Internet - Is it possible to convert a wireless signal into a wired signal?
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Many hotels nowadays offer wireless internet only. Is there any gadgets/adapters that can convert wireless signals to wired ?
TIA
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look at something like
or if you have an old router you could looking into using it in “bridge mode” or “access point”.
I know most hotels have a sign-on page now for their wi-fi. Not sure how that all works.
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Thanks. I’ll look into it.
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Instead of thinking of it as making the hotel’s WiFi wired, it sounds like what you’re really looking for is a WiFi adapter to enable your wired device to use wireless signals. The difference being not getting search results that require physical access to the hotel’s WiFi equipment or a bulky/less portable solution… versus finding a small inexpensive adapter for your mobile device that you can take with you wherever you travel.
If you want such a portable plug and go adapter or dongle that connects to one specific personal device, then the type of device is also important (i.e., laptop or mobile phone), and perhaps the operating system, as that determines whether your adapter needs a USB, micro-USB, lightning, headphone jack, etc. connector (unless you find a device with multiple exchangeable tips). It would be helpful to post the name and model number of your device… especially since your device is likely much older if it doesn’t have built in WiFi, as opposed to a defective WiFi component.
So, if you could be more specific about your equipment, needs, experience level, and expectations, there may be some even more inexpensive and/or beginner-friendly travel-ready options others could recommend, like a sub-$10 PC usb adapter.
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You are right. I have an old laptop running Win 7 pro. The Wi-Fi adaptor no longer works; but the ethernet port does work. So I am looking for a gadget to enable my laptop to get onto hotel’s Wi-Fi network when I travel.
Does this adapter do what I am trying to do? And I simply plug this into the USB port?
This old laptop has USB 2.0 ports. What kind of internet speed would I get with this adapter?
TIA
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I’ve used this from Monoprice on a Windows 10 tablet where the internal WiFi lost essentially all range.
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=12811#QuestionsandAnswersBasically look for a USB WiFi adapter as stated above some are available for under $10 in some cases.
I think your deciding factor for speed will be what the location offers but certainly not over the maximum data rate will be 30-40 megabytes per second (USB 2.0 and half-duplex).
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@phat200 said in Internet - Is it possible to convert a wireless signal into a wired signal?:
You are right. I have an old laptop running Win 7 pro. The Wi-Fi adaptor no longer works; but the ethernet port does work. So I am looking for a gadget to enable my laptop to get onto hotel’s Wi-Fi network when I travel.
Does this adapter do what I am trying to do? And I simply plug this into the USB port?
This old laptop has USB 2.0 ports. What kind of internet speed would I get with this adapter?
TIA
In addition to getting a USB network adapter, you would be surprised how easy it can be to replace the wifi card on the laptop.
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You’re looking for a “WiFi Bridge”. The one below is obsolete and there’s newer ones available but I’ve used THIS to do exactly what you’re searching for:
Cisco-Linksys WGA600N Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming Adapter
- Works with all network-ready game consoles, including Xbox, Xbox 360, Playstation 2 or 3, and GameCube (and PCs)
- Converts wired-Ethernet-ready game consoles (and PCs) to Wireless-N network connectivity
- Lag-free head-to-head or Internet gaming, without stringing wires
- Works without drivers on Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation2 or 3, and GameCube (and PCs)
Here’s another one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018YPWORE/?tag=phtwllt-20
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Since my laptop is very old, I guess the cheapest way to get around a non-working Wi-Fi is get a USB wireless adapter.
Thank you to all responders for your input.
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@phat200 said in Internet - Is it possible to convert a wireless signal into a wired signal?:
Since my laptop is very old, I guess the cheapest way to get around a non-working Wi-Fi is get a USB wireless adapter.
Thank you to all responders for your input.
Sorry I missed your reply but yes, the type of WiFi adapter I linked would do exactly what you’re looking for.
They’re plug and go USB dongles that require little to no configuration or tech savvy (they set themselves up with a few prompts for you to select preferences/authorize access). At most you’d have to update a driver from your manufacturer’s’ website, but that’s just downloading and running a file and usually isn’t needed.
Most dongles barely stick out beyond the laptop (though you can choose larger ones and some have antennas) and never need to be removed, even when putting the laptop into a case. You can get a cheap USB hub if you need a 3rd USB port… or just temporarily remove the dongle.
The internet speed would depend on the specs of the specific dongle you buy, but anything you buy nowadays will run more than fast enough for general purpose use… given your internet provider/connection has a decent speed also. Just buy one from a reputable brand with lots of reviews… I’ve bought several $3 no-name ones and they stopped working after a few months, so I should have just spent $10 on a good one to begin with.
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If you’re interested in trying a USB wiFi adapter with an external antenna rod, this one is $12.99, but drops to $5.20 with promotional code NVPAPLIM at checkout, plus free shipping.
The seller is a 3rd party with 98% positive reviews over the past 12 months from 3,238 reviewers, and it’s shipped by Amazon. It is not a mainstream brand but has 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,118 reviews (and is Amazon’s choice for “network adapter,” if that means anything).
Anyway, models with antennas are worth considering because they may be more powerful if you’re worried that some of your destinations may have weaker signals… and this is a good price point to experiment with.
Some of the specks on this usb adapter are:
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi (3 times faster than wireless N speeds. 5G WIFI Ideal for gaming online and seamless HD video streaming).
- Downward compatability 802.11g/n Internet
- Up to 600Mbps WiFi speeds on 5.8GHz (433Mbps) and 2.4GHz (150Mbps) bands. Dual band reduces interference for better connections to more Wi-Fi devices, Use Roaming technology, promise high effective wireless connect
- Detachable 2dBi omni-directional dual band antenna for increased coverage and stability;
- 2.0 USB
- Supports: Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win8.1/Win10/Mac OS 10.7-10.14
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to install,driver updates and full technical support in English
EDUP Wifi Adapter ac600Mbps Wireless Usb Adapter 5.8GHz/2.4GHz Dual Band 600Mbps Usb Adapter 2dBi External Antennas Supports Windows XP,Win Vista,Win 7,Win 8.1, Win 10,Mac OS X 10.７-10.1４
