Question Horrible internet connection

[zasgard]

My work PC is downstairs in the basement and my internet connection is slow. I've run a couple internet connection speed tests and both say my internet is solid. Our CenturyLink router is upstairs and we have a solid connection with any devices that we use while upstairs.

My PC is around 3 years old and I was thinking of getting some sort of USB internet wifi adapter, but have no idea what I should be looking for. Anyone care to share a link or two of what I should consider?

Thanks

 

[JackMDS]

How (technical details)? your "Slow" Internet Computer is connected to the Router?

 

[zasgard]

The PC in the basement is connected wirelessly to the modem/router. I thought maybe it was an issue of a weak signal but my laptop (which is downstairs) has no issue. It's definitely my PC.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've had good luck with the Comfast AC Wifi + BT USB dongles, the ones with the "posable" discrete antenna (sadly, not detachable). Those are 1x1 AC wifi, and getting harder to find, as they are being replaced with a 2x2 mini-dongle without the posable antenna.

(Probably the model without the bigger antenna works better with laptops, but for desktops, I recommend the one with the antenna.)

It has BT in Win10/11, as an added bonus.

1300Mbps 2.4G/5G Dual Band USB 3.0 WiFi Adapter Bluetooth for Desktop/Mac/Laptop | eBay

2.4 / 5GHz Wireless Network USB WiFi Bluetooth Adapter Dongle PC Laptop Desktop. --Support Wireless Bluetooth Devices: High speed Bluetooth 4.2 supports a wide range of devices. It works with bluetooth speaker,bluetooth headphones,Mouse,Keyboad And smart phones though Bluetooth.

www.ebay.com

(random vendor on ebay)

 

[zasgard]

Thank you Larry

 

[Tech Junky]

@VirtualLarry I agree with your statements about options. When it comes to desktops using a USB extension is a good idea to make sure @zasgard has a line of sight back to the outer and isn't buried behind a desk or something that would impede the RF signal from getting good connectivity.

Not knowing if this is a desktop or laptop makes a huge difference in what I would recommend. Netgear did just come out with a AX USB though https://www.tomshardware.com/news/negeater-usb-a8000-wifi6e-adapter // https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/adapters/a8000/

Netgear A8000 Reiew: A Solid Wi-Fi 6E Upgrade | Dong Knows Tech

Looking for a quick way to upgrade your Windows computer to Wi-Fi 6 or 6E? This Netgear A8000 AX3000 USB adapter is worth its hefty $100 price tag.

dongknows.com

Now, if we're talking about saving some money then putting an M2 (~$25) into the case on the MOBO directly or with an adapter card ($10) and adding some wiring / antennas to it to get optimal signal is the other option. I have an AX411 in my server w/ antennas off the back for a backup connection to the 5G gateway I'm using if I move it around for speed testing.

 

[JackMDS]

Where is the Desktop Wireless card Antenna?

No matter what, for Desktop you need an arrangement in which there is a Good Antenna sits expose above the computer and there is nothing close by that blocks the signal.

Something like this - https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-USB-WiFi-Adapter-PC/dp/B07V4R3QHW/

Connected to USB 3 in the back of the computer via Extension cable.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Extension-Cable-Male-Female/dp/B00NH13UFQ/