A WiFi USB adapter is a small device that adds wireless capability to a computer.
Since many computers, such as desktop PCs, don’t come with built-in WiFi adding a WiFi USB adapter can solve this problem.
They can also replace a broken internal wireless card or upgrade an old unit.
This also makes for an easy fix when a laptop’s internal card goes bad and needs a wireless connection.
Some wireless USB adapters have larger antennas that can help get a better signal.
While a larger antenna can be bulky, it can greatly improve reception for those with a spotty signal.
Antenna size is rated in dBi, with 5dBi or larger units fairly common.
Small adapters can also be bought that don’t have a big antenna but are small and out of the way when plugged in.
Small units have about the same range as most laptop’s internal WiFi cards.
WiFi protocols are also a consideration since they have been steadily updated over the years.
Read Here to See Our Picks for Best Wireless USB Adapters
| Protocol | Year | Frequency |
| 802.11b – WiFi 2 | 1999 | 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11g – WiFi 3 | 2003 | 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11n – WiFi 4 | 2009 | 2.4/5Ghz GHz |
| 802.11ac – WiFi 5 | 2013 | 5 GHz |
| 802.11ax – WiFi 6 | 2019 | 5 GHz |
New WiFi protocols are backward compatible with older protocols.
Summary
WiFi USB adapters make it easy to add wireless ability to almost any computer.
While a wired Ethernet cable can also be used, a cable can, at times, be unpractical.
A wireless internet solution is often the best, with better mobility and the ability to set up at any location.
There are many available that come in all shapes, sizes, and compatibility to fit almost any network scenario.
The downside to WiFi is the signal can be problematic at times and are not good the farther from a router it is located.
Hello,
Is ther a WiFi antennnae with a FEMALE USB connector, like on the Apple Camera Connection Kit? If not, could you suggest an adapter like this?