External USB WiFi antenna doesn't see a network, but integrated does

Hi Steffan

Any chance the router is using controlled access, that is it only allows specific MAC addresses to connect?

Another possibility is the access point only set to use N and your external USB doesn't support N.

A tool like this will tell you the types of radios being used, use it with you internal device to see what is avaialbale on the SSID

https://www.techspot.com/downloads/5936-inssider.html

What is the make model of USB WiFi dongle?

Experience has shown me that not all things USB 2 work well in USB 3 ports even though 3 is supposed to support 2. USB 3 ports usually have blue centers while USB 2 has black centers.

Steffan said:

There are many networks that can be seen by both WiFis and they can both connect to these networks but NOT the network that I actually need the most.

If you can connect to at least one other Wireless Router and cruise the Internet then the adapters are working, boils the problem down to the desired Router either hardware, software/settings in it or permissions. If my Router gives problems with my Notebooks even after working with my ISP I take the Notebook to our church where I can log on to test it.

I would start with Network Adapter trouble shooter. If the dongle can connect under Ubuntu then controlled access is not enabled on router and the necessary radios are installed on both devices (g/n).

If the dongle can connect to other networks under windows I assume the driver is okay.

If you open device manager, right click on dongle adapter and then click properties. Usually there is an Advance tab. Here further customizations can be made. Each adapter is different in what they offer. Review the settings. I can't be specific for each line but look at things like wireless mode. Is it set for a broad range of radios (b/g/n)

You could also try

Start > Settings > Update and Security > Troubleshoot > Network Adapter

This should reset the adapter.

Then I think I would try a network reset

Start > Settings > Network and Internet > scroll to bottom on the right hand side > Network reset

If you use network reset you may have to reinstalled or reconfigure any special communication software you have installed like VPN's.


Did you install that tool I provided. You could use it and dongle to see if the network can be seen and is being blocked bby windows.

I gave you the path to the Win 10 trouble shooter in post #8. It will reset the adapter. Then there is the Network reset.

Yes they are arranged by strength. Do you own router, can you change channel to less congested one.

Are you trying to connect to 5.0GHz or 2.4 Ghz network?

2.4GHz has better range which means better speed at long distances.

I wonder if you change your wireless setting in advance power to maximum if will have a difference.

Right Click Start > Power Options > Additional Power Settings (on Right) > Change Plan Settings (beside plan in use) > Change Advance Power Settings > Window Opens, click on required heading

The heading you want is Wireless Adapter settings.