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Use a Router Instead of a Wireless Dongle

W

wirm

Member
Hi guys, I will be moving to an apartment with only wifi internet. Instead of using a USB wireless internet dongle, can I bring a router with me an use it instead?

I just installed Windows 10, and so I'm not very familiar with it. Will there be any problems?

I don't know the make/model of the router right now. I'm just asking in general. So it would kind of be like using the router as a repeater. Except my computer would be plugged into the router with a Cat5 cable.

Thanks
 
Some routers can be used as a WIFI bridge to do what you are asking, but if you just have the one computer, it's simpler to use a WIFI adapter. Especially if you don't already have the router.
 
I actually already have a router, and don't have a wireless dongle 🙂

Historically, I've had bad luck with USB dongles. They seem to have poor reception and are unreliable. Plus, I'd have to install the software for it, whereas I would hope using the router would just be plug and play (I hope).
 
What router do you have? Not all routers will work as wifi bridge. Also the primary one has to support it as well. For example if you need to sign in through a webpage, you are out of luck.
 
The router I have is:

NETGEAR WNDR3400 N600 Wireless Router Simultaneous Dual Band IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4/5GHz

As far as I know, it will just be a home network. Shouldn't need to log in through a web page.

thanks
 
wirm said:
The router I have is:

NETGEAR WNDR3400 N600 Wireless Router Simultaneous Dual Band IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4/5GHz

As far as I know, it will just be a home network. Shouldn't need to log in through a web page.

thanks
Click to expand...

looks like there is a bridge mode, take a look at it. It may or may not work since it is a two part thing.
 
If it doesn't work with the default firmware, you can put DD-WRT on that router and then it should work fine as a wireless bridge.
 
Just make sure that the cable (CAT5e/6) that is needed to connect the Router to the computer does not cost you like (or more) than an inexpensive WIFI Dongle.



😎
 
I used to use those for bridges a few years ago when you could grab them refurbushed at NewEgg for $22. You'll need to flash it to DD-WRT to get proper bridge mode.

They work very well for it, though.
 
wirm said:
Historically, I've had bad luck with USB dongles. They seem to have poor reception and are unreliable. Plus, I'd have to install the software for it, whereas I would hope using the router would just be plug and play (I hope).
Click to expand...

All true. Using a router as a wifi adapter is a much superior solution. You can also buy them pre-build, they are called "wireless media bridge(s)". To use an existing router, see if it supports flashing with DD-WRT or Tomato.
 
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