Talk:Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector

NPOV?

"As with any consumer device, there have been a number of complaints and criticisms made of the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector since its release." Where is the source for the supposed fact that all consumer devices ever released have been subject to complaints and criticisms? I have replaced the string "As with any consumer device, t" with "T". - Zelaron (talk) 13:00, 1 July 2008 (UTC)

What exactly is the range of the USB connector?

I don't know if buying this would be a waste of money because my wii is about 20 ft. away from my computer and also behind a wall. Do you think the wii will pick up the signal?taya540 15:41, 27 January 2008

Reply HD ALEX HD on 02:09, 10 March 2008: Yes I think it will reach.

I'm guessing you have tested it by now, so, you presumably know the answer by now. Neal (talk) 17:10, 10 March 2008 (UTC).

Software information

Should it be added to this page that the Nintendo software is actually a modified version of PCtels Softap application?

Unless you have some definitive evidence to substantiate this (and I have certainly never heard of any), I don't see any correlation here. PCTel was marketing software to make soft AP configuration easier under Windows, but that has nothing to do with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connector. Soft AP has always been possible under Windows, it is just that Microsoft does not actively support it in the OS. If you have a driver that is capable, and the software to configure said device/driver, then you are in business; regardless of how Windows feels about it (the only Windows component actually used is ICS) In the Wi-Fi Connector's case, Nintendo used a Buffalo device with soft AP-capable drivers to create the Wi-Fi Connector. None of the technology used here is proprietary to PCTel, or anyone else, for that matter. MS3FGX 13:15, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

I'm not sure if I understand how the Wi-Fi USB Connector works. Can't someone just buy a wireless router, and use that to connect the DS to the internet? Isn't that what the Connector is doing? Just creating a wireless network from your computer's broadband connection? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.238.49.65 (talk) 16:09, 29 October 2007 (UTC)

Yes, you could just by a router. The Wi-Fi Connector is for people without a router and do not want to get a router. The idea is that the Wi-Fi Connector is easier to setup (which would probably be true if it worked a little better) and is more secure than using a router with WEP because it has a proprietary authentication protocol. But yes, the basic premise is the same as a router (here the computer does the actual routing, and the Wi-Fi Connector gives the computer a means to communicate directly with the DS/Wii).MS3FGX 00:36, 31 October 2007 (UTC)

RALink Drivers

In order to work, the RALink drivers require a slight modification to the INF file used to install them. Since Buffalo drivers also work and the device is made by Buffalo, I've also mentioned them. --GregE 04:39, 30 September 2006 (UTC)

Does this device provide wi-fi for all wi-fi operating devices, or just the DS? can I use it for a Laptop, or PSP, for example?--Supermariorobot 17:48, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

The device seems based on the USB Keychain Adapter by Buffalo, which is compatible with other Wi-Fi devices. Also, based on an interview with an executive at Buffalo, it would seem that the technology does support other Wi-Fi devices. But it also seems that the functionality is not activated, based on CNET's review. Considering that there have been attempts to bring support for other operating systems, perhaps there is also work done at making it a general Wi-Fi access point. Dancter 18:41, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector only works with the DS.

Would anyone care to post detailed instructions on how to exactly obtain/modify the drivers to make them compatible with Windows XP x64? The article doesn't have a link or anything. --85.197.239.159 18:44, 11 February 2007 (UTC)

The Wi-Fi connector works fine with DSes and Wiis, not a problem encountered yet, when using the OpenBSD ural driver. 74.13.57.76 21:00, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Alex for starting this article and cheers for the people improving it.

