in the apartment. In an ordinary apartment, almost any convenient place will do (so as not to interfere), but if later the signal is weak, you will have to rearrange the device.
We plug it into a regular 220 volt outlet and turn it on by pressing the special button. (See instructions on specific model if necessary)
We connect to a special socket network cable from your internet service provider. Also make sure that you have a login and password from your operator, because without this our router will not be able to access the Internet and distribute it to everyone. It is usually given when concluding a contract for Internet services.

The first stage has been completed, upon completion we have the router turned on, which automatically creates a network and you can connect to it, but in order for access to the Internet to become possible, in its settings you at least need to specify the same login and password from the provider (for example, Beeline, Dom.ru, etc.) about which was written above.

Connecting a Wi-Fi adapter to a PC

Although there are now motherboards on sale with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter to which an antenna is connected, nevertheless, a desktop computer usually does not have any built-in wireless network signal receiver. Therefore, we need a special gadget - a Wi-Fi adapter with a USB connector. Typically, it can operate on IEEE 802.11 b/g/n networks with a speed limit of up to 300 Mbps. New adapter models are designed for speeds up to 1300 Mbit/s (802.11ac technology).

Like any other peripheral device, The Wi-Fi adapter requires the installation of special software and a driver, which should come with it. They must be installed and then in Windows in special program- Device Manager, our receiver should appear in the “Network adapters” section.

When it becomes possible to access the Internet through your computer, it would be a good idea to check on the manufacturer’s website for driver updates. And if it is, then download it and install it. It may also be necessary to right-click on the corresponding adapter in the list and update manually.

Entering settings for the router

In the next step, we need to set special settings for our router. For different models this procedure is somewhat different and in order to do everything correctly you need to find the instructions from your router, which will tell you how to log into it to configure it. The following option is possible:

Open the browser
In the field for entering the site address, enter something like " 192.168.0.1 "without quotes, there may be other options" tplinklogin.net", "192.168.1.1 " and press Enter
A page will open asking you to enter your username and password. This is the username and password to log into the router. They are usually indicated either in the same instructions or on the box from the router. Attention! Do not confuse them with the password and login for Internet access. For example, this could be login: admin,passwod: admin or 1234 . Enter ours and click Enter.
Following the instructions, indicate in in the right place settings login and password for Internet access
Specify settings for the wireless network. At this stage, you need to come up with your own password, which will be used to connect your PC and other devices to Wi-Fi

For example, for Zyxel models, go to the “Internet” tab, find the parameter “ PPPoE/VPN” and click on the “ Add connection”.

In the window Connection setup“we make sure that this connection activated and used to access the Internet. You must specify PPPoE as the protocol type. In the fields Username" And " Password” indicates the data provided by the provider in the contract for connecting to the Internet. Typically, the IP address from the provider is issued automatically.

If everything is done correctly, then in the “ Connections” the corresponding access profile will be added to the web space. After this, the network web can be used by any device connected to the network access point.

After setting up the adapter in Windows, the corresponding wireless network icon will appear at the bottom right. By clicking on it, you can find our network and connect to it by entering the password created in the previous step.

It should also be noted that the setup can also be done wired by connecting the router to a PC network cable included in the kit. The process itself, described above, will not differ.

Most routers support WPS feature – quick setup wireless connection. There is a special button on the adapter itself for this.

Using proprietary software for the Wi-Fi adapter, you can easily connect to the Internet center by activating the WPS function. To do this, you just need to press a button on the adapter, and then immediately press a similar WPS button on the access point.

Some problems connecting your computer to Wi-Fi

Sometimes there are problems connecting the computer to the router. We find the list of connected devices in the corresponding parameters of the router, for example, in “ System Monitor" Here we pay attention to the current connection speed.

If the connection speed differs significantly from that stated in the instructions, then it is advisable to increase it. This is done in the submenu, which is responsible for the Wi-Fi network.

WiFi may be interfered with by other devices, such as a keyboard or wireless headphones. Therefore, you can try to change the channel number through which data is transmitted. If the computer is located far from the access point, then it is necessary to increase the signal strength to 75 - 100%.

You can also bring the WiFi adapter as close as possible to the router using USB extender, which usually comes included.

To increase the speed of work in Wi-Fi networks It is necessary to constantly monitor software updates for the Internet center itself; fortunately, it is now available directly through the dashboard, without going to the manufacturer’s website.

