USB dongle is considered a very useful device for your PC, with a lot of functions that you can add to it. It connects via USB. It is very practical and recommended. In this post we will explain what is a usb dongle and its benefits.
With a USB dongle you can give your device functions that it does not have incorporated by itself, especially if it is an old device, such as Bluetooth or WIFI. It is ideal for use on old PCs that do not have this type of connection or it is also valid for the television.
What is a USB dongle
It is a device that allows add certain features to PC that were not added when it was designed, among them are those already mentioned, you can even add digital locks that prevent others from using your PC or applications. With this device you can add other features to your old equipment or upgrade certain devices with features that will give them a longer lifespan.
El USB dongle It is small in size, so it is easy to connect and carry it, this advantage allows you to use it without any problem anywhere, for example, if you go on a trip or take your equipment to school, work, etc. Also, when connected via a USB port no driver installation required, so it is cross-platform.
What are the benefits of a USB dongle?
There are many benefits that are obtained by using it, we will tell you the most important ones.
They are cheap
Its price ranges from 15 to 20 euros, so they are very accessible to any pocket. They are even cheaper (between 8 to 9 euros) in the event that they are of the Bluetooth type. You will have to search for the USB dongle based on the features you need to install on your PC.
It has various functions
You can give your PC access to a WIFI network or use a Bluetooth connection using the USB port if it is not supported by default.
It is easy to use and install
Installing it is very simple just plug it in will suffice and sometimes you have to configure it. You don't need a tutorial to use it, nor do you need cables. It's useful for anyone, even the least tech-savvy.
Compatibility with all types of devices
Since it connects to a USB port, it is a universal deviceIt can even be connected to a TV, car or other devices.
comfortable and portable
It can get you out of trouble and is comfortable if you travel. you can take it anywhere without any problem so you can have WIFI on your trip, the beach, work, etc. Being casually portable, you can easily use it in a coffee shop, on the train, or in a park. You don't need to save it separately, you can have it attached to your PC. As it is small, you can carry it in your pocket without adding weight to your back or having to use another bag to carry it.
It is used in peripherals and various devices
you can connect your USB dongle to any device, but must have a USB port. You can connect it with a printer, keyboards, telephones, headphones or portable speakers, among others.
What disadvantages does the USB dongle have?
There are certain disadvantages that we also have to recognize in the USB dongle. One of them is that the target device must have a USB port. Furthermore, despite having one or more ports only need to connect with one device at a time.
USB dongle types
The usb dongle types The most common are for WIFI and Bluetooth, but there are others that we show you below.
Bluetooth
This technology is used to quickly transfer files between two devices, it is normally used between mobiles. Although you can use it on a PC that does not have this type of connection or on your wireless keyboard. In the case of mice, they usually come with a plug-in USB dongle, but in other devices this is not the case, it is the case of keyboards or headphones.
As well you can use it in your car, if it has USB connections, it will surely have a Bluetooth type, if it does not, you can use this device and thus send your music from your mobile. you can use it on televisions if you want it to have Bluetooth.
WiFi
El USB dongle also allows wireless connection to a PC or any other device. If you prefer to connect this way instead of using a cable, with this USB device you will not need to have a WIFI card in your PC. All you have to do is connect it to the USB port and it will do it automatically. When you configure it, it will immediately detect nearby networks to which you can connect with one of them.
It is important to look at certain details when the connection is via WIFI, as is the case of his standard and the band in which he works. When the band is 2.4 Ghz, the coverage is greater, but the connection is slower. Another thing to take into account is whether it is USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. This detail must be observed in the device where you are going to connect it.
The other aspect to observe is the fullfilment of security requirements, because it must be compatible with WPA. It is also important to consider the size, that are small and easy to transport, with or without an antenna, etc.
HDMI
This usb dongle type is the one connects to a device such as a TV, giving it an extra function. What is this dongle for? To share various types of files (documents, photos, videos and music) to your TV, without the need for you to use cables.
The connection of this type of dongle is established using a protocol, including: Airplay, EZair, Miracast, DLNA and EZMirror. To transfer your files from your mobile to your HD TV you will need to connect to a WIFI network. The advantage of this type of dongle is that it works as a repeater and has a service peer to peer.
As for its price, some are cheap, but others are really expensive, everything will depend on the features it has. Among the differences with other models they have to do with 4K support, dynamic output range (HDR) or that it is configurable through unit’s QR code.
Now you know in depth what is a usb dongle and its benefits. Decide if you need one and the specific type of USB dongle that will work best for you.