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802.11 wlan adapter on MBP

midniter

midniter

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 2, 2009
178
7
Consider me a computer noob here :p Esp when it comes to hardware stuff.

I am having problem getting wifi bars in my room upstairs. I am getting 2 out of 5 bars, while my cable modem is downstairs. I know there is something called a booster that plugs into the wall socket and maybe provides a signal bounce. I saw some on amazon.

I found a 802.11 wlan USB thing from Trendnet lying around. I actually have no idea what this thing is or what it does.
I inserted it into the MBP and in the Device mgr it is showing as :-
- ? Other devices
-------- ? 802.11 n wlan

My question is :-
Inserting it into the USB port of the macbook pro and installing its driver. What will this do ?
 
Last edited:
It would replace or be an alternative wireless connection but it will likely be no different or faster than the built-in wireless in the MBP.

If your problem is weak WiFi signal from the cable modem then that is what you have to address with a signal repeater or by using a more powerful wireless access point attached to the cable modem by an ethernet cable.
 
Out of curiosity the 802.11 n WLAN is an older technology than the wifi adapter built in to the MBP ? or in nowadays laptops. So what would we call the built in device ? Is there a different name for it ?

Also.....

1. Is it possible for desktops to connect via Wifi ?
2. Is it possible for desktops to connect via Wifi using this 802.11 n WLAN USB device ?
 
midniter said:
Out of curiosity the 802.11 n WLAN is an older technology than the wifi adapter built in to the MBP ? or in nowadays laptop.

Two more questions:

1. Is it possible for desktops to connect via Wifi ?
2. is it possible for desktops to connect via Wifi using this 802.11 n WLAN USB device ?
Click to expand...

Depends what MBP model/year you are talking about, my Early-2011 is "n", the USB adapter you have is "n" so are essentially the same.

  1. Yes you can connect desktops via WiFi
  2. Yes you can use that adapter if the desktop has a free USB port and there is a suitable driver.
 
I guess I need to invest in a "powerful wireless access point " inserted into the cable modem or a signal Bouncer/repeater device like half way between the cable modem and my laptop.

Thank you so much for your reply. You have cleared out some confusion.
 
midniter said:
I guess I need to invest in a "powerful wireless access point " inserted into the cable modem or a signal Bouncer/repeater device like half way between the cable modem and my laptop.

Thank you so much for your reply. You have cleared out some confusion.
Click to expand...

I have a problem with WiFi range in my house, I have tried a couple of the extender options (Netgear and another), not great success so I think I will have to go with a more powerful Wireless output router or a dedicated wireless access point to up the range....
 
The WRTG something Linksys Router blue colored one ... ( and I am just guessing this becuse Im not home to give you exact model of this cable modem/ router )

So this Linksys cable modem is not powerful enough ? I need to get a stronger router that broadcasts a stronger signal ?

But as I understand I can attach 'powerful wireless access point " behind the cable modem itself ? to boost its signal ?
 
Yours is a cable modem so your options to replace it may be more limited, a separate wireless access point cabled to one of the cable modem ethernet ports may be the way to go but I'm not familiar with what you have.
 
Oh that explains why I get 4/5 bars when my brother in the next room (upstairs) has his laptop on. lolx

His laptop is acting as a "wireless access point"

I do understand what you are saying though. An ethernet cable from the back of the Cable modem extending to a physical device ( Access point) placed somewhere in between the cable modem and my laptop would repeat the signal and help me boost up my wifi bars.
 
midniter said:
Oh that explains why I get 4/5 bars when my brother in the next room (upstairs) has his laptop on. lolx

His laptop is acting as a "wireless access point"

I do understand what you are saying though. An ethernet cable from the back of the Cable modem extending to a physical device ( Access point) placed somewhere in between the cable modem and my laptop would repeat the signal and help me boost up my wifi bars.
Click to expand...
Most cable modems that come with a Wi-Fi router option are pretty poor wireless routers.

Buy a decent router and plug it into the back of your modem, and have that broadcast the signal, you'll get much better coverage, even if the wireless router is in the same room your modem is.
 
Are you sure its a modem? WRT54G, the standard router is not a modem. New routers have somewhat improved range and newer tech, so you are right, a new one would be good.
 
midniter said:
Out of curiosity the 802.11 n WLAN is an older technology than the wifi adapter built in to the MBP ? or in nowadays laptops. So what would we call the built in device ? Is there a different name for it ? ....
Click to expand...
If I understand your question, the newer devices are 802.11ac


Barney
 
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