Mobile technologies have completely changed our lives. With their introduction, the need for wireless networks arose. By strictly following the instructions for the Internet center and adapter, you can achieve comfortable operation from any phone, tablet or computer. Personal computer– a stationary device, therefore for maximum speed connection it is necessary that connected to it Wi-Fi receiver had a sufficient level of reception from the Internet center.

Most currently produced devices have the function of connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Thanks to the adapter already built into the gadget by the manufacturer, the user has access to the Internet literally immediately as soon as he takes the purchased device out of the package, for example, a laptop, camera, smartphone, tablet, etc.

You only need to enable the necessary function and you can enjoy Internet surfing. But what to do when you need to provide access to the World Wide Web through a desktop computer? In this article, owners of such PCs will find detailed instructions to solve this urgent problem modern world question.

What additional components are needed?

If your computer is not equipped necessary equipment to connect to the Internet via WiFi, you can equip it with one. Below we will consider the types of devices that can allow a desktop PC to recognize wireless networks.

Outdoor WiFi adapter

Adapters that provide connection to Wi-Fi, belonging to the category external devices, have the ability to connect to a computer via USB connectors.

Sometimes similar devices are equipped with a special antenna that enhances the received Wi-Fi. The device is easy to use and connect, since you only need to insert its USB plug into system unit computer and install drivers for the adapter. The software on CD is always included with the device. Below will be presented step by step instructions for making subsequent settings if you select the adapter as an external Wi-Fi receiver.

Internal type WiFi adapter

Connecting to a wireless network on a desktop PC is often achieved using another method. You can use a built-in Wi-Fi receiver by connecting it through the computer's motherboard.

Distinctive advantages and disadvantages of external and internal adapters

The cost of these devices is almost the same. Software installation and configuration are also not very difficult. For owners of several computers, it is advisable to purchase an external type of device, since it can be quickly disconnected from one PC and immediately easily connected to another computer to access the Internet. However, the external device takes up valuable desktop space, so for those who favor aesthetics and lack space, it is recommended to purchase a built-in adapter, the advantages of which also include the absence of the risk of breakage as a result of external influences.

Wireless Source

It is obvious that without the presence, near the location of a computer with an installed Wi-Fi network receiver, its source, and more specifically a router, it will be impossible to connect to the Internet.

In turn, he WiFi router must be included in global network via Internet cable. Next, you can turn on the router to distribute Wi-Fi to your PC and other gadgets.

The procedure for installing an outdoor WiFi adapter and subsequent configuration

The procedure will be described for “TP-LINK TL-WN721N”, but all steps are similarly applicable for other devices of this type.

Stage 1

Remove all the following components from the packaging:

Adapter;
USB cable;
User's Guide;
CD with software.

Stage 2

Connect the PC system unit to the Wi-Fi receiver via USB cable. It is recommended not to pay attention to notifications displayed on the PC monitor indicating that software has been found and installed on the equipment, since drivers must be installed manually from the CD.

Stage 3

Insert the CD into the drive and activate the installation procedure. In the installation wizard window that appears, find and specify the model of the WiFi receiver and click “Install driver and utility.”

After this, the installation wizard will guide you through intuitive menus, where the user will only need to follow the sequential instructions of the pop-up windows.

When the procedure is completed, an icon will appear in the system tray indicating that the Wi-Fi device has started operating.

Stage 4

In the next menu that appears, type the WiFi access code and click “Ok”.

Ready! Now you can turn on the browser on your PC and start active internet surfing.

The procedure for installing the built-in WiFi adapter and subsequent configuration

The procedure will be described for “TP-Link TL-WN751ND”, but all steps are similar and applicable for other devices of this type.

Stage 1

Remove the device from the packaging and disconnect the antenna from it.

Stage 2

Turn off the PC and open the system unit. Insert the device into the PCI slot.

Install the antenna back to the standard location of the wireless Internet receiver.

Stage 3

The process of setting up the built-in receiver is completely similar to the procedure described above for the external device.

Almost everything modern gadgets can be connected to wifi networks. This makes it possible to use the convenience of the Internet on high speed almost everywhere. There is an opinion that this only applies small devices, such as a tablet, phone or laptop (printer, camera, etc.). Many users are interested in the question of how to connect a computer to wifi, is it difficult, and what devices may be needed for this.

A stationary computer is called stationary because it means connecting all communications to it through various wires to a “permanent place of residence.” The PC can be moved in the future to another location, but this requires a major revision of cable routes, location of sockets, etc.

A novelty in recent years has been the appearance wireless networks, thanks to which even a PC can be connected to the Internet via wifi technologies.

Below we will figure out what is needed for this, and in what order it is recommended to connect a desktop computer to the Internet “wirelessly”.

The outline of the article will be like this:

Required equipment:

External wifi receivers;
Internal;
Router.

Installing devices on a computer and setting them up:

External receiver;
Interior;
Router.

Required Equipment

Since a PC in most cases is deprived of the ability to find and connect to wireless networks, you must first take care of purchasing equipment that will give it such privileges. Let us consider in detail how it happens.

External wifi receivers

Such devices look very similar to a large flash drive: they are small gadgets with a USB plug at one end (see Fig. 1). In addition, they may have a small antenna to increase the “collected” signal.

Fig.1 External adapter ( network card) Wifi from Tp-Link.

This device for connecting a PC to a wireless network is quite inexpensive (can be purchased for 10-20 USD). After purchasing, all you have to do is connect it to your computer via USB, install it from the included driver disk, make the simplest settings and connect to wifi. We will consider all these operations in detail after we get acquainted with another type of wireless network adapters.

Internal (built-in) wifi receivers

Their name comes from the fact that they are built inside the PC system unit. To connect to the “motherboard” use PCI interface, through which they are connected to a special connector.

rice. 2 Internal wifi receiver (adapter).

These devices differ little in price from external ones, and installing them on a computer also does not take much time and should not cause any particular difficulties.

So which type of adapter should you choose? External or internal?

The external one can be quickly disconnected and connected to another PC;
The internal receiver will not take up free space on the table; in addition, it is less susceptible to damage, since it cannot be touched by the user.

The choice is yours.

Router (router)

A wifi receiver can connect a computer to the network only if it can “reach” it. In other words, the signal source - the router - must be within range.

Fig.3 Router TP-LINK AC1750

It receives a signal from the provider via an Ethernet cable, passes it through itself and “distributes” it wireless devices(including on a computer). Routers are more versatile and easier to use than access points. They allow you to simultaneously connect several gadgets (laptop, tablet, smartphone, PC...) to one network.

Connecting equipment

We move on to the promised description of the process of installing a Wi-Fi receiver for a desktop computer.

External wireless network adapter - installation and configuration

As an example, let’s take the TP-LINK TL-WN721N receiver model, which has proven itself to be a reliable receiver. It can be purchased for 13-18 USD, and it is ideal for Windows 7. In addition, it supports all types of data encryption, and has the ability quick creation connections. The maximum signal reception speed is 150 Mbit/sec.

rice. 4 External network card wifi TP-LINK TL-WN721N.

Step 1

We take the device out of the box and carefully examine the package, which should include:

The receiver itself;
USB cable (can be connected through it and used as an extension cord when searching for a better signal);
Instructions in several languages;
Driver disk.

Step 2

We connect the adapter to the PC directly, or through an extension cord (it can amplify the signal, acting as additional antenna) into the USB port. Next, ignore any messages about the successful installation of device drivers. You need to install them yourself special disk, which we found in the receiver box.

Step 3

Insert the driver disk into the computer, and then launch the installation wizard. In the program that opens, select our model and click “Install driver and utility” (see Fig. 5)

Fig.6 Dialog window of the installer program.

During the installation process, the following messages may appear (Fig. 7 and Fig. 8):

rice. 7 Notification on a 32-bit system that the utility cannot be installed. This is not scary, so feel free to click “Yes”.

rice. 8 System Windows security 7 may warn about an unknown driver manufacturer. This is also not critical, click “Install anyway...”

After a minute or two, the process will end, and you will find such an icon on the taskbar (see Fig. 9). It signals that the receiver is ready to connect the computer to wifi.

rice. 9 Icon indicating the presence of wireless networks within the range of the receiver.

Step 4

Now that the adapter is ready to connect the Internet to your computer, all you have to do is click on that icon and select the appropriate wifi network.

fig.10 Selection the desired network in the list of available connections.

And then enter the password (security key) and click OK.

Fig. 11 Specifying the network security key (password).

All. Your computer is now connected to the network via an external wifi receiver. You can start using the Internet.

Now let's move on to the next chapter of the article.