Wireless dongle - that plugs into network port not USB?

AJQS

AJQS

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Does such a thing exist? Network cable is doing my head in, think the terminal connector has fired as it keeps losing connection, wiggling it usually works but it doesn't seem to want to know any more. Currently using a USB dongle, but I need my USB ports back, I'm already short, so can I get a dongle that'll plug into the wired LAN socket on my laptop?
 
Have you tried a new cable?

If the socket on the laptop is hosed then a wifi dongle using the same port isn't going to work reliably either...

Unpowered usb hub might be the better solution.
 
What Suz says....
 
How old is the laptop? Does it not have built in wireless connectivity?

The alternative to get an ethernet card that plugs into your pcmcia slot if you have one?
 
I take it there isn't such a thing then?

No expansion slots of any kind. No inbuilt wireless although there is a button for it it's not physically installed. I have 4xUSB, LAN, 56K Modem (didn't know you could still get those) and HDMI. It has a memory card slot too but it doesn't work properly.
 
I've never seen one - but it does sound like a good idea to me.. A way to keep the USB's free.. There could be a gap in the market there..
 
The point is that if the Ethernet socket is dodgy, an external WiFi adapter will have the same problem in staying connected. If it is the cable - just replace it
 
Alan Clogwyn said:
I take it there isn't such a thing then?

No expansion slots of any kind. No inbuilt wireless although there is a button for it it's not physically installed. I have 4xUSB, LAN, 56K Modem (didn't know you could still get those) and HDMI. It has a memory card slot too but it doesn't work properly.
Click to expand...

You could use an ap in bridge mode but like everyone keeps saying if the Ethernet socket is borked then plugging something else into it won't really work..

You sure the wireless module isn't inside the laptop and just doesn't have the driver installed? Some machines let you disable wireless in the bios etc
 
I'd double check wireless.
Start in bios, then check device manager to see if it is disabled there or no driver installed.
Try a new cat cable.
If no wireless feature and new cable don't work its almost bound to have a pcmcia slot.

If all above fail take to bits and see if the port just needs resoldered on. It won't be too hard as long as the board is intact.

Or time for a new one......
 
I find it hard to believe it's got a HDMI port and no wireless?
 
What make and model is the laptop?

You said it has a 'button' for wireless but that it is not installed. Do you mean that the software is not installed, or that nothing happens when you press the button?

As has been mentioned, it could be that your built in wireless is disabled. Also, on some laptops there is a physical switch somewhere (usually on the edge) to turn wireless on and off. Which brings me back to... what make and model is the laptop?
 
Mithrail said:
What make and model is the laptop?

You said it has a 'button' for wireless but that it is not installed. Do you mean that the software is not installed, or that nothing happens when you press the button?
Click to expand...

There are several brands/models which use the same "plastic" for every model in the range, the Toshiba Satellite of 10 or so years ago for example. They have the button, but the hardware isn't fitted.... Yep it's mighty confusing :lol:
 
Lyonspride said:
There are several brands/models which use the same "plastic" for every model in the range, the Toshiba Satellite of 10 or so years ago for example. They have the button, but the hardware isn't fitted.... Yep it's mighty confusing :lol:
Click to expand...

This is exactly the case with my last 3 laptops! :thumbsdown: However I spoke to a friend earlier about the situation and he happened to mention having a scrap one of the same model with working wireless. Fingers crossed we can get it to work in mine. :thumbs:
 
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