Question Need help picking out a bluetooth internet adapter for PC.

[Smellybandaid]

Hello.

I have built a computer for a family member, and ran into an issue. They have bluetooth internet. Not WiFi, non ethernet. Bluetooth.

I need an adapter that will work with a B350-plus motherboard.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[Eximo]

Find out the bluetooth version of the device you want to connect to. Get that as minimum.

As for what bluetooth unit to get, pretty much anything will work. A USB dongle, or a discrete PCIe 1x WiFi/Bluetooth card.

 

[kanewolf]

Hello.

I have built a computer for a family member, and ran into an issue. They have bluetooth internet. Not WiFi, non ethernet. Bluetooth.

I need an adapter that will work with a B350-plus motherboard.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

That sounds like they are using a mobile phone for internet. Have you asked them about using a USB tether rather than bluetooth? Bluetooth is an odd method of networking.

 

[Smellybandaid]

So, yeah, it's a little weird. They have ATT for isp, and live out in the country.. so they have crap internet.

But they run everything off of a core hotspot that's got hardware, etc, in the house.

Not 100% on the frequency.

 

[kanewolf]

So, yeah, it's a little weird. They have ATT for isp, and live out in the country.. so they have crap internet.

But they run everything off of a core hotspot that's got hardware, etc, in the house.

Not 100% on the frequency.

Start by asking the end user to provide a model number for the ATT device. That way you can research the capabilities.

 

[Smellybandaid]

Start by asking the end user to provide a model number for the ATT device. That way you can research the capabilities.

On it. Will post once I know more.

 

[Smellybandaid]

Would this "blanket" all lower frequency for a Bluetooth internet?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1NRGDQ...NATFE4ZBK&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

 

[kanewolf]

On it. Will post once I know more.

Did you verify, via the model of the hardware, that bluetooth was actually the technology being used ?

 

[Smellybandaid]

Okay. I think I got it figured out. They have hardware, that has a Bluetooth signal, that goes to a hotspot device. Then that hotspot device transmits a Wi-Fi signal. So it's Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth.

So my next question is (Kane), would a USB Wi-Fi adapter be better, or a PCI Wi-Fi adapter? Do they function the same?

 

[kanewolf]

Okay. I think I got it figured out. They have hardware, that has a Bluetooth signal, that goes to a hotspot device. Then that hotspot device transmits a Wi-Fi signal. So it's Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth.

So my next question is (Kane), would a USB Wi-Fi adapter be better, or a PCI Wi-Fi adapter? Do they function the same?

Personally, I would go with a USB adapter like this -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5YPK9L1?th=1 Why? Because you can move the antennas out from behind the case (some PCIe cards have remote antennas) to get the best signal. PC cases block WIFI signal. Getting the antennas out onto the top of the case or the desk can improve things significantly.

 

[logainofhades]

I used this one for awhile, and it worked well.

PCPartPicker Part List

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link Archer TX3000E 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax PCIe x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $31.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-03 12:35 EDT-0400

 

[Smellybandaid]

Alright, so the USB adapter does function like a PCI adapter, then? That's my primary question.

 

[logainofhades]

Alright, so the USB adapter does function like a PCI adapter, then? That's my primary question.

It's just a different port, the wifi standards don't care much about interface used.

 

[Smellybandaid]

Alright, perfect. That's what I figured, just wanted to be safe. Thanks.