D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter

by D-Link

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.1 x 2.7 inches ; 5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000N4WRFY
• Item model number: DWA-556
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (122 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,320 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 1, 2007

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The D-Link Xtreme N PCI Express (PCIe) Desktop Adapter (DWA-556) is a 802.11n wireless client that delivers unrivaled wireless performance for your PCI Express-enabled desktop computer. The PCIe interface provides superior performance over a standard PCI interface. This wireless adapter delivers up to 14x faster speeds* and 6x farther range* than 802.11g while staying backward compatible with 802.11g networks. Once connected, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, photos, files, music, videos, printers, and storage.

See larger image.

Key Features

• Wireless N connectivity for superior wireless performance, clarity, and coverage

  

• Single-band Wireless N connectivity

  

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for secure, simple 1-button setup

  

• Access secure wireless networks using advanced WPA or WPA2 encryption
• Easy to install and use with D-Link's new Quick Adapter Setup Wizard
• Backward compatible with existing 802.11g networks

Get Connected, Stay Connected

The Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter is powered by Xtreme N technology and boasts three external antennas to provide superior wireless reception in your home or office. This adapter is designed for use in larger homes and offices, or for users running multiple bandwidth-intensive applications. This adapter enables you to simultaneously make or receive Internet phone calls (VoIP), surf the Web, transfer files, and stream High-Definition (HD) media when connected to an Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655 or DIR-660)*. The DWA-556 supports WPA and WPA2 encryption that allow you to connect securely to a wireless network.

Easy To Setup, Easy To Use

D-Link's Quick Adapter Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation process. Configure this desktop adapter without having to call a networking expert to help you.

With unmatched wireless performance, reception, and security, the D-Link Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter (DWA-556) is the best choice for easily adding or upgrading wireless connectivity to your PCI Express-enabled desktop computer.

PCI Express Benefits

• Up to 50 percent faster than legacy PCI cards
• Fits any standard PCI Express slot--x1, x4, x8, or x16
• Offers increased bandwidth, reliability, and more functionality than a legacy PCI card**

What's in the Box

Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter, low profile mounting bracket, quick installation guide, CD-ROM with installation wizard, drivers, and product documentation

* When used with the DIR-655 Xtreme N Router. Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, buildings materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range. Wireless range and speed rates are D-Link RELATIVE performance measurements based on the wireless range and speed rates of a standard Wireless G product from D-Link. Maximum throughput based on D-Link 802.11n devices.

** Maximum throughput and performance derived from PCI and PCI Express specifications.

Product Description

IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Express x1

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars D-Link DWA-556 Extreme "N" Network Adapter Works Fantastic!, July 26, 2009

By 

Wavey Davey (Southern CA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter (Personal Computers)

I don't have much to write about this great product except to say that it works 110% to the good, has no obvious faults or problems, achieves close to 300Mb/s speed without tweaking, fiddling around, or special configuration, and overall is not to be feared as a PCI-Express network adapter. I was using its PCI equivalent, the DWA-552 "N" Adapter for almost 2 months with similar success, and was forced to start using the PCI-Express variety because I started using twin EVGA GTX-285 video cards in the PC, and lost the PCI slot in the process. This is an install it, and forget it system, and works 100% seamlessly with any Vista 64-bit system. I've never booted the computer and not had wifi-it just simply works every time, without fail, no questions asked!

There's a green activity light on the back of the device that blinks off, and on whenever the signal is being accessed, which is 100% of the time, so it's blinking a lot but it's not annoying at all. The three "antenna" that stick out the back of the unit are flexible and can point up at a 45-degree angle to acquire the signal better. The adapter is small, only weighs a few grams, certainly less than 4-ounces or so, and takes up very little space in the PCI cavity of the computer, a plus.

I just used the drivers off the original CD ROM, never even bothered with the D-Link web site and the "latest drivers" which I guess should be done at some point, but I'm having zero problems with the adapter so I've been reluctant to test fate and change a thing at this point.

That's about it for my review of this product. It works, it's simple to work with, install, there is no maintenance or trickery needed to get it functioning 100% with a Vista 64-bit system, so I recommend it highly and give it my 5-Stars Seal of Approval: ***** !

Wavey Davey 7-26-2009

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy installation and it works., September 12, 2008

By 

E. Collins "Family of Five" (Winston Salem) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter (Personal Computers)

I recently bought a desktop computer without a wireless card thinking I was going to wire it directly to the router. When it arrived I decided to install the computer in a separate room from the router and therefore needed to use a wireless adapter. I had a Belkin USB adapter already and tried to install it on the new computer with Vista Home Premium 64. After several frustrating hours and multiple driver downloads and visits to online forums I still could not get the adapter to recognize my network. I then decided to go with an internal wireless card. Since my computer only has PCI express slots available this seemed to be my only choice. I ordered it Thursday morning (payed up for overnight shipping) and it arrived the following day. I opened the computer, installed the card in < 5 minutes. I booted up the computer and Vista asked me for a driver. I downloaded the latest driver from D-link site to my flash drive. Inserted the flash drive in my computer, added my MAC address to my router, entered my security password AND I WAS ON THE INTERNET. Not only that but the speed seems excellent. I cannot express how happy I am with a product that works as advertised and was so easy to install. Thank you D-Link!!!!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works exactly like it should, August 19, 2008

By 

R. Schuler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter (Personal Computers)

I use it with the D-link DIR-655 router (another product I wholeheartedly recommend) and it works perfectly. I can stream video with a reliable wireless connection that doesn't constantly peter out like those other manufacturers. Plus I don't have to worry about more adapters clogging up my desktop. Always on, always fast, and great range; what more could you want out of your wireless adapter?