TRENDnet Launches Wireless AC USB 3.0 Adapter

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Here's a Wireless AC adapter that connects via a USB 3.0 port.

Networking firm TRENDnet announced the release of the AC1200 Dual Band Wireless USB 3.0 Adapter (model TEW-805UB). The name should speak for itself: it's an 802.11ac dual-band wireless adapter that connects to a laptop or desktop through a speedy USB 3.0 port. TRENDnet says it's the first of its kind, and is available now to purchase via the company's online storefront for $59.99 USD.

Given that it's dual band, customers will see speeds of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel when connecting to a compatible Wireless AC router. Otherwise, speeds will only reach up to 300 Mbps on either channel (5 GHz or 2.4 GHz) when connecting to a Wireless N router. The number seems a little low for the 5 GHz channel, but it's not the first Wireless AC adapter we've seen that caps at 300 Mbps when connecting to a Wireless N network.

"The intuitive installation process takes less than five minutes," the company said. "A convenient adapter utility stores multiple network settings and prioritizes network connections. A Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button connects the adapter to a wireless network at the touch of the button."

The new adapter measures 3.1 x 1 x 0.5 inches, and is compatible with Windows 8 (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), and Windows XP (32/64-bit). It's also backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 standard ports.

For consumers also looking for a Wireless AC router, TRENDnet offers the AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Router which provides a maximum speed of 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band for compatible Wireless AC devices, and up to 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band for Wireless N devices. It also features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a USB 2.0 port for external drives and printers, and high-power amplifiers to extend wireless coverage.

"Plug in a USB flash or NAS drive to share HD videos and music across the network," the product page states. "Gigabit ports on the back of the router maintain high speed wired connections. Create a secure isolated guest network for guest internet access. Beamforming technology directs the strongest signal to each connected device."

The AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Router costs $209.99, and can be purchased here. The compatible USB 3.0 adapter can be purchased here.

Kevin Parrish
5 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Hando567
    About time companies started releasing USB 3.0 adapter solutions, same bandwidth as a PCI-E 2.0 x1 slot means we can actually get full speeds out of the device. Unlike the USB 2.0 versions which claim to be connected at 867Mb/s when the interface tops out at 480Mb/s, that makes a whole lot of sense, right?
    Not to mention there is absolutely no downfall of just releasing anything USB in the USB 3.0 spec as it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports.
    Reply
  • Truckinupga
    May be just on their newest high end router for now but it is great to see. Kudos to TRENDnet.
    Reply
  • quotas47
    "Wireless AC USB 3.0"
    Made my brain twitch for a second.
    Reply
  • upgrade_1977
    Brain fart. By the title, I thought it was a remote wireless usb hub. That would have been cool.
    Reply
  • pete y testing
    "but it's not the first Wireless AC adapter we've seen that caps at 300 Mbps when connecting to a Wireless N network."

    just to clarify this , the reason this and pretty much all current usb wireless AC adapters can only sync up to 300M max on the 5 gig wireless N is that they only have 2 antennas and thus are limited to a msc index of 15 and a max rate of 300mbps

    this is also the case if you attempt to connect it or any of these to a 450M wireless N router , they max out at 300mbps

    so although many manufactures are claiming full backwards compatibility the fact is its only partial backwards compatibility


    i do not that trendnet specifically state

    "Connect to a Wireless N network at up to 300 Mbps"

    which is at least correct
    Reply