Wii

Does anyone know if this will be compatible with Wii, i.e. allow it to use the net if it can't detect your router like the DS?

yes I read somewhere on a game site that you can use the internet for the wii if you have this. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.188.213.33 (talk • contribs) 04:46, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

yes, it is. 100% sure —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.63.71.11 (talk • contribs) 02:22, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Nintendo's website about the wifi adaptor clearly states that the wifi adaptor only works with the Nintendo DS. http://www.nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?id=1875446&lang=en&pageNum=8 —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.83.219.138 (talk • contribs) 13:25, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

I think it can be safely assumed that the information is outdated. Nintendo's main North American site indicates that the Wi-Fi USB Connector is compatible with both the DS and Wii. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/onlineUSB.jsp Dancter 15:39, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

There is no doubt that the Wi-Fi Connector works with the Wii. The retail packaging even has a "Compatible with Nintendo Wii" sticker on the front now. MS3FGX 19:12, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

Range

Does anyone know what the range for the connector is? like what's the farthest my Wii/DS can be from the pc and connector in order for it to still work? Oskar 16:55, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

The specifications from Nintendo claim 30 to 100 feet, assuming a clear line of sight. Obstacles between the Wi-Fi Connector and DS/Wii will shorten it's effective range. MS3FGX 19:09, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

Mac OS X

That link at the bottom of the article... (Mac OS X solution) Is that for this device or wireless routers? I haven't tested it because I don't have the connector but if it is for normal wireless routers and not the USB connector it shouldn't be there. ↔DarkLinkSkywalker 22:44, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

The link for OS X explains how to share an Internet connection with a DS using an internal Airport card and OS X's "Internet Sharing". It has nothing to do with the Wi-Fi Connector (beyond replicating it's functionality) and really doesn't belong on the page. I vote it should be removed. MS3FGX 08:28, 28 February 2007 (UTC)

Dead links

The links for the "USB Connector hack" seems to be down. But waybackmachine has archived it at http://web.archive.org/web/20060505224635/http://bttfpromo.net/wifi.php Should the link be removed or replaced by the archived one? (everything in the archived one seems to work, even the zip-file) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 85.164.159.125 (talk) 18:47, 16 February 2007 (UTC).

It's still there, I'm just having DNS issues. I'll fix it soon, Bttfpromo 11:41, 28 February 2007 (UTC)

There was a dead link with the Dialup wifi. I found a mirror site, and editted it. Erik Destler 23:46, 22 April 2007 (UTC)

Laptop usage

Is it possible to use it as a wifi adapter for a laptop, so it can connect to a hotspot?

Yes, it is explained under "Functionality" on the page. 130.156.142.235 23:27, 16 April 2007 (UTC)

additional requirements?

I recently baught the usb connector and followed exact instructions in the booklet as to install it. There are several restrictions on the functionality of the connector, but what am I missing?

-I have SBC Yahoo DSL, so the connection is fine... -I do not have any virus/spyware/spam blockers installed on my computer -The windows firewall is turned off -I am running on Windows XP home edition (not the 64 bit) -I have tested my usb ports and they all work fine

Im not sure what any other requirements would be, but whenever I try to install the drivers, I get a message saying "Please insert the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector into your computer's USB port." It already is. I tried switching ports and re-inserting the connector, none of that worked.

One possibility is that I am on a laptop and connected to the internet by a hardline. I don't have a router to connect to, hence the connector, but I can't think of any reason why a laptop connected to my modem directly would be any different from connecting to a desktop. In addition, whenever I insert the connector, Instead of the normal sound of a sucessful connection, (the two short pitches one low, then high) I get 3 short pitches, all of which are low. I looked at what this sound was, and it indicates that my comp itself is failing to connect or "talk" with the wifi connector. Is there anything I can do or anything I'm missing? Thanks.

THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE

While not a fault with Nintendos product, Some people seemed to have this problem and it is easily fixed.Remove all traces of the USB dongle from your system then goto start>connect to>show all connections and right click any LAN or Highspeed Internet connections and goto properties. You will see QoS packet scheduler. highlight it and click 'Uninstall' and follow the prompts. Once its uninstalled run the USB dongles most current software setup again, it should fully install now. Once done, go back to start>connect to>show all connections and right click any LAN or Highspeed Internet connections and goto properties. Click the install button, click service, click add and find the QoS amongst the list and click Ok, following the prompts until its installed again.

