No Ethernet LAN Port on laptop

Dan Trainor

I just ordered a 6400 and getting ready for setup.  Today in looking at my PC laptop I was surprised to find it has NO ethernet LAN port!  I never had a PC that didn't have one. Puzzling. How can a PC not have one? I wanted to connect the Flex 6400 to PC Laptop directly [link-local]with supplied ethernet cable to run SmartSDR software to operate radio.  Now I have no way of operating radio. What do I do?  This laptop is only a year old.  Thanks in advance.  dan WA1QZX

JohnSweeney

Very few new laptops contain Ethernet ports because WiFi speeds are so good these days, plus laptops are often used in places where there is no wired connections available anyway.   Just buy an adaptor.  There are many Ethernet to USB adaptors you can buy for under $10 on Amazon.

mikeatthebeach .

Many huh Speed USB 3.0 port to Gigabit Ethernet Apapters out there 73 Mike

Dave

I dont even think its necessary. Your wireless adapter and your flex should be on the same LAN.  I use my Flex over the wireless all the time.  You can get inexpensive USB to LAN adapters as well.  

Dan Trainor

OK, thanks for information guys.  I didn't know they had  USB 3.0 port to Gigabit Ethernet Adapters.  I get one.  Question: Does this method slow down the speed  / throughput of data?  Note:  My shack is far away from home WiFi router and I can only get a weak WiFi signal in shack which is down in basement.  How can I get strong WiFi signal to shack?  Have cable co install another router down there? Or is there a way to use a repeater / extended to get WiFi signal stronger down in basement?  Thanks, dan WA1QZX

Ted VE3TRQ

If you do use WiFi, just a caution: use 5 Gig, not 2.4 if at all possible. There is much contention for the 3 available clear channels on 2.4 Gig in NA, so you will very likely have ocassional dropouts unless you find a clear 5 Gig channel. I beileve most WiFi routers on 5 Gig can handle clear channel management (they can hop around).

Ted VE3TRQ

Be careful with repeaters, if you get one. You want it to bridge, not route, so the broadcast packets from the radio reach your PC :-(

Bill -VA3WTB

In your case, WiFi is the way to go, A good WiFi extender should work fine. It will take a little work to find the best place for it.
Mike Walker is really good with this,,,maybe he will mention something for you.

Dan Trainor

Thanks.  Any recommendation for WiFi extender brand / model would be appretiated.

Ted VE3TRQ

I suggest you Google "WiFi Extenders" and make up your mind. There are so many, at as many price points, that suggesting something is a bit of a risk for anyone. They vary from power-line to various stand-alone units. Watch the power-line units for RFI - get opinions from the Ham community before you buy one.

Dan Trainor

Makes sense Ted.  I googled.  Now researching them.  Thanks much, dan