TP-Link TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter

Description

The TP-Link TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter is a compact, single-band Wi-Fi adapter designed to provide reliable wireless connectivity for USB-A devices such as laptops, desktops, and compatible systems like Raspberry Pi. It supports Wi-Fi N (802.11n) on the 2.4GHz band, delivering up to 300Mbps for video streaming, voice calls, and online gaming in environments with moderate network demands. The MIMO technology (2×2) enhances signal stability and throughput, offering better performance than legacy 802.11g adapters. The adapter supports SoftAP Mode, allowing a wired PC or laptop to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices, and features a WPS button for one-touch secure connections.

The plug-and-play functionality ensures driver-free setup for Windows 11/10/8.1, while Windows 8/7/XP, macOS 10.7–10.10, and Linux (Kernel 2.6.24–4.9.60) require drivers from TP-Link’s website. It supports WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption for secure connections. The Realtek RTL8192EU chipset (inferred from similar models) ensures reliable performance. Measuring 69 × 21 × 9.5 mm and weighing ~10g, its compact design enhances portability, though it lacks the USB cradle included with the TL-WN821NC. Reviews praise its ease of use and compatibility, but some users note weaker signal strength compared to dual-band adapters (e.g., Archer T2U Nano) and driver issues on Linux/macOS. The adapter is marked as End of Life on TP-Link’s website, suggesting limited future support.

Compared to the TL-WN823N, the TL-WN821N has a slightly larger form factor but similar performance. Unlike the Archer T2U Nano (AC600, dual-band), it’s limited to 2.4GHz and Wi-Fi N. Compared to the Archer T4U Plus (AC1300, high-gain antennas), it lacks range and speed. 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.

Specifications

• Host Interface: USB 2.0 Type-A (480Mbps)

• Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

• Frequency: 2.4GHz (2.400–2.4835 GHz)

• Data Transfer Speed: Up to 300Mbps (2.4GHz)

• Chipset: Realtek RTL8192EU (inferred)

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

• Features: SoftAP Mode, WPS Button, Ad Hoc/Infrastructure Modes

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP (32/64-bit), macOS 10.7–10.10, Linux (Kernel 2.6.24–4.9.60)

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

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

• Dimensions: 69 × 21 × 9.5 mm (2.71 × 0.83 × 0.37 in)

• Weight: 0.35 oz (10g, estimated)

• Antenna: 2× Internal Omni-Directional Antennas

• LED Indicator: Connection status (Off: no driver/radio disabled; Slow Flash: driver installed, no data; Fast Flash: data transmission)

• 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-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide