Reddit reviews Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x 5dBi External Antennas - 2.4GHz 300Mbps / 5Ghz 867Mbps - 802.11ac & A, B, G, N

I have the z97-E version which doesn't have integrated Bluetooth but I got a generic Bluetooth dongle working and this wifi adopter working with el cap.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MX57AO4/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would get a USB wireless dongle, USB extension, and a directional antenna. To make this work, the dongle must have a removable antenna. If shipping is not an expense, I would buy step-by-step, starting with the dongle, then extension, finally the antenna (and antenna mounting solution).

I have no personal experience with this equipment. It was chosen because of features (like replaceable antennas) and Amazon reviews.

Alfa AWUS036AC Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB Adapter With 2x Dual-Band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) external antenna for Extreme Distance Connection - Up to 300 Mbps - USB 3.0 - AC1200 Wireless chip - USB desktop Dock Included

CableCreation Gold (Long 16FT) Super Speed USB 3.0 Active Extension Cable, USB 3.0 Extender USB A-Male to A-Female Cable, 5Meter/16ft, Black

Alfa APA-M25 dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz 10dBi high gain directional indoor panel antenna with RP-SMA connector (compare to Asus WL-ANT-157)

All together, this is 95 CAD, but I expect the first item will solve the problem. If you do get the high-gain antenna, try it as a replacement of each of the side antennas on the USB dongle. This is because one antenna might be more important to the device then the other.

In theory, a high gain antenna talking to a normal access point will increase the range substantially. High gain antennas on both ends obviously are better. A repeater could be used if a reasonable place to put one and a reasonable source of power are both available, but where I'm sitting I can get the faintest bit of wifi on cool calm nights so I'm expecting a better antenna to solidify that connectivity.

I just ordered this so I'll konw in a few days how well it works with the stock antennas, if I can avoid buying directional antennas that would be super.

To echo what /u/Just7 said, the wired network adapter and soundcard are unnecessary. You might also want to consider dropping the PCI wifi adapter and look into something like an Alfa, which is cheaper, tends to perform better, and frees up a precious PCI slot.

To be totally honest, if you're trying to replicate wifi, then use a wifi dongle.

These SDRs are not going to be able to provide the frequency range or the bandwidth you need.

You can get an Alfa wifi dongle (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4/) for about $40, and using them in promiscuous mode will allow for more options akin to what you're trying to do.

Here's 2 products I'm currently considering.

2.4Ghz 2000Mw antenna - $50 CAD

vs

5Ghz dual band Usb 3.0 antenna - $86 CAD

What do you think should I get? the more modern 5ghz dual band one or the much bigger and beefier 2000Mw antenna?

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1467488433&sr=8-9&keywords=wifi+usb+ac

Note that the included usb dock is 2.0. I am still using the dock though as I have not had any reason to buy a usb 3.0 dock.

I have these:

Wireless-AC 7260 for Desktop Network Adapter

Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless

Rosewill RNX-AC1200UBE - Dual Band Wireless AC1200 Adapter

All work fine with an RT-AC66U.

Okay I changed a few things to save you some money and get more bang for you buck.

• i5-6500 with the money you saved
  
• Dropped the CPU cooler. If you're not getting a "K" series CPU it comes with a cooler that will work just fine.
  
• You don't need a fancy motherboard trust me. This will do the job plus it supports DDR4 2133 Memory
  
• 8GB 2133 Memory. I have the same motherboard and I'm very happy with it.
  *Why pay more for the same SSD
  
• I guess you could be picky about a case, but lets be honest you don't need some fancy case that just hold your computer components together.
  
• Same monitor specs cheaper price
  
• PLEASE don't buy Windows 10 for that price. Microsoft offers a free upgrade from Windows 7 and 8. You can find it cheaper trust me.
  
• Don't get a PCIe WiFi adapter. A USB 3.0 adapter is going to work better you can get a much larger antenna plus the cord will allow for better placement. I have this one and I've very happy with it LINK
  
  PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
  
  Type|Item|Price
  :----|:----|:----
  CPU | Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor | $194.99 @ SuperBiiz
  Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard | $49.99 @ Amazon
  Memory | Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory | $26.99 @ SuperBiiz
  Storage | Sandisk SSD PLUS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $41.39 @ Amazon
  Storage | Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $54.85 @ Amazon
  Video Card | Gigabyte Radeon R9 380X 4GB WINDFORCE 2X Video Card | $224.49 @ SuperBiiz
  Case | Deepcool TESSERACT BF ATX Mid Tower Case | $33.99 @ SuperBiiz
  Power Supply | EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply | $74.99 @ SuperBiiz
  Monitor | Asus VS228H-P 21.5" Monitor | $99.99 @ Amazon
  Keyboard | Microsoft ANB-00001 Wired Slim Keyboard | $12.99 @ Directron
  Other| XBOX 360 wireless adapter| $15.99
  | Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
  | Total | $830.65
  | Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-07 00:49 EDT-0400 |

I've ordered this one! Is this what you're talking about? https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00MX57AO4/ref=ya_st_dp_summary?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So the EagleTec keyboard is a recommendation from a friend who has one and swears by it, so I don't mind spending the £50 on that to be honest.
The screen I think you are right 21.5" might not be big enough I dont mind upgrading to a slightly bigger one for a little extra.
The wifi adaptor has been changed to this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Networking-Devices/Network-AWUS036AC-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Connections/B00MX57AO4/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&dpID=31OerUmBCBL&dpPl=1&keywords=long%20range%20wifi&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&qid=1501160785&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_2&sr=8-2

But unfortunately I cannot go wired network in my situation atm, however, in the future it should be no problem.

I have one concern with the GPU you have put, and its probably just me being pedantic about the name but its called a 'mini video card' vs the 1050Ti non 'mini video card' does the fact its called a mini video card effect things?

Looks like their website has the download. Kinda pricey though o o"

Wonder how much different is that from this one.

coax latency is already triple that of fiber,
so just get a good wifi antenna for your pc;
https://www.amazon.com//dp/B00HF8K0O6 pcie
there are plenty to choose from, but i would
advise getting anything where the antenna is
on a wire so it can be far away from the card.
https://www.amazon.com//dp/B00MX57AO4 usb

the deal where you can't wire between his modem
and your pc is kind of lame, considering the cabletv
company would have run another coax to your modem,
so either way - more wires getting tacked along the wall.

I tend to trust Alfa for external WiFi cards.

Speed: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4
Range: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUS036NH-Wireless-Long-Range-Screw-On/dp/B003YIFHJY
Cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUSO36NH-Wireless-Long-Rang-Network/dp/B0035APGP6

From a quick look at that picture and a little googling, looks like there is no internal WiFi. So I'm going to guess you are using a USB WiFi adapter.

The PCI slots in that computer are half height, or "low profile", so that will limit what you could put inside the case. A quick search on Amazon shows a few low profile WiFi 6 adapters, but they are from companies I've never heard of.

Unlike 802.11ac, most of the enhancements in WiFi 6 require support in both the access point and the client, so unless you are upgrading your router at the same time I wouldn't bother. It's probably a good idea to wait on WiFi 6 until the 802.11ax draft is approved by IEEE, which should be a only a couple more months plus a bit of time for products to be certified and make it into the supply chain.

My recommendation is to get a 802.11ac 2x2 USB adapter. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/

The little stand it comes with let's you put the antennas higher up and away from the sheet metal in the computer, both of which will improve signal quality.

I prefer not to recommend, as what may work for someone may not work for you. WiFi is a very situational thing. But I'll give some more information:

First, find out if your router is running (802.11) AC or N or other (G/B?). AC is the most modern, N is still OK. Are you running a 5GHz network or a 2.4GHz network? Is the PC near the router, or a fair bit away? All this makes big differences to your choice of stuff.

If you do not think signal is going to be a problem (eg your phone is full signal in your room), a USB dongle is probably the most optimal starting solution. Preferably one that works fine on default Windows drivers, so you aren't installing unnecessary junk. One with a good cable to reposition as well.

If you think signal will be a bit weak, try the PCIe option. Reason is the antenna's are bigger and better, and if needs be they are replaceable with more suitable ones.

This little guy appears to mix the best of both worlds. However, I think you'd want a USB 3.0 extension wire according to the top comment...

I personally use a bridge. If you don't have reasonable network knowledge, don't go near one. Mine took a few hours over the course of a few weeks to fully stabilise and tweak. However, if you want a little challenge in the future, have a go. It'll be able to overcome most all issues people have with WiFi if you get it right.

Best no hassle solution. A powerline adapter and a pair of suitable length ethernet cables.

Does anyone know if this is any good?

http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Removable-Connections/dp/B00MX57AO4#

How many bars do you get on wifi? If its low then your wifi signal/adapter can't keep up or can't get range.

