dongle
Small hardware key
A dongle is a small hardware device that plugs into a computer or other electronic equipment.
Originally dongles were copy-protection keys required to run certain software.
Now the term covers any small plug-in device: USB adapters, Bluetooth receivers, streaming sticks, or cables that convert one port type to another.
I need a dongle to connect my headphones to the new laptop.
Device connection standard
- plug-and-playRequiring no manual configuration
- peripheralExternal computer add-on
- connectorThing that joins others
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
HDMI · thunderbolt · hub · port · converter · extender · splitter · multiport
Tightly packed together
- portableAble to be carried
- keychainRing for holding keys
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
plug · stick · fob · mini · travel-friendly · detachable · low-profile · stubby
Short-range wireless protocol
- Wi-FiWireless network standard
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- transmitterSignal-emitting device
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
NFC · infrared · radio-frequency · cordless · signal · pairing · range · frequency
Confirming genuine identity
- tokenRepresentative placeholder
- DRMDigital content restriction technology
- activationSetting into operation
- anti-piracyPreventing unauthorized duplication
USB
Device connection standard
- plug-and-playRequiring no manual configuration
- peripheralExternal computer add-on
- connectorThing that joins others
cable · HDMI · thunderbolt · hub · port · converter · extender · splitter · multiport · passthrough
compact
Tightly packed together
- portableAble to be carried
- keychainRing for holding keys
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
lightweight · plug · stick · fob · mini · travel-friendly · detachable · low-profile · stubby · nano
Bluetooth
Short-range wireless protocol
- Wi-FiWireless network standard
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- transmitterSignal-emitting device
antenna · NFC · infrared · radio-frequency · cordless · signal · pairing · range · frequency · spectrum
authentication
Confirming genuine identity
- tokenRepresentative placeholder
- DRMDigital content restriction technology
- activationSetting into operation
tethering
Fastening with a line
- computer mouseclicking, double-click, left-click, right-click, scrolling
- adaptersadapter, USB adapter, HDMI adapter, power adapter, audio adapter
- Adaptorsconverter
- gadgetssmartphone, gadget, gizmos, widget, tablet
- meeting roomsconference table, whiteboard, projector, chairs, podium
- wireless devicessmartphone, cell phone, tablet, wireless router, WiFi router
donglebuilt-in
Included as standard
integrated · onboard · internal · hardwired
- USB dongleSmall plug-in peripheral device
- wifi donglePortable wireless receiver