F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Choose between Asus USB-AC56, Asus USB-N14 or TP-LINK Archer T2UH for improved Wi-Fi coverage.

Choose between Asus USB-AC56, Asus USB-N14 or TP-LINK Archer T2UH for improved Wi-Fi coverage.

Choose between Asus USB-AC56, Asus USB-N14 or TP-LINK Archer T2UH for improved Wi-Fi coverage.

L
Lherion
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182
03-11-2024, 11:46 PM
#1
I frequently use my laptop outside the house, and the Wi-Fi signal isn’t always strong. I’m curious if a portable USB dongle could improve reception compared to my laptop’s built-in Wi-Fi (MacBook Pro 13'' 2015). Since I have limited options in my area, I can only choose from TP-LINK and Asus products. From their list I picked three: Asus USB-AC56, Asus USB-N14, and TP-LINK Archer T2UH. All of them include external antennas; the N14 has two 5dBi antennas, while the others have one. The N14 is an older model running at 2.4GHz with 300Mbps, which should suffice for reliability on slower networks. The Asus AC56 costs 48€ and offers double the price of the N14 (23€), but it claims better speed. The TP-LINK T2UH is the most affordable at 18€, advertised as high-gain with a 3dBi antenna. I’m considering whether these options match the performance of my laptop’s internal Wi-Fi, especially since public networks are already slow and likely in the 5GHz band.
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L
Lherion
03-11-2024, 11:46 PM #1

I frequently use my laptop outside the house, and the Wi-Fi signal isn’t always strong. I’m curious if a portable USB dongle could improve reception compared to my laptop’s built-in Wi-Fi (MacBook Pro 13'' 2015). Since I have limited options in my area, I can only choose from TP-LINK and Asus products. From their list I picked three: Asus USB-AC56, Asus USB-N14, and TP-LINK Archer T2UH. All of them include external antennas; the N14 has two 5dBi antennas, while the others have one. The N14 is an older model running at 2.4GHz with 300Mbps, which should suffice for reliability on slower networks. The Asus AC56 costs 48€ and offers double the price of the N14 (23€), but it claims better speed. The TP-LINK T2UH is the most affordable at 18€, advertised as high-gain with a 3dBi antenna. I’m considering whether these options match the performance of my laptop’s internal Wi-Fi, especially since public networks are already slow and likely in the 5GHz band.

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S
slywolf107
Junior Member
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2
03-11-2024, 11:46 PM
#2
Uncertain about Apple, but it seems they likely manufacture computers similar to others. The internal WiFi antennas are located on the sides of the screen. Apple uses aluminum in its builds, which might explain some problems. Personally, I don’t like USB networking gear. There are many reports of users facing issues after prolonged use. I’ve also noticed the wireless AC chipset tends to overheat, causing these adapters to fail. HOWEVER, based on what I know, Asus and TPlink are both well-regarded for networking equipment. When it comes to speed, the adapter only delivers half the capacity, and the access point must match those rates. You need to understand the maximum speeds the access point can handle. In the US, most small businesses rely on ISP-provided gateways, and some ISPs lag in WiFi technology—like Comcast, which recently began offering AC standard wireless. It might be worth opting for a more affordable option and testing it out. That’s what I did with my Bluetooth dongle; if it worked as expected, I could upgrade later when I needed a better one.
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S
slywolf107
03-11-2024, 11:46 PM #2

Uncertain about Apple, but it seems they likely manufacture computers similar to others. The internal WiFi antennas are located on the sides of the screen. Apple uses aluminum in its builds, which might explain some problems. Personally, I don’t like USB networking gear. There are many reports of users facing issues after prolonged use. I’ve also noticed the wireless AC chipset tends to overheat, causing these adapters to fail. HOWEVER, based on what I know, Asus and TPlink are both well-regarded for networking equipment. When it comes to speed, the adapter only delivers half the capacity, and the access point must match those rates. You need to understand the maximum speeds the access point can handle. In the US, most small businesses rely on ISP-provided gateways, and some ISPs lag in WiFi technology—like Comcast, which recently began offering AC standard wireless. It might be worth opting for a more affordable option and testing it out. That’s what I did with my Bluetooth dongle; if it worked as expected, I could upgrade later when I needed a better one.

Reply
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