What is Reddit's opinion of Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x 5dBi External Antennas - 2.4GHz 300Mbps / 5Ghz 867Mbps - 802.11ac & A, B, G, N?

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>it’s just an external wireless interface. It’s not a relay. Latency is dependent on wireless signal

Oh okay. I had heard that range extenders double the latency of the network.

>the 490 had a decent wireless interface built in. Do you think it was damaged during a repair?

Its possible. I went for numerous low cost third party repairs after the one year warranty, mostly issues with my keyboard. The signal seems to get weaker and more inconsistent on my laptop over time.

>The one listed shows a max of 150mbps

Well, the max speed of my internet is 200 mbps, and usually its around 70-80 mbps. 150 is good enough for me.

>Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x
5dBi External Antennas - 2.4GHz 300Mbps / 5Ghz 867Mbps - 802.11ac &
A, B, G, N https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_awdo\_navT\_a\_MXDM3MM6Y9T2WFYQN6ES

Way too expensive, especially for something that I'm not sure would even fix the problem. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

How does it compare with the Alfa AWUS036AC?

Alfa AWUS036AC Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB Adapter With 2x Dual-Band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) external antenna for Extreme Distance Connection - Up to 300 Mbps - USB 3.0 - AC1200 Wireless chip - USB desktop Dock Included - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_ZHx4FbWDN34R4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

From a quick look at that picture and a little googling, looks like there is no internal WiFi. So I'm going to guess you are using a USB WiFi adapter.

The PCI slots in that computer are half height, or "low profile", so that will limit what you could put inside the case. A quick search on Amazon shows a few low profile WiFi 6 adapters, but they are from companies I've never heard of.

Unlike 802.11ac, most of the enhancements in WiFi 6 require support in both the access point and the client, so unless you are upgrading your router at the same time I wouldn't bother. It's probably a good idea to wait on WiFi 6 until the 802.11ax draft is approved by IEEE, which should be a only a couple more months plus a bit of time for products to be certified and make it into the supply chain.

My recommendation is to get a 802.11ac 2x2 USB adapter. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/

The little stand it comes with let's you put the antennas higher up and away from the sheet metal in the computer, both of which will improve signal quality.

It honestly depends on the usb adapter. I'm fairly experienced with it, because I only have wifi as an option.

I'm currently using a high gain, usb dongle from Alfa Network.

That thing boosted my wifi connection from -85 to -39. When I was still using my TP-Link dongle, I had 30-50 ms speeds from dongle to router. Now it's between 3-19 as I've just checked. Of course it doesn't come close to 1ms ethernet speeds, but it's more than enough for gaming.

I bet I could even increase the speed even further, if I would dump my isp router and get a proper high gain router instead.

Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x 5dBi External Antennas - 2.4GHz 300Mbps / 5Ghz 867Mbps - 802.11ac & A, B, G, N https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.q86zb8J105KN

Alfa cards have good driver support and features if you decide to do packet captures etc in the future

I suggest a new adapter. If you want full bars and good speed, something like this https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4 I myself have one of these and have been using it without problems for well over 2 years.

How many bars do you get on wifi? If its low then your wifi signal/adapter can't keep up or can't get range.

I suggest getting this: https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1485987291&sr=1-3&keywords=alfa+usb+wifi

Should be fast and get maximum signal you need.

As suggested by /u/JustinTheCowSP you need a better wifi adaptor, I suggest you looking into this, https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485586121&sr=8-2&keywords=alfa+wifi+adapter I myself have this adapter and have been using for 3 years now with no lag, strong signal and great speed. Also check your wifi adapter setting on your current pc, you might have to fiddle with some settings to get better signals.

is the problem the internet itself or that your devices don't pick up the signal from the router? in the latter case, I can recommend this extender. It's worked great for me. I live on a second floor with the Liberty modem/router downstairs. The difference is night and day since I got it. You can plug the antenna straight into your laptop or use the cable that it comes with and place it somewhere where it gets the best signal. The cable it comes with is only about 2ft however, so you might want to get a longer one depending on your situation.

You could do two things, use DD-WRT custom firmware on your router(if it supports it) and crank up the transmit power or you could use a wifi card/stick with higher gain or both. https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4?tag=wireleshackt-20

I would bypass the bulit-in card and get a USB wifi receiver. I've had very good results with this style of adapter:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Network-AWUS036AC-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Connections/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31OerUmBCBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=1QKFY6V0YSW7GMR892YF

If you're looking for a USB adapter, this one treated me well. https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1466282629&sr=1-2&keywords=alfa+wireless+adapter

in USB 3.0 the speeds and rate at which those speeds were delivered were identical to ethernet. However, be sure that you wireless router is up to snuff, as gaming on wireless can be problematic.

Hmm.

Few things I'd suggest:

• Contact GoWifi who should either help you or tell you who to contact.
• If you're using a laptop, you can try purchasing an external wifi adapter which you can position in a better location. Something like this might work: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_26?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1434438709&sr=1-26

Do you also use this wifi connection for your smartphone? If so, try doing a speed test on it as well to see what kind of speed you get on it to rule out any issues with the laptop.

Yep. Depending on how crappy the laptop's Wi-Fi antennas are (most are super shitty, sometimes only having one) and depending on how good your WiFi router is, it would definitely improve the situation. Although, an easier and cheaper way to go about this would be to get an external USB WiFi card with a good antenna that you can move about to the best location for your environment.

