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TL-WN821N
300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Rev: 4.0.0
1910010683
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COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other brands and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
No part of the specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make
any derivative such as translation, transformation, or adaptation without permission from
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Copyright © 2012 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com
is a registered trademark of
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FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
� Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
� Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
� Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
receiver is connected.
� Consult the dealer or an experienc ed radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
to which the
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment has been evaluated for use in a typical laptop and should not be
used in smaller devices, or devices which cannot provide the 5mm safe distance.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating
instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be
co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This
equipment has been SAR-evaluated for use in hand. SAR measurements are based
on a 5mm spacing from the body and that compliance is achieved at that distance.
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CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference,
in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Industry Canada Statement:
This device complies with RSS-210 of the Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2)This device must accept any interference re ceived, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
Ce dispositif est conforme à la norme CNR-210 d’Industrie Canada applicable aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. Son fonctionnement est sujet aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) Le dispositif ne doit pas produire de brouillage préjudiciable, et
(2) Ce dispositif doit accepter tout brouillage reçu,y compris un brouillage susceptible de
provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable.
NOTE IMPORTANTE:
Déclaration d’exposition aux radiations:
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un
environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20
cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.
Korea Warning Statements:
당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음.
NCC Notice:
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大
功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，
並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射
頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
Продукт сертифіковано згідно с правилами системи УкрСЕПРО на відповідність вимогам
нормативних документів та вимогам, що передбачені чинними законодавчими актами
України.
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TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
For the following equipment:
Product Description: 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Model No.: TL-WN821N
Trademark: TP-LINK
We declare under our own responsibility that the above products satisfy all the technical
regulations applicable to the product with in the scope of Council Directives:
Directives 1999/5/EC, Directives 2006/95/EC, Directives 1999/ 519/EC, Directives 2011/65/EU
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents:
ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1: 2006
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2:2011 & ETSI EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1:2009
EN60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011
EN62311:2008
The product carries the CE Mark:
Person is responsible for marking this declaration:
Yang Hongliang
Product Manager of International Business
Date of issue: 2012
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
Building 24 (floors 1, 3, 4, 5), and 28 (floors 1-4) Central Science and Technology Park,
Shennan Rd, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China
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CONTENTS
Package Contents .................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1 Product Overview ................................................................................. 2
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Features .................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Hardware Overview................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 2 Installation............................................................................................. 4
2.1 Hardware Installation .............................................................................................. 4
2.2 Software Installation ................................................................................................ 4
Chapter 3 Connect to a Wireless Network ........................................................... 9
3.1 To connect using..................................................................................................... 9
3.2 To connect using WPS.......................................................................................... 13
3.2.1 PBC (Push Button Configuration) method................................................ 13
3.2.2 PIN method .............................................................................................. 15
3.3 To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility................................................. 17
3.3.1 In Windows 7............................................................................................ 17
3.3.2 In Windows Vista...................................................................................... 19
3.3.3 In Windows XP......................................................................................... 21
Chapter 4 Management........................................................................................ 24
4.1 Profile .................................................................................................................... 24
4.1.1 Add a profile ............................................................................................. 24
4.1.2 Modify a profile......................................................................................... 26
4.1.3 Delete a profile ......................................................................................... 27
4.2 Advanced .............................................................................................................. 27
4.3 About..................................................................................................................... 28
Chapter 5 AP Mode .............................................................................................. 30
Chapter 6 Uninstall Software............................................................................... 32
6.1 Uninstall the utility software from your PC............................................................. 32
6.2 Uninstall the driver software from your PC ............................................................ 33
Appendix A: Specifications................................................................................... 34
Appendix B: Glossary............................................................................................ 35
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Package Contents
Please verify that all the package contents below are available.
One TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Quick Installation Guide
One USB cable
One Resource CD for TL-WN821N, including:
TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility (TWCU) and Drivers
User Guide
Other helpful information
Make sure that the above items are contained in the package. If any of the above items are
damaged or missing, please contact your distributor.
Note:
The ‘adapter’ mentioned in this User Guide stands for TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB
Adapter without any explanation.
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1 Introduction
The adapter is a 802.11n client device designed to deliver a high-speed and unrivaled wireless
performance for your desktop. With a faster wireless connection, you can get a better Internet
experience, such as downloading, gaming, video streaming.
