Modern television equipment has almost completely caught up with smartphones in terms of functionality. The latest models are equipped with a built-in module for wireless Internet connection. In addition, they have a LAN input for direct connection of an Ethernet cable.
However, what if you bought a “smart” Smart TV that is not equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, and you do not want to connect the Internet via cable. Are there any alternative solutions? Perhaps it will be possible to connect additional devices?
It’s clear that if the TV and router are located in different rooms, then running a twisted pair cable through the entire house is the last option. The cable will disrupt the aesthetic perception of the rooms, and the risk of accidentally damaging the cord increases significantly.
There is a solution to the problem. You can buy a portable Wi-Fi adapter designed specifically for television equipment. This is a simple, affordable, but expensive way to wirelessly connect Smart TV to the Internet.
Modern LG TVs
LG is a brand that offers innovative and modern flat screen TVs to the consumer. The most popular are LED TVs, which offer clear images in a simple, thin design. Energy-saving LED TV helps provide brighter, more vibrant images.
LG has flat screen TVs that can cater to the entertainment needs of consumers. Everyone can enjoy watching their favorite TV shows, movies and music.
Important! The most popular models with innovative technologies are LG 4K UHD, OLED 4K and LED TVs.
Wi-Fi adapter - what is it?
Those who use a smart Smart TV that is not equipped with a Wi-Fi module have no reason to panic. To access the Internet, you can use an adapter that matches your TV brand. The connected device picks up wireless waves no worse than, for example, the built-in Wi-Fi module for LG an WF100 TV.
Review and configuration of the D-Link Dir-320 modem
Note! The appearance of the adapter is a regular flash drive that plugs into a USB connector.
Adapter Models
People who decide to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter for an LG TV should familiarize themselves with the most popular models.
AN-WF100
This is a compact device that looks like a regular USB flash drive. The AN-WF100 can be considered a proprietary adapter, since it is manufactured by LG. This means that it is suitable for any TV produced by this company.
TP-LINK ARCHER T6E
The receiver from TP-Link is especially popular. The ARCHER T6E model can be called universal. This miniature device can be connected not only to LG TV, but also to models from other manufacturers.
ZYXEL NWD6605
ZYXEL NWD6605 - adapter suitable for any TV model
This is one of the most compact adapters for TVs. Connects to TV using a USB connector. Among the advantages of the device is that it is suitable for all modern TV models.
Important! The device operates at 5 GHz and is therefore not compatible with older routers.
Selecting a Wi-Fi adapter
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Before selecting and connecting a module to the device, the receiver must first match the brand of TV. At the moment, several models are considered the most popular Wi-Fi adapters for LG TVs:
- LG AN-WF100. It makes accessing any wireless connections very easy. To ensure operation, the TV must have the NetCast function;
- LG AN-WF500 also connects to modern mobile devices (smartphones) and the Internet.
In addition, the manufacturer recommends taking into account the parameters that Wi-Fi receivers for LG have:
- compatibility;
- standard signal;
- frequency;
- power (recommended 17-20 dB);
- radius;
- encryption method.
What to look for when choosing?
To successfully buy a modem, you need to study in detail the instructions that are included in the basic package of television equipment. At the same time, you need to take into account that a USB Wi-Fi adapter designed for a PC is not compatible with a TV.
You also need to take into account additional parameters that reflect the functionality and service life of devices of this type:
- compatibility;
- signal standard;
- operating frequency;
- power (recommended range – 17-20 dBm);
- radius of action;
- encryption algorithm.
Let's start with the most important thing: what modules are compatible with TV from LG? To answer this difficult question, you should carefully study the technical characteristics of the adapter and the TV. As mentioned earlier, if both devices are made by LG, then there will be no compatibility problems.
- 11a;
- 11b;
- 11g;
- 11n.
This parameter is extremely important because it determines the data transfer rate. For all the standards listed above, there are several more parameters - maximum throughput (an indicator that the equipment supports in theory) and real (the actual output of the receiver).
The weakest standard in terms of throughput is 802.11b. The maximum value reaches 11 megabits per second, while the real figure is only 3 Mbit/s. 802.11n has the most power. Real throughput – 150 Mbit/s.
All other standards have the following parameters:
- 11a – actual throughput is 2 Mbit/s.
- 11g – actual throughput is 24 Mbps.
- 11n – actual throughput is 150 Mbit/s.
Why is the difference between maximum and actual throughput so significant? It’s not a matter of advertising and marketing; the quality of the Wi-Fi signal is also affected by interference. Sometimes the signal cannot get through certain obstacles, which often become walls, furniture, etc. In order to ensure maximum throughput, it is necessary to be in an empty house without walls and partitions; it is clear that this is impossible.
The wireless signal standard must be selected according to the modem. As a result, you will receive the highest quality signal.
Operating frequency is another important factor; when choosing an external module for a wireless Internet connection, take into account the frequency at which it operates. As practice shows, devices of this type support from 2.5 to 5 GHz.
Each signal has a distinct frequency range. If the router and external receiver operate at different frequencies, they will not be able to interact, and a compatibility problem will arise. Therefore, if the technical specifications of the router indicate a frequency of 5 GHz, the adapter must be appropriate.
The transmitter power should also be taken into account. If the parameters indicate an indicator of up to 17 dBm, then you absolutely should not expect a really clean signal. The optimal zone for uninterrupted operation is up to 20 dBm.
Range is the distance over which a device can operate correctly. This indicator is almost always measured in meters. Mostly, the technical specifications contain two values – indoors and outdoors.
To determine the radius as successfully as possible, it is necessary to take into account not only the location of the TV, but also the router. Of course, the closer the devices are to each other, the stronger the signal will be. Consider whether there are significant obstacles to the signal on the way from the TV to the router. As mentioned earlier, obstacles (walls, furniture, sometimes even indoor flowers) negatively affect the quality of the signal.
The next parameter is the encryption algorithm; this factor directly determines the level of your security. The encryption method calculates the resistance of equipment to all kinds of attacks and hacks. Today, the most secure option is WPA 2. It is better not to buy an adapter with the WEP protocol, since it is quite outdated.
We should also talk about analogues of LG adapters, they exist and there are a lot of them, but is it worth spending money on such devices. Firstly, modules from other manufacturers are much cheaper, which attracts consumer interest. Secondly, in terms of technical parameters they are also in no way inferior to branded modules.
There is another side to the coin. Counterfeits almost never have a warranty, or it is very short. Even if the warranty has not yet expired, rest assured that no one will replace the device for you, and you will not be able to get your money back.
Most likely, sellers will simply refer to non-compliance with operating conditions and mechanical damage. Because they will return your money from their own pocket.
Considering the subtleties listed above, it becomes absolutely clear that you should not buy universal adapters; trying to save money, you will spend much more money. Why do they fail so quickly? The fact is that updates are released regularly. Therefore, as soon as the firmware is updated, the adapter will stop working.
AN-WF100 Wi-Fi adapter for LG TV
Definition and purpose of a Wi-Fi adapter for Toshiba TVs
The adapter is used to organize a wireless connection between LG AV equipment and the Internet, as well as to connect devices to a home network. The following model lines are supported:
- LCD TVs of the LD5, LD6, LD7, LD8 series;
- plasma TVs of the PK5, PK7, PK9, PX9 series;
- projectors HW300, HX350Y;
- LCD TVs with LED backlight LEX, LX, LE54, LE55, LE58, LE59, LE7, LE8, LE9 series.
Wi-Fi adapter compatibility
When choosing a Wi-Fi adapter for an LG TV, you should pay attention to the adapter’s compatibility with TVs of certain brands and modifications. As a rule, compatibility checking is carried out according to the adapter specification. Most often, a specific brand is indicated (for example, a Wi-Fi adapter for Wi-Fi Ready Samsung TVs).
This indicates that this module supports all TVs of the specified brand that natively work with wireless networks. Sometimes a whole series of a certain brand is indicated as compatible TVs (for example, Wi-Fi adapter for LG Series 5 TVs).
Note! Support for external Wi-Fi modules negates the strict need to buy an adapter of the same brand as the TV.
Nuances
Some TVs are equipped with a special socket, similar to the “PCMCIA” connector in a PC, but users who want to insert a PCMCIA Wi-Fi adapter should be warned that this socket is only intended for connecting a CAM module.
No other equipment will work in it.
