A dongle helps you get broadband when you’re traveling, or you can’t get the WiFi or 3G/4G signals. This device is small, convenient, portable, and is very simple to use even with beginners. The best thing about owning a dongle is that you can easily access the Internet even when traveling abroad.
We will give you some helpful information to answer the question “What is a dongle?”. Let’s find out about this awesome device!
What Is A Dongle?
A dongle is a small device, and you can put it in your pocket. It can transmit or receive wifi signals and help your computer have access to the wireless router nearby.
Some dongles can not only plug into your computer’s port, but they also can even connect to your other devices like phone, tablet, laptop; and they help you have access to the internet even when you have to travel a lot. The size of this device is as small as a USB stick, so it is very easy and convenient for you to carry everywhere.
The manufacturers equip their dongles with more than one port on it so that you can plug other devices into your computer. These ideal gadgets show their best ability for you when you have a bad internet connection, or you can even share the internet signal with your friends and family.
Here is some useful information for you if you want to buy a dongle:
- There are three main levels according to the transmission speed of the dongle. They are 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Especially, 802.11n is the latest one and has the fastest rate among all.
- In case some errors may show up when using 802.11n, you have to get the USB dongle that is suitable with the older format like the 802.11g.
How Does It Work?
Dongles are just small plugs, so they are very simple to use. What you need to do is plug them into the device you want to use, and they will connect to the internet right after that.
This special tool can connect to mobile or wireless broadband like 3G or 4G. After the plugin, you will connect the computer to the internet.
However, some versions can independently work without being connected to the computer or tablet and still give you internet access by cellular data.
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Why Do You Need Dongles?
The Brand – New Ports Named USB-C
As you know, the USB port is one of the most common connectors. You will need the USB port to use mouses and keyboards with your computer or laptop. And you may sometimes feel annoyed when plugging the regular one into your computer with the wrong side and have to flip the jack over.
However, many users consider the USB-C the better one when it comes to connection. The USB-C has the same sides; it is a reversible jack, so the scenario of you plugging it the wrong way will never happen. And this connector also provides you with amazingly high-speed data transmission.
In the future, this jack will take a dominant place and soon become the most popular one thanks to its convenience.
Elegant And Modern Design
By removing many jacks and ports on some devices, Apple has become one of the manufacturers that provide their new devices (MacBook) with only one jack. And that is USB-C.
The laptop needs only one jack, even when you need to charge or do something else, instead of having many places to plug in like other PCs and laptops.
Now, many companies are trying to minimize the number of jacks on their laptops tablets. As you can see, this amazing port can do a wonderful job through its flexibility. You can use this port for different purposes like charging, data transferring, etc.
Security and safety
Nowadays, because of the increasing need for the internet, many public places provide free WiFi connections, such as malls, restaurants, airports, cafes, hospitals, etc. Unfortunately, they are not secure for you.
Due to the free and public WiFi networks, many hackers or cybercriminals can control your devices and steal or leak your private information. Using dongles can help you avoid these dangerous accidents.
See also: What Is The Network Security Key?
How To Install?
It is different from using dongles, depending on their manufactures. You have to follow the instructions on the provided documentation. Yet, there still are some basic steps for you.
- Install the recommended software and drivers for your computer.
- Connect your dongle to your computer.
- Scan all access addresses from the software of the dongle. As a result, your router will show up in the list.
- Connect the router
- A security key is required to help you have a secure and safe connection. You can check the access manually, or the router can check itself.
How To Set Up The Data Of Dongles?
Follow the steps below if you have issues when setting up the data of the dongle.
- Insert the SIM after sliding the cover.
- Plug the dongle into the port of your computer and perform all the mentioned steps.
- Find your data network and connect to it.
Pros And Cons When Using Dongles
Everything has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s find out what they are with a dongle.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Have internet access anywhere and anytime, such as holidays, traveling on trains, etc.
- Super light due to its shape and easily portable.
- Use in different countries.
- No need for wires, very handy.
- No need to charge, works by connecting to the computer.
- Buy or rent it, always available in stores.
- Suitable for travelers.
- Very useful, especially if there are emergencies.
- Connect to 4G network securely.
Cons
- Only connect the dongle to one device
- Restricted daily downloads.
- Strong cellular data connection of areas limits the usage.
See More: How to Encrypt Internet Connection
Do you have to get a dongle in the near future?
You probably don’t have to buy a dongle until you get new devices that require a special connector like the USB-C. Besides, the USB-C ports are not popular yet, and many computers still have the regular ports that people are using now.
Alternative Solutions
There are also some different ways for you to get access to the internet.
Smartphones can provide you with 4G or 3G data to browse the internet when there is no WiFi signal nearby. At the same time, you can turn your smartphone into a WiFi hotspot for your other devices to tether and connect to the internet. However, you must pay attention to the data usage as it can pass the warning point.
You can easily connect to public WiFi hotspots in places like malls, restaurants, hospitals, etc. Still, speed and security are not in good condition all the time.
They have other names such as pocket WiFi hotspots or Mi-Fi. These are too small and portable tools like dongles, but they emit the signal by themselves. So, you can connect many devices simultaneously, such as your smartphones, tablets, smart television, etc. However, unlike dongles, you need to charge the battery.
If the dongle is just temporary for you, you will have other choices. Some providers manufacture actual routers with higher limits on downloading.
Final Thoughts
We hope you will get some valuable information and useful tips if you want to buy a dongle or to remove all the doubts about this product after reading this post.
Besides finding the answer to the question “What is a dongle?”, if you have any questions about dongles or want to share your user experiences, please feel free to ask us and share by commenting in the section below.
Thank you and see you soon!