With the 802.11n technology, higher throughput improvements using MIMO (multiple input,
multiple output antennas), the TL-WN821N’s auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer
rate of up to 300Mbps for maximum throughput. It has good capability on anti-jamming, and it can
also interoperate with other wireless (802.11b) products. The adapter supports WEP, WPA and
WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information from being
exposed.
The adapter is easy to install and manage with the Quick Setup Wizard guiding you step-by-step
through the installation process and the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility instructing you to
quickly set up a wireless connection.
With unmatched wireless performance, reception, and security protection, the TL-WN821N is the
best choice for easily adding or upgrading wireless connectivity to your desktop.
1.2 Features
Complies with IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b standards
Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, IEEE802.1x authentication, TKIP/AES encryption,
WEP encryption
Supports high rate of up to 300Mbps for maximum throughput, supports automatically
adjust to lower speeds due to distance or other operating limitations
Provides USB interface
Supports Ad Hoc and Infrastructure modes
Good capability on anti-jamming
Supports roaming between access points when configured under Infrastructure mode
Easy to configure and provides monitoring information
Supports Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7
Built-in two internal antennas which are listed in a format of 2x2 for two receivers and two
transmitters.
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1.3 Hardware Overview
LED status:
Status Working Status
The driver has not been installed;
Off
The adapter's radio has been disabled.
TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Flashing Slowly
Flashing Quickly Data is being transmitted or received.
The driver has been installed but no data is being transmitted or
received.
Note:
When the card failed to connect to a wireless network, the LED may be off. Please choose your
network and try to connect again.
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Hardware Installation
There are two ways to install the Adapter:
1. Plug the Adapter directly to the USB port on your computer.
2. Connect the Adapter and your computer through the USB cable attached in package.
Note:
The promoted Found New Hardware Wizard screen will pop up when the adapter is installed
correctly. Click Cancel.
2.2 Software Installation
The adapter’s Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedures for Windows 7,
Windows Vista, and Windows XP. The procedures in different systems are quite similar,
therefore here takes the procedures in Windows 7 for example.
1. Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and the window below will appear. Select
model TL-WN821N. There will be a menu including: Install Driver&Utility and User
Guide. Click Install Driver&Utility to begin.
Figure 2-
1
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2. The InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-2
3. Choose a setup type. It is recommended to select Install TP-LINK Wireless
Configuration Utility and Driver. Selecting Install Driver Only will only install driver.
Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-3
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4. Click Change… to specify the destination location for the software or you can leave it
default. Click Next in the screen below to continue.
5. Click Install to continue the setup.
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5
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6. The utility and drivers will install. This may take 1~2 minutes.
Figure 2-6
7. After all the steps above, you will see the screen below. Click Finish to complete the setup.
Figure 2-7
8. After installation, the utility configuration page will automatically pop up as shown in the
following figure and the icon
please refer to Chapter 3
Connect to a Wireless Network.
will appear in your system tray. To connect to a network,
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 2-8
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 3 Connect to a Wireless Network
With both the hardware and software successfully installed into your computer, you can quickly
connect to a wireless network using one of the following methods.
Method One:
To connect using TWCU (TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility)
TL-WN821N uses the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility as the management software. The
utility provides you an easy interface to connect to a network and to change any settings related
to the wireless adapter.
Method Two:
To connect using WPS
By this method, you can connect to your network quickly on the condition that your router or
access point supports QSS or WPS as is called by some other brands.
Method Three:
To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility
Windows users may use the built-in wireless utility to connect to a wireless network. For specific
operations, please go to To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility
.
3.1 To connect using TWCU
1. After installation, the utility configuration page will automatically pop up on the screen. If the
utility page does not pop up, you can also launch the utility by double-clicking on the
icon on your desktop or the
icon in your system tray.
Figure 3-1
2. The Network page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To
connect to a network, simply highlight the wireless network name (SSID) and click
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Connect. If you tick Connect automatically, the adapter will automatically connect to your
target network next time.
TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-2
3. You will be prompted different windows when you choose wireless network of different
security types.
1) Wireless network of WPA/WPA2-Personal
If you selected a wireless network of the security type WPA/WPA2-Personal, you will be
prompted to enter the password in the security key field, as shown in Figure 3-3. Or you
can push the WPS/QSS button on your Ro
quickly build a connection without entering the security key (password).
uter (if it features the WPS/QSS function) to
Figure 3-3
Note:
The security key (password) can be found on the configuration page of your Router or Access
Point.
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2) Wireless network of WPA/WPA2-Enterprise
If you selected a wireless network of the security type WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, you will be
prompted to choose a type of authentication, either certificate or password. With
Certificate as your authentication, you need to select one specific certificate from the
drop-down list, as shown in Figure 3-4. With Passw
ord as your authentication, you should
enter the right user name and password in the corresponding field, as shown in Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
3) Wireless network of None
If you selected a wireless network of None (that is, no security is set.), you can get directly
connected to this network without any further configuration.
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4. Please wait a few minutes for the connection process.
Figure 3-6
5. You have now successfully connected to your network. Click Close to enjoy the Internet.
Figure 3-7
6. To view more information about the network currently connected, click Status in the tools
section and the page will display information such as the network type, link quality and
wireless mode.
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Figure 3-8
3.2 To connect using WPS
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function allows you to add a new wireless device to an existing
network quickly.
If the wireless router supports QSS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you can establish a
wireless connection between wireless card and router using either Push Button Configuration
(PBC) method or PIN method.
3.2.1 PBC (Push Button Configuration) method
1. Press the WPS/RESET button for 2~3 seconds on the back panel of the router. Here takes
router TL-WR841ND for example.
2. Press the WPS button on the adapter. There are two ways:
Method One：
Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter directly for 2~3 seconds until Figure 3-11
ars.
appe
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-
9
Method Two:
Open TWCU and click WPS tab. Select Push the button on my access point or wireless
router and then click Connect.
Figure 3-10
3. The adapter will be connecting to the target network.
Figure 3-11
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4. When the following window appears, you have successfully connected to the network.
TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-12
3.2.2 PIN method
There are two ways to configure the WPS by PIN method:
1) Enter the PIN from your AP device.
2) Enter a PIN into your AP device.
Following are detailed configuration procedures of each way.
3.2.2.1. Enter the PIN from your AP device
Open TWCU and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of my access point or wireless
1.
router. In the empty field beside PIN, enter the PIN labeled on the bottom of the router
(here takes 13492564 for example). If you have generated a new PIN code for your router,
please enter the new one instead. Click Connect to continue.
Figure 3-13
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2. The adapter will be connecting to the target network.
Figure 3-14
3. When Figure 3-12 appears, you have successfully
connected to the network.
3.2.2.2. Enter a PIN into your AP device
Open TWCU and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of this device into my access
1.
point or wireless router. In the field beside PIN, you will see the PIN value of the adapter
which is randomly generated. Click Connect to continue.
Figure 3-15
2. Open your router’s Web-based Utility and click WPS link on the left of the main menu. Then
click Add device and the following figure will appear. Enter the PIN value of the adapter in
the empty field beside PIN and then click Connect.
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3. When Connect successfully appears on the screen, the WPS configuration is complete.
Or you can view the adapter’s utility page to see whether the connection has been
successful as shown in Figure 3-18.
TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-16
Figure 3-17
Figure 3-18
3.3 To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility
3.3.1 In Windows 7
Windows 7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
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1. Left-click the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). The utility will
display any available wireless networks in your area. Highlight the wireless network
(displayed using the SSID) to be connected and then click Connect.
Figure 3-19
2. If the network you would like to connect is security-enabled, enter the same security key or
passphrase that is on your router. Or push the WPS/QSS button (other brands may call it
WPS) on the router or access point (You will be prompted to push the button on the window
if QSS function is supported as shown in the figure below). If the network to be connected
is not secure, the connection will be built without entering a key.
Figure 3-20
3. You have now successfully connected to the network.
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Figure 3-21
3.3.2 In Windows Vista
Windows Vista users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Open the wireless utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray
as shown in the figure below. Select Connect to a network.
Figure 3-22
2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Highlight the wireless
network you would like to connect and then click Connect.
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Figure 3-23
3. If the network you would like to connect is security-enabled, enter the same security key or
passphrase that is on your router. If the network to be connected is not secure, the
connection will be built without entering a key.
