This is how I look at the problem & solution:
You need a router for your PC to "handshake" to. This establishes a WiFi connection.
Your PS has a Network Adapter (driver) that does ???? (Who cares.)
So on one hand you have a hardware device (the antenna and your PC); and on the other you have software driver technology (with or without updates). And together you can amplify your antenna so it has a longer range to RECEIVE & TRANSMIT data.
The stronger your antenna reception and transmission the more data your computer can gobble up at either frequency range. Note: Newer router-transmitter-extenders are now broadcasting at 5GHz; and this newer technology will let you receive more data (and bandwidth) vs. the older 2.4GHz technology. (See previous bar graph.)
I think your laptop only produces 3 millivolts of power. So your PC alone only has so much antenna range "built-in." And some laptops receive WiFi better than others, but for the most part they all are about the same these days. (1x to 1.5x let's say.)
When you hook up one of these 10x USB "Adapter" units (Acer 5GHz or Tuoshi 2.4GHz) they will come with a software driver you need to install. Fortunately, these manufactures provide relatively easy driver installation software. Just click on the setup.exe or some other file they instruct you to open. Unfortunately, not all driver software is compatible with today's USB-3.0 port or maybe the bluetooth option in my laptop causes USB problems? I don't know. The point is that you just have to try it and see if it works for you or not. And if it does not, then you can return it.
The Toushi 2.4GHz may have longer range or it may not. I have not tested it. But I did have a very similar Adapter-Antenna, made by a LG division in China, and it worked quite well. It also came with 20' of cable, but I never installed it on my roof. If you want to do that then you may or may not get better range. Note: Pointing these antennas at your target "hotspot" may or may not work either. You just have to try.
Driver Installation: When you install another "Adapter" it will show up under a "New Name." And you need to select it when you plug in your USB antenna. (Right-click your mouse when you hover over the WiFi symbol in the bottom right corner of your screen.)
Now your computer will have more antenna gain, because the USB power can boost the signal strength by 10x. (I think.)
This results in a dB gain, but it's never as high as these USB Antenna/Adapter people tell you it is. However, it's good enough and is a life saver when you are on the road.
Forget about buying one of these Adapter-Antenna things at Best Buy. They only sell Router Extenders and these require you to set them up through your router log-in software... which you don't have access to. This is one reason that makes connecting to a "Hotspot" different than when you are connection at home.
The picture below shows you a 3D look at how antenna gain can be made directional. As for antenna theory, it's been around as long as AllanK. So I'm sure he knows what he is talking about. (Haha)
Side comment: I think everyone should have one of these things too!
That and this portable LED LiIon Light for less than $20 on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Linear Mode
