Today there are many different TV manufacturers. However, models from LG are especially popular. Many TVs from this company are equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi receiver for Internet access. If you don't have it, you'll have to buy an external Wi-Fi adapter for your LG TV.
Wi-Fi Adapter - a device that allows you to use the Internet on your TV
Adapter Models
People who decide to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter for an LG TV should familiarize themselves with the most popular models.
AN-WF100
This is a compact device that looks like a regular USB flash drive. The AN-WF100 can be considered a proprietary adapter, since it is manufactured by LG. This means that it is suitable for any TV produced by this company.
TP-LINK ARCHER T6E
The receiver from TP-Link is especially popular. The ARCHER T6E model can be called universal. This miniature device can be connected not only to LG TV, but also to models from other manufacturers.
ZYXEL NWD6605
ZYXEL NWD6605 - adapter suitable for any TV model
This is one of the most compact adapters for TVs. Connects to TV using a USB connector. Among the advantages of the device is that it is suitable for all modern TV models.
Important! The device operates at 5 GHz and is therefore not compatible with older routers.
Common connection problems
The first connection and setup does not always go smoothly. As a result, the Internet may not appear on TV. What to do in this case:
- If you are not connected to the Wi-Fi network: try repeating the authorization procedure on the network, but only now enter the Wi-Fi password more carefully. Make sure you don't confuse small letters with big ones.
- If you are connected to the network, but there is still no Internet: check the connection via your PC or phone. If there is no Internet on these devices, reboot the router. If it doesn’t help, call your provider - perhaps the problem is on their side.
- Try connecting to another wireless network (temporarily ask your neighbor for the Wi-Fi password or create an access point using your own smartphone). If there is also no connection on the TV, but there is mobile Internet on other devices (PC, tablet) and on the smartphone itself, then the problem is in the adapter. If you bought a branded adapter, call the hotline. The number for Russia is 88005555555.
How to connect and configure
Most adapters connect to the TV via a USB connector.
Connecting a Wi-Fi module to the TV is quite simple. To do this, simply insert it into the USB input. Setting up is also easy:
- Go to the menu on TV.
- Find the “Network” section.
- Open network settings.
- Select wireless connection type.
- Select the desired Wi-Fi network from the list.
Additional Information! If the Internet does not work, you need to check whether the Wi-Fi password was entered correctly.
Wi-Fi adapter compatibility
When choosing a Wi-Fi adapter for an LG TV, you should pay attention to the adapter’s compatibility with TVs of certain brands and modifications. As a rule, compatibility checking is carried out according to the adapter specification. Most often, a specific brand is indicated (for example, a Wi-Fi adapter for Wi-Fi Ready Samsung TVs).
This indicates that this module supports all TVs of the specified brand that natively work with wireless networks. Sometimes a whole series of a certain brand is indicated as compatible TVs (for example, Wi-Fi adapter for LG Series 5 TVs).
Note! Support for external Wi-Fi modules negates the strict need to buy an adapter of the same brand as the TV.
Modern LG TVs
LG is a popular brand that produces large flat screen TVs. There are a huge number of different models, but LED TVs are considered the most modern. They are renowned for their high-quality images with rich, vibrant colors. These TVs are equipped with a Smart TV function and a built-in adapter for using the Internet.
It is worth noting that LG also produces budget TV models that do not always have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver. To connect them to the Internet, you will have to buy an external module.
Selection options
There are seven main parameters that must be taken into account when purchasing a new Wi-Fi module.
TV compatibility
Branded modules are suitable for all LG TV models.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the compatibility of the device with the TV. To make sure that the adapter will work, you need to read its description. The specifications should indicate which TV models the adapter works with.
Important! Branded Wi-Fi modules are compatible with all new LG TV models.
Types of connection
When choosing a new adapter, you should understand the basic Internet connection methods that the device can support. For example, the Wi-Fi module for LG AN WF100 TV can only connect to the Internet wirelessly. However, there are devices equipped with an additional LAN port. This will allow you to use an Ethernet cable for connection.
Power
It is recommended to choose a device that can pick up a Wi-Fi signal from any room in the apartment. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the power of the receiver. The optimal choice is considered to be models in which the values of this parameter are at the level of 20 dBm. Such adapters can provide a stable connection without interruptions or breaks.
Operating frequency
Another parameter that must be taken into account when choosing an adapter is the operating frequency. It is necessary to buy universal devices that support 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. This will allow you to connect the receiver to any router.
Standard
There are several signal transmission standards on which Internet speed depends. It is recommended to buy models that support the 802.11n standard. Such devices have a maximum data transfer speed of 300 Mbit/s.
