Should connecting usb wireless dongles to a usb extension cable which is plugged in to the desired usb port on my Mac Pro be problematic and, if so , how? On a naive theoretical level, it seems it should be OK. There will be a voltage drop to the dongle which probably isn't a problem for the dongle itself, but may be a problem for its output signal) and also the possibility of interference. I intend to try it but want to understand any possible problems. I shouldn't need more than a few feet of extension to get around some potentially shielding obstacles in my close quarters home office where positions are pretty well fixed.
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USB BT or wifi dongle on extension cable?
- Thread starter macmesser
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For the last few days I've been out of my room, with my Mac Pro, due to wall painting and other maintenance stuff.
So I had to forget about Ethernet and use wifi dongle for that time.
Extension cable helped a lot with signal strength - from barely being able to open Safari page (without it) to having always steady and strong connection (with extension cable).
So I'd say go for it!
P.S. Just to add, i used extension to put my dongle up on the window, for better air line to my wireless router - don't think that it can act as an antenna.
So I had to forget about Ethernet and use wifi dongle for that time.
Extension cable helped a lot with signal strength - from barely being able to open Safari page (without it) to having always steady and strong connection (with extension cable).
So I'd say go for it!
P.S. Just to add, i used extension to put my dongle up on the window, for better air line to my wireless router - don't think that it can act as an antenna.
Last edited:
For the last few days I've been out of my room, with my Mac Pro, due to wall painting and other maintenance stuff.
So I had to forget about Ethernet and use wifi dongle for that time.
Extension cable helped a lot with signal strength - from barely being able to open Safari page (without it) to having always steady and strong connection (with extension cable).
So I'd say go for it!
P.S. Just to add, i used extension to put my dongle up on the window, for better air line to my wireless router - don't think that it can act as an antenna.
Thanks for sharing! I don't think the USB extension could act as antenna either, as the dongle's input is the air and not the usb bus. Your use is exactly what I'm thinking of: improving line of sight.
I'm using D-Link DWA-140 just because i had it laying around, not because its plug n' play.
Had to install Mediatek Wireless Utility so i could use it in OS X.
Had to install Mediatek Wireless Utility so i could use it in OS X.