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Started by notneps | | 4 answers
Will these devices work if sharing a single USB port?
The internal WiFi on one of my laptops can no longer be detected. Since USB Wireless Network Adapters are so cheap, it would be much cheaper to use one of those instead of repairing/replacing the built-in card. I only have two USB ports though. Will a mouse, keyboard, and wireless adapter work if sharing the same USB port via a splitter/hub? I know these splitters have some limitations; will what I plan on doing work?
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October 9, 2014 5:57:40 PM

Thanks!

Best solution chosen by notneps

a b V Motherboard
October 9, 2014 10:15:54 AM

Put wifi directly in usb port, and use usb hub for periphials.

If you put the wifi adapter into an unpowered hub then the wifi adapter has to share the 5v power to the other devices which will equal reduced performance.
October 9, 2014 10:13:06 AM

The WiFi USB dongles are less than $5. Quality isn't a major issue. This is a quick fix, trying to get a few more months of use out of an aging laptop before finally replacing it. Will it work with a simple splitter?
a b V Motherboard
October 9, 2014 10:07:31 AM

You would want to use a powered hub for wifi adapter.

The internal wifi cards are really cheap $15-20. Im sure you could find one for your laptop for no less then $20.

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