Edit: something like this http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Removable-Connections/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1423223060&sr=8-28

Alpha is known for making solid USB WiFi cards.

It honestly depends on the strength of your Wi-Fi signal and the heatsink inside your dongle. I gamed for years with the Alfa Network - AWUS036AC Wi-Fi dongle. It worked really well when I played with 5Ghz, instead of 2.4. Other dongles would overheat and crash or drop the signal frequently. Just make sure to get a high gain dongle and use 5Ghz if possible.

As for Bluetooth adapters, I've had fairly good experiences with them as well. I've been using the TP-Link Nano for a few years now. My kitchen is on the second floor (about 10m from my room) and I connect my PC to my Bluetooth speaker when I'm washing up, without issue.

https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4 Works really well!

Yes I bought a AC adapter a couple of years ago this one specifically.

What's a good wifi adapter for long range? I've been using this for a while but recently its been disconnecting alot: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_JRzqzbXWKXWCV

I prefer not to recommend, as what may work for someone may not work for you. WiFi is a very situational thing. But I'll give some more information:

First, find out if your router is running (802.11) AC or N or other (G/B?). AC is the most modern, N is still OK. Are you running a 5GHz network or a 2.4GHz network? Is the PC near the router, or a fair bit away? All this makes big differences to your choice of stuff.

If you do not think signal is going to be a problem (eg your phone is full signal in your room), a USB dongle is probably the most optimal starting solution. Preferably one that works fine on default Windows drivers, so you aren't installing unnecessary junk. One with a good cable to reposition as well.

If you think signal will be a bit weak, try the PCIe option. Reason is the antenna's are bigger and better, and if needs be they are replaceable with more suitable ones.

This little guy appears to mix the best of both worlds. However, I think you'd want a USB 3.0 extension wire according to the top comment...

I personally use a bridge. If you don't have reasonable network knowledge, don't go near one. Mine took a few hours over the course of a few weeks to fully stabilise and tweak. However, if you want a little challenge in the future, have a go. It'll be able to overcome most all issues people have with WiFi if you get it right.

Best no hassle solution. A powerline adapter and a pair of suitable length ethernet cables.

Try this one: Alfa Network AWUS036AC

Alfa makes pretty good stuff.

Do you want wifi directly on your laptop/pc? Then here https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1486360985&sr=8-14&keywords=wifi+alfa Best one.

Do you want Wifi + wired? https://www.amazon.com/Extender-Powerline-Starter-300Mbps-Wireless/dp/B00HSQAIQU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486361011&sr=8-3&keywords=wifi+powerline

Correct me if I'm wrong. Does the techicolor modem provided by time warner? Can you buy a new modem and have them register it on their end (one that is not time warner). Is the guest house on the same power line as the main house?

First of a few suggestions. If he is getting wifi signal from the techicolor modem but its terribly weak then I would get a better modem or a router for your current modem. If he simply only uses his laptop/computer then this USB should be find to get the signal https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1485987291&sr=1-3&keywords=alfa+usb+wifi

IF, and I mean IF the guest house is on the same power line/circuit as the main house then I suggest getting a powerline adapter. Here is one of the best and within budget https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-PowerLINE-1000-Mbps-Gigabit/dp/B01929ESG6/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1485987521&sr=1-4&keywords=powerline+adapter

Looks like their website has the download. Kinda pricey though o o"

Wonder how much different is that from this one.

I haven't even looked yet, but I'll look right now and edit the post

Edit added shit below:

I'm thinking of getting this https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4

When I was researching wifi in the past, I found that the receiver didn't really matter. What matters is the antenna your using. I'm not to hot on bandwidth limitations through usb 2.0/3.0/Pcie with wifi cards. I would assume usb 3 is better than 2 and pcie is the top dog. In your case I would assume they don't really make that much of a difference.

If you use the third one that you posted, and upgrade the antennas to a 9dBi antenna and screw those on instead of the antenna that came with the receiver, you will get a higher receiving range on your computer and a stronger connection. Not necessarily faster download speeds because, ya know, wifi. If you SOMEHOW are able to find the router, or eventually set up a repeater, you could buy another pair of those antennas and slap those puppies on, that may boost your range even more. At that point, if you're really concerned, you can try exchanging antennas until you get the best range for you and your computer. For now stick, with the Alfa wifi adapter and if you're not happy with your range, upgrade both antennas to the 9 dBi version. Those will definitely help you out. :)

Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x 5dBi External Antennas - 2.4GHz 300Mbps / 5Ghz 867Mbps - 802.11ac & A, B, G, N https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_mfKUxbAQ4CCAH

Then your only option is to get a better antenna. Get a external USB WiFi dongle with big antennas, like this one.

I tend to trust Alfa for external WiFi cards.

Speed: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4
Range: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUS036NH-Wireless-Long-Range-Screw-On/dp/B003YIFHJY
Cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUSO36NH-Wireless-Long-Rang-Network/dp/B0035APGP6

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Network-AWUS036AC-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Connections/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_33?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1446233538&sr=1-33

what about that, though?

Here is this one by Alfa, but I couldn't see if it was a higher power version. Though does come with high gain antennas.

http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Removable-Connections/dp/B00MX57AO4/

You could have success with this, from your end

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4?psc=1

Alfa's AWUS036AC

External antennas and wireless AC compatible.

The stock wifi module in the raspberry pi probably won't work for that, definitely not if it's your internet uplink as welll. You need to use a USB wifi dongle like this.