I suggest getting this: https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1485987291&sr=1-3&keywords=alfa+usb+wifi

Should be fast and get maximum signal you need.

What's a good wifi adapter for long range? I've been using this for a while but recently its been disconnecting alot: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_JRzqzbXWKXWCV

It honestly depends on the usb adapter. I'm fairly experienced with it, because I only have wifi as an option.

I'm currently using a high gain, usb dongle from Alfa Network.

That thing boosted my wifi connection from -85 to -39. When I was still using my TP-Link dongle, I had 30-50 ms speeds from dongle to router. Now it's between 3-19 as I've just checked. Of course it doesn't come close to 1ms ethernet speeds, but it's more than enough for gaming.

I bet I could even increase the speed even further, if I would dump my isp router and get a proper high gain router instead.

Unless you have the biggest house I've ever seen its not too far. Its just the cables you buy are generally short. Amazon/bestbuy and sometimes even walmart sell the really long cables. Make sure they have ends on them though or you will have to add the connectors yourself.

You could run the cable along the edges of the rooms. Behind the baseboard, ceiling edges etc. You could even run it through the walls if you wanted it to be sexy. Lots of youtube videos on it, but it will be the most frustrating thing you've ever done.

Have you considered buying an external long range wifi adapter like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Band-Wireless-AC1900-PCI-E-Adapter-PCE-AC68/dp/B00F42V83C/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1406702709&sr=1-3&keywords=asus+wifi+adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4

As for power-line adapters they can have really bad gaming performance if thats important. Seems to depend on the wiring in the house and devices on that circuit.

Yes I bought a AC adapter a couple of years ago this one specifically.

I haven't even looked yet, but I'll look right now and edit the post

Edit added shit below:

I'm thinking of getting this https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4

Get an external antenna. Either a +9 dB antenna that connects to your laptop, or connects to a long USB cable, so you can leave it by the window.

Something like this may work.

I would bypass the bulit-in card and get a USB wifi receiver. I've had very good results with this style of adapter:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Network-AWUS036AC-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Connections/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31OerUmBCBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=1QKFY6V0YSW7GMR892YF

i was looking at something like this
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4?psc=1

He meant something like this
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX57AO4?psc=1
but with chrome compatability.

Then your only option is to get a better antenna. Get a external USB WiFi dongle with big antennas, like this one.

If you're looking for a USB adapter, this one treated me well. https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00MX57AO4/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1466282629&sr=1-2&keywords=alfa+wireless+adapter

in USB 3.0 the speeds and rate at which those speeds were delivered were identical to ethernet. However, be sure that you wireless router is up to snuff, as gaming on wireless can be problematic.

When I was researching wifi in the past, I found that the receiver didn't really matter. What matters is the antenna your using. I'm not to hot on bandwidth limitations through usb 2.0/3.0/Pcie with wifi cards. I would assume usb 3 is better than 2 and pcie is the top dog. In your case I would assume they don't really make that much of a difference.

If you use the third one that you posted, and upgrade the antennas to a 9dBi antenna and screw those on instead of the antenna that came with the receiver, you will get a higher receiving range on your computer and a stronger connection. Not necessarily faster download speeds because, ya know, wifi. If you SOMEHOW are able to find the router, or eventually set up a repeater, you could buy another pair of those antennas and slap those puppies on, that may boost your range even more. At that point, if you're really concerned, you can try exchanging antennas until you get the best range for you and your computer. For now stick, with the Alfa wifi adapter and if you're not happy with your range, upgrade both antennas to the 9 dBi version. Those will definitely help you out. :)

is the problem the internet itself or that your devices don't pick up the signal from the router? in the latter case, I can recommend this extender. It's worked great for me. I live on a second floor with the Liberty modem/router downstairs. The difference is night and day since I got it. You can plug the antenna straight into your laptop or use the cable that it comes with and place it somewhere where it gets the best signal. The cable it comes with is only about 2ft however, so you might want to get a longer one depending on your situation.

Yeah, I know it's not a popular opinion but I feel that my logic is sound. As far as I can tel, the only reason people go PCIe is because of the speed difference between PCIe and USB.

The Gigabyte should be fine, I have my preferences but I really don't think that you're going to notice a difference. I've personally had good experiences with TP-Link adapters like this one. I haven't personally used this one but I'm a fan of Alfa products.

The stock wifi module in the raspberry pi probably won't work for that, definitely not if it's your internet uplink as welll. You need to use a USB wifi dongle like this.