You can connect an Internet cable directly to the TV and use the adapter to broadcast a wireless signal. Simply put, the TV will turn into a router, but there is a small disadvantage, because the TV will have to be kept on all the time.
Options for connecting TV to the Web
To gain access to the Global Network, you need to install an additional cable. An Ethernet channel cannot be divided into digital streams and serve more than one device at a time.
Important! Many providers choose a network standard. This option uses fiber optic communication. However, it is not supported by every Smart TV model.
To set everything up, you need to insert the Ethernet cable into the LAN port of the television set. After going to the network connection settings, you need to select the “Wired” type. As soon as the settings are saved, the TV will need to be rebooted.
Little tricks
It is known that not only related devices can be used for an LG TV. For example, an adapter from NETGEAR may be quite suitable. The thing is that such adapters also use the Broadcom chip, like LG device manufacturers. There is a possibility that the TV will accept such an adapter as its own.
Another option to connect your LG TV to the Internet is a router that can distribute and receive Internet. All you have to do is set it up for reception and connect it to the TV via the LAN socket.
Thank you for reading to the end! If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them!
Setting up a cable connection
If the TV does not access the Network wirelessly, then you should use the LAN port of the router.
Note! Using a modem, Wi-Fi is distributed to a TV device via an Ethernet cable.
The positive aspects of this method:
- Simple method. If your apartment already has a router with a wireless network connection, then you just need to connect the TV and router using a patch cord.
- Simplest operation. Wi-Fi distribution occurs without interruption. The network is always available.
- The data exchange speed on a television device is recorded significantly higher than on other devices that are connected to Wi-Fi. To determine the real speed, you need to check the TV processor data.
- Saving new settings and rebooting the device. After completing this simple procedure, Smart TV will connect to the Global Wide Web.
Possible causes of adapter malfunctions
If you couldn't configure the adapter to work, there are several reasons for this. First of all, this is a configuration error. Wi-Fi may not appear if the network name was chosen incorrectly or the password was entered incorrectly. In such a situation, you need to completely turn off the TV, adapter and router, wait one minute and repeat all setup steps again.
Another problem that can affect the successful operation of the adapter is software errors that accumulate over the period of operation. To avoid problems with the software, you need to perform updates from time to time. To do this, you need to connect the TV using a cable to the router and carry out the necessary manipulations or update the software using a flash card, wireless network or hard drive.
If the Wi-Fi connection is not detected, a flashing may be needed, but third-party intervention may void the right to warranty service.
The provider's fault. It is likely that Wi-Fi interruptions were caused by the provider due to failures on the line or maintenance work. In this case, they can be corrected remotely. To get rid of problems, just contact your provider and carry out diagnostics. If you can’t reach the company providing Internet services, you can check the signal yourself. To do this, you need to see if the light on the WAN/DSL button is lit; if not, then the signal is not received. You can try to reboot the router; to do this, you need to disconnect it from the network, unplug the Internet cables and wait a few minutes, then restart it. If the signal does not appear, you need to call your provider and report the problem.
Setting up your Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi connection is the most common way to set up a network. To connect the router to the TV, it is not necessary to use a special wire. As a rule, a user easily connects to the World Wide Web in a matter of minutes.
If you need to provide a wireless connection, then the TV must be equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module. Configuration is carried out using a remote control that remotely controls the device and opens network parameters.
The system prompts the user to select a wireless connection method. First, you need to go to the desired wireless network in the list of SSID points that appears. After entering the password for the access point on the TV device, you should save the settings.
Sometimes you need to use a special router. If the receivers do not have a built-in Wi-Fi antenna, then you need to prepare an external USB device. This device serves as an intermediary for data transfer between a home router and TV.
Note! LG's Web OS is only capable of supporting internet accessories of this brand.
Alternatives
Today you can only choose between device models connected via USB. Of course, it is recommended to purchase an adapter of the corresponding brand, but there is a high probability that compatible modules will work on an identical hardware platform. In the world of smart TVs, universal compatibility, which is implemented in mobile accessories and computers, is not yet available. Therefore, branded accessory models or their analogues are usually compatible with TVs of a particular brand (including LG).
But there are some advantages in this situation. TVs almost immediately recognize connected accessories and use them. If you connect an external module, you can immediately start using the Internet.
