TP-LINK TL-WN821N Wireless N USB Adapter Atheros 2T2R, 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 USB 2.0 Wireless N Adapter 300Mbps Data Rates 64/128/152 bit WEP WPA/WPA2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES)

by TP-Link

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B002D5EIT4
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 13, 2009

Product Description

The TL-WN821N Wireless N USB Adapter complies with IEEE 802.11n (Draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11g, and IEEE 802.11b standards. Wireless transmission rates can reach up to 300Mbps. The adapter employs MIMO technology and has internal Intelligent Antennas providing even better wireless performance, transmission rates, stability and coverage. At the same time, CCA technology automatically avoids channel conflicts using its channel selection feature. This product supports 64/128-bit WEP encryptions, as well as WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryptions and mechanisms in addition to the adapters QSS (Quick Secure Setup) feature, allowing users to quickly and easily setup wireless security. This product can also simultaneously operate bandwidth intensive applications such as voice, and video. Applications using a lot of bandwidth that are sensitive to interruptions such as voice and video applications are given priority in order to assure quality. It also works well with other 11g and 11n protocol wireless products.

Features:
1. Provides two methods of operation: Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc.
2. Adopts MIMO technology for wireless rates of up to 300Mbps.
3. Adopts CCA technology which automatically avoids channel conflicts using its channel selection feature .
4. Quick Secure Setup, complies with WPS for worry free wireless security.
5. Supports 64/128-bit WEP, complies with 128 bit WPA standard(TKIP/AES), supports MIC, IV Expansion, Shared Key Authentication, IEEE 802.1X.
6. Simple configuration and monitoring
7. Supports roaming technology, guaranteeing efficient wireless connections
8. Supports Windows 2000/XP/Vista OS

Software Specifications:
Standards: IEEE 802.11n(draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, CSMA/CA with ACK.
Frequency Range: 2.4-2.4835GHz
Wireless Transmit Power: 20dBm(MAX)
Modulation Type: OFDM/CCK/16-QAM/64-QAM
Security: 64/128 bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous product, October 4, 2010

By 

Christopher J. Davlin (STREET, MD, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: TP-LINK TL-WN821N Wireless N USB Adapter Atheros 2T2R, 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 USB 2.0 Wireless N Adapter 300Mbps Data Rates 64/128/152 bit WEP WPA/WPA2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES) (Electronics)

As a linux user primarily, I had had limited luck with similar items from Medialink, D-link and Ralink. This one, which uses the Atheros guts, is the most linux friendly of the bunch, and also works great with Windows 7. At last I can use my desktop with wireless that just plain works, regardless of which version of linux I use. To be frank, there are some linuxes that still don't work with it, but they are now the minority. All the big name distributions work flawlessly with this, and with linux getting better and better on a daily basis, this will only improve. No drivers to install... (unlike windows) just plug it in and it sees your available connection(s). Now that's what "plug and play" should be... not plug, insert cd, wait a few minutes, reboot, THEN (maybe) play. Sheesh!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Edited Review, December 9, 2009

By 

Marcus T. Brody (Tampa Bay, FL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: TP-LINK TL-WN821N Wireless N USB Adapter Atheros 2T2R, 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 USB 2.0 Wireless N Adapter 300Mbps Data Rates 64/128/152 bit WEP WPA/WPA2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES) (Electronics)

I've had a Wireless N Router for some time now, but I always had a Wireless G Network adapter built into my laptop. I figured I'd go for the upgrade, because I could use a better signal with the extended range. I did my homework. I read reviews on EVERY Wireless N Adapter on the web. I came across this TP Link one, and figured it was the best bang for my buck. Well, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Prior to using this network adapter, I had a 54.0 MBPS connection -- the standard for a Wireless G. After hookup, It went down to a variable rate of 14.0 MBPS to 27.0 MBPS. The speed was more than cut in half! I thought I did something wrong, so I went through the installation steps again, and even did research online as to what I may have done wrong. Turns out, nothing.

So the speed was cut in half, but what about the range? Didn't increase a lick. This was actually a DOWNGRADE from the built-in Wireless B/G router I had already installed on my computer for free!

I'm appalled at the misleading reviews on here, as they were most likely planted. Avoid this adapter at all costs!

Oh, by the way, none of the software passes Verified Windows tests either. Throughout the installation, you constantly get "Warning!" pop-ups.

**Updated, December 22, 2009**
I've been using the adapter now a few weeks, and I mistakingly blamed the TP-Link Adapter for the slow down in the connection. It actually had something to do with my router. I now get speeds of 108.0 MBPS, so my internet speed DOUBLED. I'm happy with my purchase now, and can recommend this adapter.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long Range Wireless Adapter, August 16, 2009

By 

Andrew "A.Andrew" (Caribbean Sea) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: TP-LINK TL-WN821N Wireless N USB Adapter Atheros 2T2R, 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 USB 2.0 Wireless N Adapter 300Mbps Data Rates 64/128/152 bit WEP WPA/WPA2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES) (Electronics)

This product works flawlessly straight out of the box. The installation was a snap. It works best with the small usb extension provided. I use it with an old Dell laptop to connect it to my new D-Link615 router. It connects my network between two buidings separated by a small area of tropical rain forest, a distance of more than three hundred feet,and through three concrete walls.I like the AES encryption for the enhanced security. This has got to be the best product for the price. I was really impressed with the performance..