Figure 3-24
4. You have now successfully connected to the network.
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Figure 3-25
3.3.3 In Windows XP
Windows XP users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Right-click on the utility icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select Switch to
Windows wireless configuration tool.
Figure 3-26
Or double-click the utility icon to load the utility configuration page. Click Advanced in the
tools section and then select Use Windows wireless configuration tool in the figure
shown below. Click OK when Figure 3-28 appears to continue.
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Figure 3-27
Figure 3-28
2. Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select
View Available Wireless Networks.
Figure 3-29
3. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network
(displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button.
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Figure 3-30
4. If the network is security-enabled, you will be prompted to enter the key as shown below. If
not, you will connect to the network directly without entering a key.
Figure 3-31
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Chapter 4 Management
This section will show you how to configure your TL-WN821N adapter using the TP-LINK
Wireless Configuration Utility (TWCU).
The TL-WN821N adapter uses the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility as the management
software. The utility provides users with an easy interface to change any settings related to the
adapter. Double-clicking on the
icon on your desktop will start the utility.
4.1 Profile
Your wireless networks may vary in different places like home, office or coffee shop. With
Profile management, you can easily save and manage various networks to be connected,
saving you the trouble of having to repeat the same configurations. Click Profile in the tools
section, the following page will appear.
Figure 4-1
4.1.1 Add a profile
To add a profile, click the Add button on the bottom of the screen. Then the configuration
window will appear.
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Figure 4-2
Figure 4-3
The following items can be found on the screen.
Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, CoffeeShop). The same
name is not allowed. Please also note that no space is allowed between words.
SSID: Select the target network from the drop-down list.
Network Type: Select the network type. If you are connecting to a wireless router or
access point, select Infrastructure. If you are connecting to another wireless client such as
an adapter, select ad-hoc.
Security Type: Select the security type from the list. Three options are available:
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WEP and None. The security type should be the same as on your
router or access point, otherwise, you will not be able to build a successful connection.
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your wireless connection.
The key must be the exact same key entered on your wireless router or access point. None
stands for no security. It is recommended to enable WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK on your
wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter.
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Note:
You will see Figure 4-2 if you selected the security type
you selected the security type
Encryption Type: From the drop-down menu, select the encryption type that is the same
TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
WPA/WPA2
(-Enterprise), Figure 4-3 will be displayed.
; while, if
as on your router or access point.
Security Key: Enter the passphrase exactly as it is on your wireless router or access point.
Click the Show characters box to see the passphrase. Unchecking it will hide it.
Start this connection automatically: check this box to automatically connect to this
network next time.
Save: Click Save to save your settings.
Having completed the above settings, the Profile page should look like the following figure. To
connect to a desired network, just highlight the network you would like to connect to and click
the Connect button on the bottom of the window.
Figure 4-4
4.1.2 Modify a profile
You may edit an existing profile by clicking the Modify button from the Profile page. For
instance, you may like to change the profile name from Home to Home1 or you may want to
specify another SSID for profile Home. After all the changes, click Save to make the changes
take effect.
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Figure 4-5
4.1.3 Delete a profile
To delete an existing profile, highlight the profile name and click Remove on the bottom of the
screen or press the Delete button on your keyboard. When the following figure appears, click
OK to continue.
Figure 4-6
4.2 Advanced
The following configurations can be made on the Advanced page:
1) To select wireless configuration tool.
Here you can decide which tool to use, either the TP-LINK Configuration Utility or the
Windows wireless configuration tool. (This option is available only in Windows XP.)
2) To switch to another wireless network adapter.
Here you can switch to another adapter installed in your computer. The adapters
successfully installed in your computer will be listed in the drop-down menu if the adapters
are supported by this utility.
3) To switch to SoftAP mode.
Once enabled, the adapter will be able to work as an AP.
4) To change the power save mode.
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Figure 4-7
4.3 About
The About screen gives you information about the Driver and Utility versions of the adapter.
Right-click on the
icon in your system tray and select About from the list.
Figure 4-8
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 4-9
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Chapter 5 AP Mode
In Soft AP mode, the adapter will work as an AP.
Suppose that only one computer in your house can access the Internet for various reasons like
only one WLAN port is available on your wired broadband router, however, other
wireless-capable devices also want to share the Internet. Then the adapter can be configured
as an AP under the Soft AP mode, saving you the trouble of having to get a separate access
point or a router.
