TP-Link TL-WN823N 300Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter

Description

The TP-Link TL-WN823N 300Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter is a compact, single-band Wi-Fi adapter designed to provide reliable wireless connectivity for USB-A devices like laptops, desktops, and Raspberry Pi. It supports Wi-Fi N (802.11n) on the 2.4GHz band, delivering up to 300Mbps for lag-free video streaming, voice calls, and online gaming in environments with moderate network demands. The MIMO technology enhances throughput and signal stability, making it suitable for basic internet tasks. The mini-sized design (39 × 18.35 × 7.87 mm, ~10g) ensures portability, allowing it to remain plugged in without obstructing adjacent ports, ideal for travel or small setups. The adapter supports SoftAP Mode, enabling a wired PC or laptop to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices.

The plug-and-play functionality offers 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 and features a WPS button for one-touch secure connections. The Realtek RTL8192EU chipset (inferred from similar models) ensures reliable performance. Reviews praise its compact size, ease of use, and compatibility with Raspberry Pi, though some users note weaker signal strength compared to dual-band adapters (e.g., Archer T2U Nano) and occasional driver issues on Linux/macOS. It’s marked as End of Life on TP-Link’s website, suggesting limited future support.

Compared to the Archer T2U Nano (AC600, dual-band), the TL-WN823N is limited to 2.4GHz and Wi-Fi N, offering lower speeds but simpler functionality. Unlike the Archer T4U Plus (AC1300, high-gain antennas), it lacks extended range. Compared to the UH7020C (7-in-1 hub), it focuses solely on Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s ideal for users needing a budget-friendly, compact Wi-Fi solution for basic tasks.

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: 39 × 18.35 × 7.87 mm (1.54 × 0.72 × 0.31 in)

• Weight: 0.35 oz (10g, estimated)

• Antenna: 2× Internal 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-WN823N 300Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide