Looking for an adapter to connect to a Wireless AC network? TRENDnet has a very small solution, measuring just 1.5 inches from end to end, and costing a mere $39.99 USD. Given it's a Wireless AC class device, expect connectivity on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but not necessarily the max speed provided by the new wireless spec.
According to the adapter's spec sheet, the new TEW-804UB connects up to 433 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 150 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band on a Wireless AC network, and what appears to be up to 150 Mbps on each when connected to a Wireless N network. Considering the adapter's compact size, the connection speed isn't too shabby, but it doesn't serve as a replacement to a laptop's built-in Wireless N connectivity.
"An intuitive installation process takes less than five minutes and the adapter is powered by the computer's USB port," reads the company's announcement. "A convenient utility stores multiple network settings and prioritizes network connections. A Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), connects the adapter to a wireless network at the touch of its button, when connecting to a WPS compliant device."
Customers wanting a bit more speed when connecting to a Wireless AC network should look no further than TRENDnet's TEW-805UB adapter. The device isn't quite as compact, measuring 3.1 inches, nor is it as inexpensive, costing $59.99 USD. But this device may be worth the money, connecting at up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel on a Wireless AC network and up to 300 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel on a Wireless N network.
Both adapters will work well with TRENDnet's AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Router, the TEW-811RU, costing $157.99 USD. Like the previous 805UB adapter, this router provides Wireless AC speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and Wireless N speeds up to 300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This router also provides one Gigabit WAN port, four Gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port for sharing files across the network.
TRENDnet's new TEW-804UB compact adapter comes with a three-year warranty, and can be purchased here.
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