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beenz

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#165972 26-Feb-2015 12:25
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How can I tell if my desk top is wi-fi enabled? (apart from unplugging the router which is a bit awkward)

I want to re-position my router to another location in the house but need to make sure my desktop is wi-fi enabled first.

Thanks

Bernard

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johnr
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  #1247012 26-Feb-2015 12:36
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Google search make / model and then check the specs



Sideface
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  #1247015 26-Feb-2015 12:43
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Very few desktop PCs have WiFi as standard.
Look at the back for two Wi-Fi antenna connector holes (typically a pair of screw-on brass fittings) &/or antennae.
You could retrofit a WiFi card if you have a slot vacant.




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wasabi2k
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  #1247020 26-Feb-2015 12:46
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More than likely not.

If you open computer management (start/run compmgmt.msc) then go to System Tools, Device Manager.

Under Network Adapters what do you see?

If you don't, USB wifi adapters are super cheap:
http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?m=s209953952&o=produkt_pris_inkmoms#prodlista



robjg63
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  #1247021 26-Feb-2015 12:48
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All in one PCs are quite common now and many of them do have wifi built-in.
What make/model is your desktop?




Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler


  #1247024 26-Feb-2015 12:53
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hard to tell you if you dont tell us what you have :)

johnr
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  #1247025 26-Feb-2015 12:55
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If not buy a USB WiFi dongle

beenz

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  #1247040 26-Feb-2015 13:06
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Thanks guys, no wi-fi in this PC.

I am going to go with either a USB wireless adaptor or a new router to extend the range of my wi-fi.

Not sure which is the best solution?

My problem is to extend the range of my wi-fi so it covers my sleep out and to do this I have to either move my router nearer the sleep out (and get a wireless adaptor for my desktop)

Or get a router with a longer range at the moment I am using the standard vodafone home gateway SHG 1500
which does the job but gives a very weak signal at the sleep out.

I do not mind spending a couple of hundred if it will fix the problem as my thoughts are that the internet on my desktop will slow down if I use wi-fi on it as rather than a direct connection.

Thoughts appreciated please. 

 
 
 

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Sideface
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  #1247044 26-Feb-2015 13:15
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How far away is your sleepout?
Line-of-sight with the house?
Is it on the same mains power circuit as the house?




Sideface


  #1247045 26-Feb-2015 13:17
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move the router, and get and adapter for your computer

beenz

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  #1247132 26-Feb-2015 14:45
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Sideface: How far away is your sleepout?

I would say 20-30m
Line-of-sight with the house?

Yes

Is it on the same mains power circuit as the house?


Yes

blakamin
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  #1247135 26-Feb-2015 14:49
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Jase2985: move the router, and get and adapter for your computer


Which will slow down your PC.

Looked at a range extender?

beenz

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  #1247149 26-Feb-2015 15:05
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I am thinking of maybe a new router with a better range, maybe something with a range extender built in or just a good long range router that will work over say 30m or more ??
Any recommendations ? 


Thanks

Sideface
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  #1247151 26-Feb-2015 15:11
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beenz:
Sideface: Is it on the same mains power circuit as the house?


Yes


"ethernet over power" = "powerline ethernet adapter" would give you fast ethernet in the sleepout, if that's what you want.

eg TP-Link TL-PA211KIT





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wasabi2k
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  #1247152 26-Feb-2015 15:13
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how about you move the router closer to the sleep out and see if it covers it.

If it does - buy a USB wifi adapter for desktop.

Total price: $20.

Don't go buying a router ($100+) if you aren't sure it will work.



beenz

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  #1247154 26-Feb-2015 15:14
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wasabi2k: how about you move the router closer to the sleep out and see if it covers it.

It will cover it, but it is not the way i want to go as it will slow down my desktop internet.

If it does - buy a USB wifi adapter for desktop.

Total price: $20.

Don't go buying a router ($100+) if you aren't sure it will work.



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