TP-Link Archer T3U Plus AC1300 High Gain Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter

Description

The TP-Link Archer T3U Plus AC1300 High Gain Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter is a high-performance Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) adapter designed to provide fast and reliable wireless connectivity for USB-A devices like desktops and laptops. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, delivering up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band for 4K/HD streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads, and 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band for browsing, emailing, and social media. The single 5dBi high-gain external antenna (180° rotation, 90° tilt) enhances signal strength and coverage, ensuring stable connections across multiple rooms or floors, outperforming adapters with internal antennas like the Archer T2U. MU-MIMO technology supports two simultaneous data streams, improving network efficiency with compatible routers.

The plug-and-play design ensures driver-free setup for Windows 11/10/8.1, while Windows 8/7/XP and macOS 10.11–10.15 require drivers from TP-Link’s website (https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/archer-t3u-plus/). The USB 3.0 Type-A interface offers up to 5Gbps transfer speeds, 10× faster than USB 2.0, and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. It supports WEP, WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption for secure connections. The compact design (57.8 × 18 × 173.4 mm, ~50g) with an adjustable antenna is less bulky than the Archer T4U Plus but may block adjacent USB ports due to its diamond-shaped housing. Reviews praise its strong signal, fast speeds, and easy setup, though some users note slow driver installation (up to 5 minutes) and occasional macOS driver issues. The included Resource CD and Quick Installation Guide simplify setup.

Compared to the Archer T4U Plus (AC1300, dual 5dBi antennas), the T3U Plus has a single antenna, slightly reducing range but maintaining similar speeds. Unlike the Archer TX20U (AX1800, Wi-Fi 6), it’s limited to Wi-Fi 5. Compared to the TL-WN823N (300Mbps, 2.4GHz-only), it offers dual-band and higher speeds. Unlike the UH7020C (7-in-1 hub), it focuses solely on Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s ideal for users needing robust Wi-Fi performance with extended range for USB-A devices.

Specifications

• Host Interface: USB 3.0 Type-A (5Gbps)

• Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

• Frequency: 2.4GHz (2.400–2.4835 GHz), 5GHz (5.150–5.825 GHz)

• Data Transfer Speed: Up to 867Mbps (5GHz), 400Mbps (2.4GHz); Total 1267Mbps

• Chipset: Realtek (inferred, likely RTL8812BU or similar)

• Wireless Security: WEP, WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

• Wireless Features: MU-MIMO

• Reception Sensitivity:

  • 5GHz: 11ac VHT80: -62dBm, 11ac VHT40: -64dBm, 11ac VHT20: -68dBm, 11n HT40: -71dBm, 11n HT20: -73dBm, 11a 54Mbps: -77dBm

  • 2.4GHz: 11n HT40: -70dBm, 11n HT20: -71dBm, 11g 54Mbps: -73dBm, 11b 11Mbps: -87dBm

• Transmission Power: 5GHz: 20dBm (FCC/CE, EIRP); 2.4GHz: 18dBm (FCC/CE, EIRP)

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP (32/64-bit), macOS 10.11–10.15

• Plug-and-Play: Yes, driver-free for Windows 11/10/8.1; drivers required for Windows 8/7/XP, macOS

• Power Supply: USB bus-powered (no external adapter)

• Dimensions: 57.8 × 18 × 173.4 mm (2.28 × 0.71 × 6.83 in)

• Weight: 1.76 oz (50g, estimated)

• Antenna: 1× 5dBi High-Gain External Antenna (adjustable, 180° rotation, 90° tilt)

• LED Indicator: Status (connection/activity)

• Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)

• Operating Humidity: 10%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Storage Humidity: 5%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Package Contents: Archer T3U Plus AC1300 High Gain Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide