Networking Gear by stefan @ 2011-07-25
The affordable TL-WN821NC 300Mpbs Wireless N USB Adapter can deliver good transfer speeds and also comes with a small dock for placing the product in a more convenient location.
At first I would like to thank TP-LINK for offering me a sample of their TL-WN821NC 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter.
"TP-LINK is a global provider of SOHO networking products and No.1 market share holder in China, with products available in over 100 countries to tens of millions customers. Committed to powerful R&D, effective production and strict quality management, TP-LINK continues to provide awards-winning networking products in Wireless, ADSL, Routers, Switches, IP Cameras, Powerline Adapters, Print Servers, Media Converters and Network Adapters for Global end-users.
Based on the confidence of tens of millions of customers, TP-LINK is now growing to become one of the most competitive providers of networking products with aspirations of becoming one of the top 3 networking brands and striving for a larger global market share, while further advancing in the world of networking to better serve our most valued customers with a product that makes their lives easier."
Wireless N speed up to 300Mbps makes it ideal for video streaming, online gaming and internet calls
2T2R MIMO™ delivers greater throughput at range versus conventional 1T1R
Easily setup a highly secured wireless link at a push of QSS button
Supports 64/128 WEP, WPA /WPA2/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK(TKIP/AES), supports IEEE 802.1X
Supports Windows 2000, Windows XP 32/64bit, Vista 32/64bit, Windows 7 32/64bit
Supports ad-hoc and infrastructure mode
Supports Sony PSP X-Link for joyful online gaming for Windows XP
Bundled utility provides quick & hassle free installation
Seamlessly compatible with 802.11n/b/g products
Equipped with an elegant and stylish USB Cradle for flexible deployment
The 300Mbps Wireless N USB adapter from TP-LINK, with the TL-WN821NC code name is shipped inside a small box, with the same color theme as the previously tested router; on the frontal side we can find a photo of the product, along with the main highlights:
On one of the package sides, we can find the list of specifications:
The opposite side has the list of package contents, along with a small sticker which shows the product code name, its revision and the serial number:
The back of the box shows us some compatible products, and the list of features in multiple languages:
Inside the outer packaging we can find another small cardboard box, for additional protection during transport:
Here we can find the product along with its accessories:
Besides the adapter, we can also find inside a dock, the Quick Installation Guide, a Purchasing Guide and Wireless Purchasing guide (with the same content as we have seen on the TP-LINK router review) and a CD:
The Quick Installation Guide shows us how to operate the product, from the hardware to the software installation:
On the Resource CD, we can find besides the driver, an application with which we can further customize the product functionality:
The TL-WN821N Wireless adapter has the appearance of an USB Flash Drive with plastic housing:
On its back we can find a small orifice where we can insert a lanyard:
If we look with attention, we can discover that one of the sides holds the QSS (Quick Secure Setup) button:
On the adapters' bottom, we can find a small sticker with the product name, code name and the serial number:
By removing the top cover, we can reveal the USB connector:
The USB cradle has the same color scheme as the Wireless adapter; in the back of the USB port we can find the place to insert the top cover of the adapter, to avoid losing it:
Here is how the adapter and its cover do look when inserted:
The test setup was composed from the following hardware:
CPU: Intel I7 Retail @ stock
Motherboard: Foxconn BloodRage with G42 BIOS
RAM: 3x2GB Patriot PVT36G1600LLK 1600MHz
Video: Sparkle GTX 470 with stock and OMNI A.L.C.
Power Supply: Nexus RX-8500 850W modular
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200.11
Case: Thermaltake Armor+ LCS, stock cooling
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Router: Sitecom Wireless Simultaneous Dualband 300N XR Gigabit Gaming Router II
For testing the Wireless LAN adapter throughput, I have connected the server ( I7 PC ) to the router with an UTP wire and the client ( ASUS X55SV laptop) had plugged on USB the TL-WN821NC Wireless N adapter from TP-LINK.
The application I have used to test the speeds was Performance Test 7.0, fully compatible with Windows 7.
Right after inserting the CD inside the drive, the autorun appeared, prompting us to select the adapter for which we need to install the drivers/applications:
After the selection has been made, we are warned that the software application for the adapter is not compatible with 64-bit OSes and we are asked if we want to install only the driver:
The TL-WN821NC 300Mbps Wireless N USB adapter from TP-LINK proved to deliver good transfer speeds during the performed tests and also comes with a dock for placing the product even in a more convenient position; the dock also comes with the ability to insert the protective plastic cap of the adapter, to avoid losing it.
After some usage time, the adapter gets a little hot (52.1 degrees measured in the back of the casing), so it would be good if we can place it in a well ventilated place.
Regarding the software, I was a little disappointed that the utility was not compatible with 64-bit OSes, so only the driver could be installed. I hope that by future updates, this issue will be fixed. As the previous tested product from TP-LINK, the TL-WN821NC can be found in stores for an affordable price of about 13.85 Euros.
I would like to thank again to TP-LINK for making this review possible!