[SOLVED] Is it worth it for me to get a wi fi card?

[bernardo138]

So, I’m connected to the router through a powerline, this is the model:
V600 Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit - The TL-PA4010P KIT
https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/powerline/tl-pa4010p-kit/

However the connection is slow and not very stable, with the internet going down at least once a day for a couple of minutes or more if i don't disconnect and then connect the cable. When I talk about a slow internet connection, I mean I have between 20 to 40 mbps of download speed and 10 or 15 of upload.

Because of this I was thinking about purchasing a wi fi card, since the wi fi connection where I am in the house is pretty good on my smartphone, not to mention I have a wi fi extender from tp-link to help the signal:
300Mbps Wi-Fi Range ExtenderThe 300Mbps TL-WA850RE
https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/range-extender/tl-wa850re/

Here’s the wi fi card I was thinking of purchasing:
https://www.pcdiga.com/redes-e-comu...reless-n-pci-express-tl-wn881nd-6935364050573
Its a pretty basic one, 2.4 band, up to 300 mbps, which tbh is fine, even tho our router can do more than that. Not to mention the extender only works in 2.4 band and up to 300 mbps.

In conclusion, will getting a wi fi card help at all?

Thank you.

 

[kanewolf]

So, I’m connected to the router through a powerline, this is the model:
V600 Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit - The TL-PA4010P KIT
https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/powerline/tl-pa4010p-kit/
However the connection is slow and not very stable, with the internet going down at least once a day for a couple of minutes or more if i don't disconnect and then connect the cable. When I talk about a slow internet connection, I mean I have between 20 to 40 mbps of download speed and 10 or 15 of upload.

Because of this I was thinking about purchasing a wi fi card, since the wi fi connection where I am in the house is pretty good on my smartphone, not to mention I have a wi fi extender from tp-link to help the signal:
300Mbps Wi-Fi Range ExtenderThe 300Mbps TL-WA850RE
https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/range-extender/tl-wa850re/
Here’s the wi fi card I was thinking of purchasing:
https://www.pcdiga.com/redes-e-comu...reless-n-pci-express-tl-wn881nd-6935364050573
Its a pretty basic one, 2.4 band, up to 300 mbps, which tbh is fine, even tho our router can do more than that. Not to mention the extender only works in 2.4 band and up to 300 mbps.

In conclusion, will getting a wi fi card help at all?

Thank you.

Have you considered getting a USB WIFI adapter? Something like this -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5YPK9L1 It has a long USB cord that allows you to move the antenna for best signal. Cards like you linked to have the antennas buried behind the PC case. That can hurt radio performance.

 

[bernardo138]

Have you considered getting a USB WIFI adapter? Something like this -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5YPK9L1 It has a long USB cord that allows you to move the antenna for best signal. Cards like you linked to have the antennas buried behind the PC case. That can hurt radio performance.

No I haven't, and I understand what you mean, it is a good point. Having the antenas be on the back of the computer without any way to move them around for a good position could be detrimental to the signal.

It is a good recommendation and I will think about it, however, not only is the adapter a bit more expensive, there is also the the fact that, even tho the antena would be on the back of the PC, I'm not entirely sure it would be that much of a problem, since my PC is on top of the desk and its back is directed to the "outside", meaning its not up against a wall or any kind of obstruction.

With that said, I don't think the antena would be blocked all that much and the signal wouldn't really suffer a whole lot.

Even so, again, thank you for the recomendation and I will consider it. Money is a bit tight rn but maybe after I finish up college and get a job I could possibly afford that USB wi fi adapter.

 

[kanewolf]

No I haven't, and I understand what you mean, it is a good point. Having the antenas be on the back of the computer without any way to move them around for a good position could be detrimental to the signal.

It is a good recommendation and I will think about it, however, not only is the adapter a bit more expensive, there is also the the fact that, even tho the antena would be on the back of the PC, I'm not entirely sure it would be that much of a problem, since my PC is on top of the desk and its back is directed to the "outside", meaning its not up against a wall or any kind of obstruction.

With that said, I don't think the antena would be blocked all that much and the signal wouldn't really suffer a whole lot.

Even so, again, thank you for the recomendation and I will consider it. Money is a bit tight rn but maybe after I finish up college and get a job I could possibly afford that USB wi fi adapter.

I chose that only as an EXAMPLE. What is available to you may be different. BUT the concept of a USB 3.0 adapter on a long USB cord with a desktop adapter, and larger antennas is still a very important consideration.

 

[COLGeek]

Here is an option that allows you to relocate the antenna for optimal transceiving:

Amazon.com

 

[bernardo138]

I chose that only as an EXAMPLE. What is available to you may be different. BUT the concept of a USB 3.0 adapter on a long USB cord with a desktop adapter, and larger antennas is still a very important consideration.

You are right, I might be able to find one that is cheaper, ill look around online and consider it.

 

[bernardo138]

Here is an option that allows you to relocate the antenna for optimal transceiving:

Amazon.com

That one is even better tbh, thank you.

 

[COLGeek]

That one is even better tbh, thank you.

I have a couple of these. One in a Linux rig and the other in a Windows rig. Works great in both of them.

 

[bernardo138]

I chose that only as an EXAMPLE. What is available to you may be different. BUT the concept of a USB 3.0 adapter on a long USB cord with a desktop adapter, and larger antennas is still a very important consideration.

Ended up quickly finding a cheaper option XD: https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/adapter/tl-wn822n/

Its cheaper where I can get it.

Also, thank you very much for the help, anything else u can help or share I'll be greatly appreciated.

 

[bernardo138]

I have a couple of these. One in a Linux rig and the other in a Windows rig. Works great in both of them.

Nice, this is what I'm most looking for, people who got a wifi card or similar and their experience with it. I'm honestly just looking for more stability and a bit more download speed if possible.

Also, I found a cheaper alternative for me: https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/adapter/tl-wn822n/

Its very basic, single-band, 300mbps max of speed, but honestly I don't think I need anymore than that, cause even tho my router has dual-band, the wi fi extender only extends in 2.4 band, so I don't need a product that works in dual-band, plus, I don't think I need anymore than say, 200 mbps of download speed.

Thank you very much for the quick reply, anything else u can share or help with I will be greatly appreciated for.

 

[kanewolf]

Ended up quickly finding a cheaper option XD: https://www.tp-link.com/pt/home-networking/adapter/tl-wn822n/

Its cheaper where I can get it.

Also, thank you very much for the help, anything else u can help or share I'll be greatly appreciated.

It is cheaper because it is not dual band. It is 2.4Ghz only. Your performance will be below 100Mbit. If that is OK, then go for it.

 

[bernardo138]

It is cheaper because it is not dual band. It is 2.4Ghz only. Your performance will be below 100Mbit. If that is OK, then go for it.

That's the thing, my router has dual-band but my wi fi extender does not, so getting a wi fi adapter or pci e card that has dual-band isn't really worth it. However, I think I should just save my money up and, when possible, purchase not only a card or adapter but also a new wi fi extender that features dual-band. That way I may get a bigger increase in speed and stability than with just single-band.