Netgear Wi-Fi Adapter WNCE2001 Help & Advice

Looking to connect a device that doesn't support wi-fi to the Internet? The Universal WiFi adapter WNCE2001 from Netgear could be the answer. Details on how to install and use this adapter.

Wireless Internet on a computer?

Our homes started out with dial-up, and now we have high-speed Broadband. Initially, we started out with modems connected to our main home computer, but now we can connect our home computers to the Internet without needing to be plugged in.

If you're looking to get your home computer, netbook or laptop connected to the Internet, there are essentially three ways:

Plug in your computer to your home broadband router using an Ethernet networking lead
Connect to your broadband router wirelessly
Connected using Mobile Broadband (over the mobile phone network) - Expensive!

On this page, we're going to look at Option 2 - Connecting to your router wirelessly

What you need for Wireless Internet at home:

Get yourself an Ethernet-ti-wireless adapter. The one we've tried and recommend is the Netgear universal wi-fi adapter, pictured here:

Netgear WiFi Adapter

Netgear WNCE2001 Wifi Converter availability:

You can get the Universal Wi-fi Ethernet adapter from the following places:

Installing the Wi-Fi adapter

Sadly, this isn't plug-and-play - You do need to do a small bit of set-up, but that's just a security thing to make sure you're connecting securely.

Here's what you need to do:

Netgear WiFi Adapter

Connect the Adapter to your PC or laptop using an Ethernet lead
Temporarily turn off wi-fi on your computer
Open your web browser and enter the address for your Netgear adapter (see the manual)
Scan for wi-fi networks, and select the network that you want your adapter to use
Enter the WPA or WEP key - the security key that keeps your wi-fi safe

Scanning for Networks on the Netgear WiFi Adapter

Changing IP settings on a Netgear WiFi Adapter

Once you have set up the device to connect to your broadband router using wi-fi, you can then disconnect it from your laptop and connect it to the piece of equipment you want to get connected.

We're using one with an HP network printer, and it it works a treat!

Netgear WNCE2001 - Supplied With:

The adapter is supplied with a very brief manual, mains plug, USB power lead, Ethernet lead and a couple of bits of velcro.

Netgear WiFi Adapter Supplied With
Netgear WiFi Adapter Box contents

Got a question?

We have one of these adapters, so if you have a question, we can try to help. Please get in touch.

Mobile Tech, Smartphone and Gadget Advice for the UK