[Help] Wireless Internet Adapter Problems

[krazzikk]

For a few months (since I moved) I've been living in a house that only has an internet port all the way across the house from my computer so I've been forced to use a powerful, $60 wireless internet adapter that I got from staples. My brother also picked up the same one before I got the chance to get one, but it broke within a month or so, around the same time I started borrowing his when he wasn't using it until I picked up mine. Recently (the past 2 days or so) I've had to unplug/plug in the wireless adapter, and today when I plugged it in, it refused to work. The light didn't come on, the drivers didn't boot up, windows didn't even recognize it (which may be the only problem). For now I've been using another wireless adapter but it's not powerful enough to actually do any gaming on it so I'm only able to browse the internet.

The adapter is a Netgear, model: WNDA4100.

Spoiler:

The adapter on Staple's website
http://www.staples.com/Netgear-Wirel...product_681750

I also noticed the light behind the WPS button was yellow for the longest time, but I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be blue, and I don't know why...

I'm pretty sure it's still under warranty but I don't think they'll accept it without the box and the receipt, which I'm pretty sure I have neither of.

Can anyone help me because I really loved this adapter and it's a good amount of money for a new one.

[ZachLMedia]

Are you using the adapter constantly? Is it left plugged into a computer that runs all the time? If both scenarios apply, then it's possible that the adapter overheated. My brother had a similar dongle to that, but it was from Linksys, and it overheated from constant usage.

[krazzikk]

Why wouldn't it be plugged in all the time? Am I supposed to take it out when I'm not using it?

I do have my computer on most of my day, but I doubt overheating is the problem.

[donavannj]

Have you bumped into the wireless adapter at any time recently? You may have physically damaged the internal components if you have done this.

Have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers for it?

[Vendak]

Consider investing in an AP or possibly an antennae addition to the router could boost the signal enough to eliminate the need for a powerful wireless dongle.

If the lights don't come on then the adapter is most likely ****ed. Try plugging it into a friends computer and if it still doesn't work then it's unlikely that it can be repaired.

[Dter ic]

As Vendak has suggested, rather than invest in a powerful wireless adapter perhaps it would be better suited to a more capable wireless router - ideally N standard (which, I believe is becoming cheaper as time goes by) which should give you better range across the home and a stronger wireless signal.

An alternative might be to use HomePlug based networking solutions which make use of the electrical mains as a means of delivering internet across multiple devices. The advantage with using this solution is that it does not rely on a wireless signal so issues such as dead spots around the home in places with thick walls would be eliminated.

You could download a program called 'Usblyzer', it's pretty neat.
It basically logs all of the traffic on selected USB ports - I used it just a day or two ago to determine if a keyboard that I had, had a few keys that weren't working or if the keys weren't working due to it being an apple keyboard with a windows system.