Edimax EW-7811UAC Network Card

The Edimax EW-7811UAC is a compact USB wireless network card that supports draft IEEE 802.11ac (Wi‑Fi 5) and is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n standards. It offers dual-band operation with selectable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channels and maximum theoretical Wi‑Fi speeds of up to 150 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz. The adapter includes a hardware WPS button for quick secure connections, a high-gain antenna (4 dBi at 2.4 GHz and 6 dBi at 5 GHz) for improved range, and a USB cradle for flexible placement and better signal reception. Drivers are available for Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1, Linux and Mac OS X.

Advantages

The EW-7811UAC provides improved wireless performance over older USB adapters by supporting the draft 802.11ac standard and dual-band connectivity, allowing use of the less-congested 5 GHz band. Its compact USB form factor with an included cradle enables easy placement and portability, while the hardware WPS button simplifies secure network setup. The high-gain antenna increases effective range for longer-distance connections.

Suitable for

• Upgrading laptops or desktops without built-in 802.11ac Wi‑Fi
• Connecting to home or small-office dual-band wireless routers
• Improving wireless range where a USB cradle allows better antenna placement

Key specifications

• Model: Edimax EW-7811UAC
• Standards: IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11a/b/g/n
• Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (dual-band)
• Max data rates: 150 Mbps (2.4 GHz); 433 Mbps (5 GHz)
• Interface: USB (with USB cradle)
• Antenna gain: 4 dBi (2.4 GHz), 6 dBi (5 GHz)
• Host OS support: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1, Linux, Mac OS X
• Colour: Black
• Weight: 0.018 kg

How to use

Plug the EW-7811UAC into an available USB port on your computer and, if needed, place the adapter in the supplied USB cradle for improved positioning. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system from the Edimax website or included media. Use the router’s WPS function and press the adapter’s hardware WPS button to establish a secure wireless connection quickly, or select the desired SSID and enter the network password through your OS network manager.

Recommendations

For best performance, connect to the 5 GHz band when near the router to benefit from higher speeds, and use the USB cradle to elevate the adapter if reception is weak. Keep drivers updated to ensure compatibility and stability.