Now, go back into start>connect to>show all connections and you proberbly have noticed a new connection was just made or it was made awhile ago, its information titled "Nintendo Wifi USB connector". Right click it and select properties, you will see the QoS again. click it once so it is highlighted and then click the tick box so no tick is in it. Ok on whats needed and it should be ready once it bypasses all firewall problems.

Also, i have noticed that it seems not to work if a USB cable is connected from the modem to the laptop. You can tell if your DS says "Nintendo DS connected to the wifi USB connector but could not connect to the internet" use an ethernet cable instead.This should solve the case. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 144.139.37.83 (talk) 18:03, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

This should not be deleted until it is tried out and tested, i am in no way putting down the company Nintendo or Buffulo and there products —Preceding unsigned comment added by 144.139.37.83 (talk) 18:06, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

Other devices

Can a laptop or desktop with a wireless card use the connector to hook up to the internet? will it recognize it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Oking83 (talk • contribs) 01:44, 18 September 2007 (UTC)

This was already asked, and answered, right above this message. The method by which you can use the Wi-Fi Connector as a standard WiFi device is mentioned under "Functionality". MS3FGX 14:23, 19 September 2007 (UTC)

I see the USB is a 1-end switch. Not 2. If I plug it into my laptop, then how will my Nintendo DS have Internet? Neal (talk) 21:49, 15 February 2008 (UTC).

Anti-spyware

Also the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB does not work if certain anti-spyware software is installed on the computer.

"Certain" anti-spyware software? If this is true, the specific programs should be listed. Pimlottc 13:01, 2 June 2007 (UTC)

I think this is most likely a confusion with software firewall products, as a number of them also bundle in anti-virus/spyware. I see no way anti-spyware software could possibly interfere with the Wi-Fi Connector, though a software firewall certainly would. MS3FGX 13:22, 5 June 2007 (UTC)

Criticisms Rewrite

Unless anyone has any objections, I am going to totally wipe the "Criticisms" section and start over from scratch. A lot of pointless comments are in there like "Many people have also complained of problems with it." (Yeah, I got the concept of "Criticism", thanks), as well as plain conjecture and misinformation.

There are certainly valid criticisms concerning the Wi-Fi Connector, and they can be backed up with factual information. Those problems should be clearly outlined and linked too, anything else is likely just opinion and doesn't belong on the page.

Plus, not to be terribly elitist, but the existing section isn't particularly well written. It is a jumble of random thoughts that manage to convey almost nothing.

If nobody wants to chime in on this, I am probably going to replace it this weekend, or in the near future at the very least; depending on my schedule.

Also, while we are on the subject, do we really need a "Packaging" section? It only has a single line...a picture might at least justify it's existence a bit. MS3FGX 10:21, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Just as a note to people who might be reading this, the Criticisms section was rewritten to remove all entries that were not verifiable and documented. Just because something happened to you or your friend does not mean it is a problem with the Wi-Fi Connector. Issues that have documented causes (like ICS failures or incompatibilities) are the only things that are acceptable in an encyclopedia entry. 71.188.10.192 14:44, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

Is the Propriety Authentication issue really a valid critisism? To me it seems obvious that what is essentially an add-on for one companies hardware wouldn't be compatible with other, almost totally unrelated products. Complaining that a Nintendo Wi-fi adapter doesn't work with other wireless devices seems to me rather like complaining that the Wii controller won't connect to an Xbox or PS3. Danikat 16:04, 15 October 2007 (UTC)

That would be a valid comparison if, for example, all console controllers used the same physical media to connect to each other. The Wi-Fi Connector and the DS/Wii use industry standard Wi-Fi technology to connect to each other, technology which was not created or improved upon in any way by Nintendo; which is evidenced by the fact that you can convert the Wi-Fi Connector back into a soft AP for use with other devices. This is not the same as a game controller, as those are proprietary technologies created by the individual company. There is no standard interconnect that would allow the Wii remote to interface with the 360, as there is with the Wi-Fi Connector and the PSP.

