When I built my computer (specs in signature), I added this WiFi USB adapter:

https://www.tp-link.com/home-networking/adapter/tl-wn725n/

My router is 2 m above and 1.5 m to the right of my CPU, supported by a wooden shelf. I didn´t want to clutter my desk with more wires, so I used this solution instead. With P3D and the speeds I had contracted back then, I didn´t care about its performance. However, last month I upgraded my sevice to 100 Mbps (because of MSFS, and because it was not that expensive). After some troubleshooting with my ISP, I was finally able to get the contracted speeds.

The problem is that, while I can get the whole 100 Mbps with either my phone, my tablet or my laptop, I get barely up to 25 Mbps with the desktop. I'm sure my adapter is the problem, but which adapter should I use instead?

Edited May 16, 20224 yr by Luis Hernandez

I'm not criticizing the build-quality of your adapter, but it is just physically limited because of its size and placement. Obviously, the antenna can't be very big, which means it's very susceptible to interference. Plus, my guess is you have it plugged into the back of the computer or maybe in a hub near the monitor.  In either case, you have it located in close proximity to metal boxes filled with electrical equipment that can cause interference or physically block the signal.  Your laptop, tablet, and phone were all designed with the idea of receiving radio signals via an antenna. Sticking a USB dongle in the back of the computer is a completely different thing.

If you have a USB extension cable, you could try using it to move the wi-fi adapter away from the case and further out in the open. That may improve reception.  If you're looking for a recommendation, I recently moved to a new house and used an Asus USB-AC56 until I could get some cables run to my new office. It has a 6" external antenna as wells as an optional extension cable and stand to further separate it from the computer. It mostly worked to get good speeds through a couple walls and a floor, but it was still not 100% reliable.

I strongly encourage you to rethink your "no cables" stance. To really get those speeds, you're going to need a wi-fi adapter with an external antenna separated from the CPU by a cable. You might as well switch to an ethernet cable and save yourself the trouble.

Thanks, Scott! My comments:

22 minutes ago, seasley said:

my guess is you have it plugged into the back of the computer or maybe in a hub near the monitor

I used to have it that way. However, the exhaust temperatures were rather high and it started turning off. As soon as I moved it to the front panel hub (next to the mouse/keyboard antenna), the stability problem disappeared.

24 minutes ago, seasley said:

If you have a USB extension cable, you could try using it to move the wi-fi adapter away from the case and further out in the open.

I tried it. However, the connection still doesn't go over 25 Mbps. Anyway, such a short distance (2.5 m) shouldn't be an issue.

25 minutes ago, seasley said:

I strongly encourage you to rethink your "no cables" stance.

After your reply, I guess that will be the better option. As soon as I return home, I'll check what are my options.

Update: while I gained some stability, there was something in the cable that fed the router. I had to call the ISP to send a technician, and that was his diagnosis. Incidentally, he was a flight simmer too, but he switched to RC flying. You should have seen his face when I told him my speed upgrade was because of MSFS 😂

Anyway, since my WiFi adapter works in only 2.4 GHz, a 5m cable was cheaper than a 5.8 GHz adapter.

Edited May 23, 20224 yr by Luis Hernandez

Sorry for the necroing, but I got an update after more than a year:

Last week I moved, and in my new apartment, I found no way to plug my current Ethernet cable. It was too far away from the router. Since it's rented, I couldn't (and didn't want to) undertake any routing/drilling/any major reforms. I tried using my old USB wifi adapter (the one described in my first post), and I got the same limitations as in my first post. I ordered this beauty:

https://www.tp-link.com/home-networking/adapter/archer-t6e/

Instead of USB, it's a PCI-E card, with a couple of antennas in the back. After installing it and setting it up, I found my rig now matches (and sometimes exceeds) the speed I'm paying for.

So, in conclusion:
1) Ethernet cables are better than WiFi.
2) If unable to use Ethernet, use a good PCI-E WiFi card.
3) USB WiFi dongles suck for MSFS (and other network-heavy applications).

Edited September 13, 20232 yr by Luis Hernandez