Could your computer affect your Wi-Fi signal?
Could your computer affect your Wi-Fi signal?
Right away I realize I’m not familiar with networking. My PC is far from the router—my room and the living room have it. Right now I’m using USB tethering via an old tablet or phone, which has been fine for a few months. The only issue is that Windows treats it as a new network on startup, causing the network count to jump into the hundreds. USB tethering feels outdated and was mainly a short-term fix, so I’m looking for a proper network card with Bluetooth. I borrowed one from another PC and noticed its performance is poor. My laptop in the same room works well, and USB tethering also functioned okay. So is the problem with the card itself, or is it due to interference or age?
It's really disappointing. Your laptop seems to have a decent Wi-Fi adapter, likely with two antennas. You'd be much better off using something like the AX210—something with multiple antennas, MU-MIMO, and Wi-Fi 6E. Those features would make a huge difference.
Additionally, a card with an antenna that you can mount on top of the PC (or purchase a compatible one) can be useful when your router isn’t positioned directly behind the computer. This setup helps if nearby furniture interferes with the signal; raising the antenna improves the likelihood of a stronger connection. It’s especially helpful when using Bluetooth, as a PC placed behind the device may completely block the signal.