WiFi adapter remains linked to 2.4 GHz exclusively on your desktop machine
WiFi adapter remains linked to 2.4 GHz exclusively on your desktop machine
That’s accurate. The two nics would match reception only if they were identical units. When you mention USB, are you referring to a full-sized device with a standard USB cable or a compact dongle? They usually have smaller antennas. If the repeater or mesh solution was considered (like boosting signal range and direction), that would be less critical. “Most of” is key here.
When the device is located at the back of the PC, the reception quality is poor compared to a laptop where there’s no bulky metal enclosure obstructing the signal. If the setup includes an extra PCIe port, an internal card, and an antenna on the end of a cable (allowing placement above the case), performance will significantly improve.
Yes, using the same adapter works. Taking it off the desktop and connecting it to the laptop without any adjustments lets me reach 200mbps right away. It also doesn’t appear to recognize 5ghz connections when plugged into the desktop.
Consider installing the Realtek drivers. Connect the adapter to a different USB port, ideally from the rear I/O panel. Raise the desktop to eliminate range issues or signal blockage. Make sure the antenna faces straight up. Within the adapter properties, verify the ‘Advanced’ options—avoid selecting ‘Prefer 2.4GHz’ and ensure ‘Roaming aggressiveness’ isn’t low.