Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Why do wifi antennas use USB adapters?

Tags:
  • WiFi
  • USB
  • Wireless Network
  • Ethernet Card
Last response: in Wireless Networking
Share
February 13, 2014 6:40:06 AM

Why do wifi antennas use USB adapters? Why not use the ethernet port? I feel like an idiot, I am very familiar with tech but t

More about : wifi antennas usb adapters

February 13, 2014 6:46:14 AM

Because that's the way they are designed. Allows for a connection even if there is no RJ-45 port, or if it is broken.
m
0
l

Best solution

February 13, 2014 6:47:20 AM

An ethernet port is just for receiving or sending data, but WiFi receivers need a certain electric power to work, which the ethernet port can't produce. If you took an ethernet WiFi antenna, it would need an external power source, like an USB port, but that makes no sense, so it's just USB which can supply the WiFi receiver with both data and power. The same with PCI/PCIe receivers.
Share
February 13, 2014 8:25:32 AM

ah ok thanks guys, I'm using a macbook pro so i thought it was dumb to waist a USB port but I see now...
m
0
l
Related resources
!