Best 5 GHz WiFi adapters for PC

Even with FTTH fiber optics we can run into speed problems with desktop PCs and notebooks.

In this case most problems can be solved connecting only to the 5 GHz networkpurchasing a 5 GHz Wi-Fi adapter (if too far from the modem and the computer does not have one) and using Wi-Fi Mesh and Powerline to bring the fast fiber optic network to every room of the house and unleash the full speed of the connection.

READ ALSO -> How to add Wi-Fi to a desktop PC

1) Activate 5 GHz network

If we haven’t already done so, we can activate the 5 GHz network on practically any modem provided by Internet providers, so as to be able to benefit from faster speeds than the traditional wireless network (2.4 GHz).

To avoid confusion we also advise you to separate the 2.4 GHz network from the 5 GHz networkusing slightly different names and keeping the same password, so we know when we are connected to the 5 GHz network without confusion.

To learn more we can read our guides how to activate 5 GHz WiFi on Windows come on how to activate a second WiFi network to improve connection stability.

2) Choose a PC Wi-Fi adapter

Choosing a wireless adapter that supports 5 GHz is not difficult at all, we just have to make sure that it has the following features:

• Support for Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 standards: to obtain the maximum transfer speed from the modem, we will have to make sure that the adapter supports the 802.11ac (also called Wi-Fi 5) and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standards, which are the best for connection on the 5 GHz frequency .
• Adapter format: many adapters have a compact design and can be connected to the PC via a USB port, as if they were normal flash drives; the fastest models are available as expansion cards to be inserted inside the PC on a PCIe x1 slot. We choose the format we want based on our economic availability, the number of ports available and the use we will make of the PC (on gaming PCs we always recommend focusing on PCIe WiFi adapters to obtain the best performance).
• Safety: All adapters support WPA2-AES or WPA3 as an encryption system, so as to guarantee secure connections for the PC with any modem used.
• Coverage: in the case of the 5 GHz frequency the coverage is significantly lower than the 2.4 GHz, so we will hardly be able to use the speed offered by this frequency beyond 10-15 meters (including walls and partitions). Therefore, to surf at maximum speed, the desktop PC must be within a room or two of the modem, otherwise it will not be possible to connect.
• Antenna: USB models have one or more internal antennas to pick up the signal and are only effective in optimal network conditions (few walls and very strong signal from the router); models with external antennas or with antennas arranged on a separate base can be oriented to always obtain the maximum signal and consequently a good transmission speed.

For further information we can read our guide on Differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

3) Increase network coverage to 5 GHz

As mentioned in the previous chapters the 5 GHz network is the fastest we can use but it hardly covers more than a room or two; To cover your entire home with the 5 GHz network we recommend you consider purchasing one of the following devices to increase network coverage:

• Wi-Fi Mesh: with this technology we will cover large spaces (over 100 square meters) with an extremely fast network in any condition, using only the 5 GHz network.
• 5 GHz Wi-Fi repeaters: cheaper solution than Mesh Wi-Fi, excellent for expanding basic coverage for a home smaller than 100 square meters.
• Powerline Wi-Fi: an excellent solution for any type of home is Powerline, where we can take advantage of the fast network connection on any type of network and in any type of home, using electrical sockets to pass the signal and the dedicated Wi-Fi connection for each room.

Wi-Fi Mesh and Powerline technology can work even if the starting modem does not have 5 GHz support, since they are connected via Ethernet cable (at least the main connection unit); To make the best use of Range Extenders, it is advisable to have one right away modem dual band moderno.

To learn more we can read our comparison guides Powerline vs Wi-Fi Mesh, which is more effective for expanding the WiFi network come on how to bring the Internet to every floor and corner of the house.

Conclusions

With these simple tips we will be able to navigate at maximum speed with the FTTH fiber optic connection, anywhere in the house.

The advice is to leave the 2.4 GHz network (slower but with greater coverage) only for home automation and voice assistants, instead using the 5 GHz network for all devices that use high-speed Internet (Smart TV , consoles, desktop PCs, MacBooks, laptops etc.).

To learn more, we recommend reading our guides on how to improve internet speed in windows 11 and 10 come on how to fix slow fiber optic.