Ensuring you have a reliable wifi connection is essential, especially when you consider the benefits of wireless antenna for PC.
The ever-evolving technological world means there’s a need for faster connection and communication between devices.
For instance, most devices no longer rely on edge, 3G, and 4G networks as they prefer 5G.
In such cases, you need PCs with reliable built-in antennas to benefit from faster data transfer.
If not, you have to install high-quality wireless antennas for your PC.
In today’s piece, we look at the types to choose from, their advantages, and what to consider when buying. Read on.
Table of Contents
- Types of Wireless Antennas for PC
- Advantages of Wireless Antenna for PC
- Disadvantages of Wireless Antenna for PC
- Considerations While Buying Wireless Antenna for PC
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Types of Wireless Antennas for PC
(A USB wireless adapter with a single antenna)
Different computers have varying ports necessitating various types of wireless antennas for PC.
Additionally, user preference contributes a lot as manufacturers provide products according to market demands.
Here, we look at the main wireless antennas for personal computers.
USB Wireless Adapters
USB wireless adapters override your PC’s internal functionality to provide wireless network connectivity.
Consequently, it allows you a more reliable connection to wireless networks within its reach via the USB port.
Another advantage with the USB wireless adapters is that most are plug-and-play, meaning you won’t need to install additional drivers.
Such convenience is crucial, especially when connecting to a wireless network on a device without the appropriate drivers.
On the downside, their relatively diminutive size means they lack external antennas crucial for network signal reception.
PCIe Wireless Cards
PCIe wireless cards are computer components that slot into the PCIe (PCI Express) slot of your PC motherboard.
Additionally, they have multiple wireless antennas and an onboard wireless network chip.
The two work hand in hand to boost network signal reception through multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) spatial multiplexing.
Another benefit of PCIe cards is that most have Bluetooth compatibility, which many USB WiFi adapters lack.
External Wireless Antennas
In some cases, a desktop computer may have built-in wireless cards that lack practical antennas for wireless connectivity.
In such cases, you can opt for external antennas to attach to your PC.
More specifically, you will use a cable to connect the wireless cards to the external antennas.
An advantage of such a setup is placing the antennas in a better location for greater signal reception.
Advantages of Wireless Antenna for PC
(A man working in a remote area with a PC)
Advantages of wireless antenna for PC include:
- They are lightweight and don’t require cable connections, allowing for mobility and flexibility.
- Easy to set up and install as most of them are plug and use. Moreover, PCIe wireless cards are easy to install as all it takes is slotting them into an expansion slot on the motherboard.
- They have additional connectivity options like Bluetooth, allowing wireless connection to PC peripherals like speakers and headsets.
- The fact that you can connect multiple devices to a single wireless network without the need for a physical connection promotes scalability.
- It allows for network connection in remote areas where physical connections are impractical or too costly.
- Also, wireless antennas promote better aesthetics as you don’t need multiple ethernet cables running across your room.
Disadvantages of Wireless Antenna for PC
(An ethernet cable)
Wireless antennas for PC have shortcomings that make computer users go for alternatives, including:
- Powerline Adapters
- Ethernet Cables
- Powerline Wi-Fi Extenders
- Mobile Tethering
- MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) Adapters
Here are the disadvantages of wireless antennae for PC:
Signal Degradation
First, the wireless antennas for PC may struggle, especially if you use wireless connectivity from a router in another room.
In other words, most wireless antennas don’t have the strength to pick up signals transmitted through a wall.
Additionally, wireless signals may get weak as the distance between the router and your antenna grows.
In such a case, the farther the distance from the router, the worse the network speeds and performance.
Limited Range
Wireless antennas typically have a range that you can find in the product specification tag.
When you compare them with ethernet cables with hundreds of meters of range, you will realize that antennas aren’t suitable for long-range connections.
Signal Interference
Physical objects like walls, metallic containers, microphones, and nearby WiFi networks interfere with the performance of wireless antennas.
For instance, you can limit their range significantly if you cover them with a metallic box.
Furthermore, signal interference from cordless phones results in weak signals and unstable connections.
Security Risks
Using wireless antennas exposes you to risks, as unauthorized parties can intercept the signals if you lack proper security measures.
As such, always set up encryption protocols with strong passwords to avoid online spying and loss of data.
Considerations While Buying Wireless Antenna for PC
(Holding a PCIe wireless card)
Like any other electronic device, there are considerations you must consider to ensure you get a high-quality and reliable wireless antenna for your PC. They include:
Compatibility
Wireless antennas run on software designed specifically for specific systems and not others.
Consequently, you must ensure that the one you buy is compatible with your PC’s OS.
Additionally, it should support the wireless standards you desire, including WiFi 5 and 6.
Range and Signal Strength
Different wireless antennas have varying capabilities, with some boasting excellent range and signal strength.
When buying one, ensure it has sufficient range, especially if you’ll use it on a computer far from the WiFi router.
Type of Antenna
Your specific internet connectivity needs will determine the antenna you will purchase. For instance, you can opt for omnidirectional or directional wireless antennas.
Omnidirectional antennas transmit and receive signals from all directions. Conversely, a unidirectional wireless antenna focuses the signal in one direction.
Speed and Bandwidth
Another consideration is the maximum speed with which your wireless antenna receives and transmits signals.
We are seeing faster networks, including the 5G, with ever-evolving technological advancements.
Therefore, you must buy a wireless antenna that can handle higher speeds without breaking down.
FAQs
How do you install wireless antennas?
Installing wireless antennas is easy, especially if you have some understanding of computers and electronics in general.
For PCIe adapters, look for the additional slot on the motherboard whereby you can connect.
However, some computers lack such slots, so you must go with USB adapters.
They are plug-and-play, meaning all it takes is inserting them into the PC’s USB port, and they will work without additional setups.
Why does your PC need a wireless antenna?
A PC may need a wireless antenna because the internal wireless network adapter is broken, and you cannot connect to wifi wirelessly.
In most cases, people use ethernet cables instead of purchasing new adapters.
However, ethernet cables are cumbersome, and you need to plug them directly into the router and the PC.
Another reason is that your PC’s built-in antennas have weak signal reception and need a boost.
Conclusion
You can buy a wireless antenna if your PC has issues connecting to a network.
The issues can range from poor signal reception to delayed data reception and transmission.
Another instance can be when the router is too far from your workstation, and there’s limited space for installing additional wifi hardware.
They are very versatile and cheap alternatives to improving your wireless connectivity.
Moreover, if you travel a lot across the country, we recommend buying dual-band wireless antennas for stable connectivity in all environments.