As the device was not built or designed by Nintendo (it is Buffalo's), does not use a proprietary communications protocol (just standard 802.11), and does not impose any hardware limitation on client devices (like hardware based MAC OUI filtering) there is absolutely no reason it should not be allowed to work with other WiFi devices. You can use the 360's wireless adapter with routers from any manufacturer, not just Microsoft, so why should this be any different? MS3FGX 12:49, 16 October 2007 (UTC)

Port ranges

the article mentions specific ports that the WiFi stick uses to get around the firewall, does anyone know what there are? Cheers Jackacon 23:05, 10 October 2007 (UTC)

That information is contained in the link referenced in the "Software firewall compatibility" section. MS3FGX 12:51, 16 October 2007 (UTC)

Vista driver

Yesterday, nintendo released a new driver that IS for Vista or XP but opens with Media Center, rendering it useless. Mr.Willison —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.144.83.217 (talk) 02:24, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

Can you use the News Channel?

I'm planning to by A nintendo Wi-fi USB connector for the Wii. I have one big concern, can you use the channels like the News Channel, Weather channel, check mii out channel, or the everyone votes channel. Everthing I read says nothing about this. It only says that you can play wi-fi games and the shop channel. Do you have to use Wii Connect 24 (and I don't now what that is please tell me) or can you use the USB connector? 68.2.199.205 (talk) 22:11, 18 December 2007 (UTC)

Am i missing something?

Just read it. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/onlineUSB.jsp 71.239.103.232 (talk)

generic connector?

Do the official / modified drivers allow use of a generic Ralink 2570? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.66.164.183 (talk) 23:02, 10 January 2008 (UTC)

discontinued?

okay so apparently thes for whater dumb reason are discontinued so i need to know where i can get one... like in a used game store or something? im seriously mad... tell me if you know of any places to buy one please, im desperate! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Acam30 (talk • contribs) 22:28, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Question?

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to put it, but my Wii will connect to my internet connection some of the time but the problem is my internet is exactly "wireless" it just somehow bleeds through whenever it wants to and I'm wanting to be able to connect whenever I want to I'm wanting to know if this would help or if this would be a waste of money. Bassium! —Preceding comment was added at 02:40, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

Not WLI-U2-KG54-AI

Technically, this connector is not based off the WLI-U2-KG54-AI, but the WLI-U2-KG54-YB. It lacks the flash memory of the auto install version. --68.40.197.236 (talk) 00:59, 15 April 2008 (UTC)

Vista

This article clearly states that a Vista user can use this device, but I have seen pictures of the CD that comes with this that says its only for XP. If someone were to buy this product and had a vista computer would it still work? Twilit awakening (talk) 22:30, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

Internet

ok so im thinking about buying one of these off the internet and was thinking do i need anytype of internet like even dial up or wireless? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.175.230.39 (talk) 23:09, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

My instructions said you need broadband/DSL, so Dialup wouldn't work I'm guessing. But that's just based on my instruction book for it. 125.238.220.205 (talk) 01:57, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Re-make

does anybody know if they are going to make a better design of them or something because im having thoughts about buying one but there have got to have a reason they discontinued them right, anyway im a bit worried about getting one if they dont work anymore, oh yah do they still work now?

please answer —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.175.230.59 (talk) 23:28, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

WORTHLESS?

since it has been discontinued is it possible that it doesn't work anymore and is worthless? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.175.230.59 (talk) 23:37, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

discontinued doesn't mean it doesn't work. Mine works fine, it just means they're not selling it anymore. 125.238.220.205 (talk) 01:57, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Still On Sale?

I live in Canada and yesterday when I went to Wal-Mart, an American store, I managed to buy a USB connector and it works. Does this mean they're back on sale or are they being sold everywhere else but the U.S? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.3.12.60 (talk) 21:27, 19 October 2010 (UTC)