TP-Link TL-WN781ND 150Mbps Wireless N PCI Express Adapter

Description

The TP-Link TL-WN781ND 150Mbps Wireless N PCI Express Adapter is a single-band Wi-Fi adapter designed to provide reliable wireless connectivity for desktop PCs via a PCI Express x1 interface, compatible with x1, x2, x8, or x16 slots. It supports Wi-Fi N (802.11n) on the 2.4GHz band, delivering up to 150Mbps for basic internet tasks like web browsing, standard-definition video streaming, and online calls. Complying with IEEE 802.11n, it offers up to 9× the speed and 4× the range of legacy 11g products, enhancing performance for file sharing and media streaming. The 2dBi detachable omni-directional antenna allows replacement with higher-gain antennas for extended coverage, providing flexibility in challenging environments.

The plug-and-play functionality ensures driver-free setup for Windows 11/10/8.1, while Windows 8/7/Vista/XP (32/64-bit) require drivers from TP-Link’s website (https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/tl-wn781nd/). It supports WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption and includes a QSS (WPS) button for one-touch secure connections. The Realtek RTL8188CE chipset (inferred from similar models) ensures stable performance. Measuring 120.8 × 78.5 × 21.5 mm and weighing ~40g, it’s designed for desktop use. Reviews praise its ease of installation, compatibility with Windows, and value for budget PCs, but some users report issues with achieving full 150Mbps speeds (e.g., limited to 72Mbps due to 20MHz channel width or driver issues) and weaker signals in crowded 2.4GHz environments. The adapter is marked as End of Life on TP-Link’s website, suggesting limited future support.

Compared to the TL-WN881ND (300Mbps, 2×2 MIMO), the TL-WN781ND offers lower speeds (1×1 MIMO) and a single antenna. Unlike the Archer T5E (AC1200, Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth), it’s limited to 2.4GHz and lacks Bluetooth. Compared to the Archer TX20U Plus (AX1800, dual-band), it lacks 5GHz and Wi-Fi 6 support. Unlike the UH7020C (7-in-1 hub), it focuses solely on Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s ideal for budget-conscious users needing basic wireless connectivity for desktops.

Specifications

• Host Interface: PCI Express x1 (compatible with x1/x2/x8/x16 slots)

• Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

• Frequency: 2.4GHz (2.400–2.4835 GHz)

• Data Transfer Speed: Up to 150Mbps (2.4GHz)

• Chipset: Realtek RTL8188CE (inferred)

• Wireless Security: WEP (64/128/152-bit), WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES), IEEE 802.1X

• Features: QSS (WPS) Button, Ad-Hoc/Infrastructure Modes

• Modulation Technology: OFDM, CCK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM

• Reception Sensitivity: 130M: -68dBm@10% PER; 54M: -68dBm@10% PER; 11M: -85dBm@8% PER

• Transmission Power: 18dBm (MAX EIRP)

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP (32/64-bit)

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

• Power Supply: PCI Express slot-powered (no external adapter)

• Dimensions: 120.8 × 78.5 × 21.5 mm (4.76 × 3.09 × 0.85 in)

• Weight: 1.41 oz (40g, estimated)

• Antenna: 1× 2dBi Detachable Omni-Directional Antenna (RP-SMA connector)

• 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: TL-WN781ND 150Mbps Wireless N PCI Express Adapter, Detachable Omni-Directional Antenna, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide