Product Description

The D-Link Wireless N USB Adapter (DWA-130) provides a better wireless signal for your computer than existing wireless 802.11g technology. Adding Wireless N to your computer provides an excellent solution for doing everyday activities such as transferring files, browsing the Internet, and downloading music. D-Link Wireless N products use Intelligent Antenna technology to transmit multiple streams of data which enable you to receive wireless signals in the farthest corners of your home. Not only does D-Link's Wireless N technology extend your wireless range, it also works with your existing 802.11g and 802.11b wireless routers and access points.

Product Details

• Brand: D-Link
• Model: DWA-130
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English, French
• Dimensions: 6.69" h x .70" w x 9.31" l, .65 pounds
• Networking: Hi-Speed USB

Features

• The D-Link Quick Adapter Setup Wizard walks you through the installation process and configures your new Wireless N USB Adapter for you.
• The Wireless N USB Adapter easily connects your USB 2.0*-equipped desktop or notebook computer to your wireless network for Internet and file sharing.
• Upgrade your legacy 802.11g wireless adapter to the new Wireless N USB Adapter (DWA-130) for desktop or notebook computers
• Connect your desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network and access a high-speed Internet connection, transfer files, and stream media
• This Wireless N Adapter uses draft 802.11n technology to maximize the speed and range of your wireless signal to significantly outperform 802.11g

Customer Reviews

300Mbps on my local network!
I assumed when I bought this adapter that I wouldn't actually see the top speed any time soon, but after buying a TrendNet N-wireless/Gbit LAN I am happy to say it actually works. My local connection tends to register between 130 and 300Mbps according to the pop-up bubble in my taskbar (if you display your connections there as I do, you can hold the cursor over them to see what speed you are getting at any given moment).

Previously, with a regular wireless dongle I was getting 54Mbps tops. What an improvement. Increased local speeds have meant quicker video streaming and file copying for me. You have to have a router (or I guess maybe a cable/DSL modem directly connected to your PC) that will get N-wireless speed to do this so it won't do you much good if you use an older technology 801.11B/G with this dongle. And your Internet speed is more a result of your service provider so it may or may not help with that. But more speed is always better to me.

I use this on my laptop and I often shut the laptop so that it goes into Standby. I have had no serious problems reconnecting after coming out of Standby. I think once or twice I have had to "Repair" my connection from the taskbar. I don't even bother to use the little USB "stand" that comes with it since I can directly connect this to one of my USB ports, but this brings up a negative: This adapter is too fat for me to plug anything into the USB port that is adjacent to it. It's simply too wide. Unfortunately, especially on laptops where space is at a premium, the USB ports are not spaced well enough. I guess if I were traveling with the laptop that might become an issue since I might actually need all 3 of my USB ports and not want to carry around that little stand, but I think the compromise is worth it for the speed.

There is an amber light on the top of this dongle that goes on and off with network activity. Another negative that most other people may not have a problem with is that 2 out of 3 of my laptop USB ports are upside down. I have no idea why it was designed that way, but if I use those other 2 ports I obvioously can't see the light on the adapter. I like to know what's going on so this is not optimal for me.

Other than those two very system-specific issues, I love this adapter. It was easy to install with good directions (you have to run the CD prior to attaching it for a smoother install) and it appears to perform beautifully on my WinXP SP2 laptop.

Rock Solid Out the Box
Installed within just a couple minutes. Allowed to totally mypass my internal wireless card which is stuck at 11 Mbps, 802.11b and WEP only, and worked only half the time. I was considering getting a whole new laptop.

Don't worry if you don't have a 2.0 compliant usb. I don't and I still connect at between 162 and 243 Mbps. I should mention that I have the D-Link DIR-615 which is 802.11n compliant, so compatibility issues were nil.

It comes with its own cradle or you can plug it directly into the usb slot.

Even though it's small, it's still a bit bulky as it sticks out on the side and if you're mobile with it, you'll have to careful you don't bump or hit it.

Overall I'm very impressed. I didn't expect this kind of performance from a usb adapter over 1.1 usb at that.

Beware: not for 64-bit Vista
the ad and product details include Vista - not 32-bit Vista only. Big surprise! bad surprise!