Introduction
The current top dog in wireless networking is the IEEE 802.11n standard with theoretical throughput to 600 Mbps. Current 802.11n routers that are being shipped advertise 300 Mbps and 450 Mbps rates. All that speed capacity means nothing, however, if you are locked in a less capable adapter on your computer.
For me, my aging netbook has an 802.11g Wi-Fi adapter, so regardless of the capabilities of the router, this computer is still limited to 54 Mbps maximum throughput. These 1st & 2nd generation netbooks were awesome little computers to get your work done on, but speed (including Wi-Fi) left a bit to be desired. The result is that anything that provides a speed boost is a plus for this aging road warrior.
Which brings me to the Edimax EW-7811Un Wireless 802.11b/g/n nano USB Adapter. This device not only gives the computer a potential Wi-Fi speed increase factor of 3 (from 54 Mbps to 150 Mbps), but it is also very compact; just like the netbook. Compact is an understatement as you will soon see.
The question is: does it do what it says it will do?
What’s In The Box?
Edimax ships the EW-7811Un in a box that some might consider oversized for the actual device. If you look closely at the first picture, you will see the adapter in that small cellophane window right next the “World’s Smallest!” text.
Once removed, the contents consists of an Installation CD, the adapter, and a Quick Installation Guide.
A close-up of just the adapter
and to give you an idea of why Edimax calls this device a nano adapter:
Features and Specifications
First, the features according to Edimax:
- Complies with wireless 802.11b/g/n standards with data rate up to 150Mbps
- Green Power Saving : supports smart transmit power control and auto-idle state adjustment
- Increases wireless coverage 3 times further ◎
- Includes multi-language EZmaxsetup wizard.
- Supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA , WPA2 encryption and WPS-compatible.
- Supports QoS-WMM, WMM-Power Save mode
Second, the specifications according to Edimax:
| Hardware Interface | - 1 USB 1.0/2.0 Type A - Internal Antenna |
| Standards | IEEE802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Frequency Band | 2.4000~2.4835GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band) |
| Data Rate | - 11b: 1/2/5.5/11Mbps - 11g: 6/9/12/24/36/48/54Mbps - 11n (20MHz): MCS0-7 (up to 72Mbps) - 11n (40MHz): MCS0-7 (up to 150Mbps) |
| Installation | Multi-language EZmax Setup Wizard |
| LED & Dimensions | - Link/Activity - 7.1(H) x 14.9 (W) x 18.5 (D) mm |
| Security | - WEP 64/128, WPA, WPA2, and IEEE802.1x - Software WPS configuration |
| Output Power | - 11b:17 ±1.5dbm - 11g:b:15 ±1.5dbm - 11n:14 ±1.5dbm |
| Humidity & Temperature | - Operating : 10~90% (Non Condensing) - Storage : Max. 95% (Non Condensing) - Operating : 32~104°F (0~40°C) - Storage : -4~140°F (-20~60°C) |
| System Requirements | - Windows XP/Vista/7 - Linux & Mac OS |
| Receiver Sensitivity | - 11n(20MHz)@MCS7: -68dBm±2dBm - 11n(40MHz)@MCS7: -64dBm±2dBm - 11g@54Mbps: -71dBm±2dBm - 11b@11Mbps: -81dBm±2dBm |
| Certifications | CE, FCC , WiFi |