Signal radius
WPA2 is the most modern encryption method.
The signal radius must also be taken into account. The operating range of the device largely depends on it. You should not buy adapters that are too cheap, as they will only be able to receive the signal near the router. You need to use devices that can catch Wi-Fi at a distance of 30-40 meters.
Encryption methods
Many people do not know which encryption method is best for protecting transmitted data. It is recommended to choose models that support the WPA2 protocol. It is considered the most reliable.
Important! It is better not to use modules that use the WEP protocol to protect data, since it is no longer relevant.
Connecting and setting up the adapter
To connect your LCD TV to your home network using a wireless connection, you will need the following equipment:
- Internet connection through a local provider;
- router or access point;
- wireless adapter compatible with your TV.
Connecting and setting up original devices is really very simple. Universal adapters can also work fine, but their manufacturers do not provide any guarantee of compatibility. If you bought a device that is adapted for your TV model, and after connecting the TV saw it, then there should be no further problems with the setup.
If we describe it step by step, to configure a wireless device to connect to a Wi-Fi network, you need to perform the following steps:
- Connect the USB adapter to the socket of the required standard on the TV body.
- Open the TV settings menu and select the “network search” section.
- If Network Type has different options, select Wireless.
- Wait until the device detects all available networks.
- Select your Wi-Fi network (by unique name).
- Enter your password and click Finish.
If the connection test fails, make sure you selected the correct network name (SSID) and entered the correct wireless encryption key. Then turn off your TV, unplug your modem and router/access point. Wait about 30 seconds, connect your modem and router/hotspot, and then turn on your TV. Repeat the network test.
If the connection is made correctly, then your TV has access to the Internet. Just type the name of what you want to watch in your TV player and start enjoying watching your favorite show!
Alternatives
The LAN port can be used to connect an Internet cable directly.
Not all people want to connect to the global network via Wi-Fi. Some people are interested in other ways to access the Internet that they can use.
The only effective alternative is to use a LAN port. This method will allow you to connect an Internet cable to the TV. This method is only suitable for TVs equipped with an additional Ethernet connector. If you don't have it, you'll have to buy an external Wi-Fi adapter.
Why do you need a Wi-Fi adapter for your TV?
First of all, let's define what Wi-Fi is. Wi-Fi is a wireless network protocol that allows devices to exchange data without Internet cables. It is a technical term that is a type of wireless LAN protocol based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.
The main requirement for devices to operate over a Wi-Fi network is the presence of two devices:
- access point, that is, a device that receives and converts the signal for distribution, for example, a router, telephone or computer;
- and a client, that is, an adapter that can connect to the main transmitter for communication.
Like cell phones, Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit information across the network. The wireless adapter converts the transmitted data into a radio signal. This same signal will be transmitted through the antenna to a decoder known as a router.
Since the wireless network works as two-way traffic, data received from the Internet will also pass through the router, which will decode it into radio signals and transmit it to your TV's wireless adapter.
From a user's perspective, Wi-Fi is simply access to the Internet from a wireless device such as a phone, laptop, or TV. In addition to showing movies, videos and social media websites, Wi-Fi TVs can access streaming music and radio content, as well as websites containing podcasts and webcasts. Devices can also display slideshow presentations, Adobe Flash content, and similar multimedia content.
TVs contain a user-friendly menu where you can customize your device's internet configuration. Wi-Fi TVs work on any high-speed connection, including a router, broadband or DSL. TVs also work anywhere in the world where there is a Wi-Fi signal; they can even use the signal provided by mobile phones.
If your television receiver has a Smart TV function, this is very convenient, because it has access to the Internet, which means you can independently choose what to watch: clips, films, news, photos, etc. Each manufacturer calls this function differently:
- TVs TM LG – web-OS;
- in Samsung it is the Smart system,
- for Philips and Sony models it is called Android TV, etc.
However, pulling a coaxial or Ethernet cable to the TV to activate this function is neither aesthetically pleasing nor practical. Not every room has wired Internet, and you won’t be able to use smart features without it. In this case, you need wireless Internet access.
Today, most modern devices support Wi-Fi transmission, but not all TVs have such a built-in module, so for many of them, installing an external Wi-Fi adapter will help solve this problem.
Visually, such a device resembles a compact flash drive. It is also installed in a USB connector, but not all TVs have software for working with Wi-Fi adapters: some models may simply not recognize the new device. Therefore, before purchasing, you should open the instructions for your TV model (or go to the manufacturer’s official website) and find information about the technical characteristics of your TV.