With this feature, a computer can use a single physical wireless adapter to connect as a client
to a hardware access point while at the same time acting as a software AP allowing other
wireless-capable devices to connect to it.
To switch to this mode, right-click on the utility icon in your system tray and select Switch to
SoftAP mode.
Figure 5-1
Or from the Advanced page of the utility, tick ON under the SoftAP mode as shown in the
following figure. Click OK when prompted to confirm the setting.
Figure 5-2
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
The Soft AP icon should then appear beside Advanced icon in the utility.
Figure 5-3
SoftAP mode: Select to enable or disable the function.
Internet Connecting Share(ICS): Specify a connection through which devices connected
to your AP can access the Internet.
SSID: Enter the name for your soft AP (for example, Jone) so that others can know which
AP is yours when trying to connect to it. The default name (SSID) is “tp-link”.
Security Type: The security type here is set to be WPA2-PSK which is based on 802.11i
and uses Advanced Encryption Standard instead of TKIP. It was designed to improve the
security features of WEP. WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your
wireless connection. You needn’t make any configuration here.
Encryption Type: The encryption type here is set to be AES.
Security Key: Enter the Key in the field to make your AP security enabled. It is
recommended that you specify another key instead of the default key 12345678. Only by
entering the corresponding key can other computers establish a successful connection with
your AP.
IP Address: Here displays the IP address of the SoftAP.
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Chapter 6 Uninstall Software
6.1 Uninstall the utility software from your PC
1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click All programsTP-LINK, and then
click Uninstall-TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility.
Figure 6-1 Uninstall Utility
2. Follow the Install Shield Wizard to uninstall the utility software from your PC.
Figure 6-2
3. Click Finish when the figure below appears.
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Figure 6-3
6.2 Uninstall the driver software from your PC
1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click All programsTP-LINK, and then
click Uninstall-TL-WN821N Driver.
Figure 6-4 Uninstall Driver
2. Following the steps, then the system will uninstall the driver software of the adapter from
your PC.
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Appendix A: Specifications
Normal
Interface USB 2.0 Interface
Standards IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b
Button
Operating System Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Throughput 300Mbps (Maximal)
Radio Data Rate
Modulation
Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA with ACK
Data Security WEP; WPA/WPA2; WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
Frequency* 2.4 ~ 2.4835GHz
Spread Spectrum Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Safety & Emissions FCC, CE
Environmental and Physical
Wi-fi Protected Setup (WPS) Button (QSS Compatible)
11b: 1/2/5.5/11Mbps
11g: 6/9/12/18/24/36/48/54Mbps
11n: Up to 300Mbps
11b:CCK,QPSK,BPSK
11g:OFDM
11n: QPSK, BPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM
Working Temperature 0℃~40 (32℃ ~104℉℉)
Storage Temperature -40 ~70 (℃℃-40 ~158℉ )℉
Working Humidity 10% ~ 90% RH, Non-condensing
Storage Humidity 5% ~ 90% RH, Non-condensing
* Only 2.412GHz~2.462GHz is allowed to be used in USA, which means only channel 1~11 is
available for American users to choose.
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TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Appendix B: Glossary
802.11b - The 802.11b standard specifies a wireless product networking at 11 Mbps using
direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio
spectrum at 2.4GHz, and WEP encryption for security. 802.11b networks are also referred to
as Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g - specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps using direct-sequence
spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology, using OFDM modulation and operating in the
unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with IEEE 802.11b devices,
and WEP encryption for security.
802.11n - 802.11n builds upon previous 802.11 standards by adding MIMO (multiple-input
multiple-output). MIMO uses multiple transmitter and receiver antennas to allow for increased
data throu
perhaps through coding schemes like Alamouti coding. The Enhanced Wireless Consortium
(EWC) was formed to help accelerate the IEEE 802.11n development process and promote a
technology specification for interoperability of next-generation wireless local area networking
(WLAN) products.
ghput via spatial multiplexing and increased range by exploiting the spatial diversity,
Ad hoc Network - An ad hoc network is a group of computers, each with a Wireless Adapter,
connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad hoc wireless computers operate on a
peer-to-peer basis, communicating directly with each other without the use of an access point.
Ad hoc mode is also referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) or as
peer-to-peer mode, and is useful at a departmental scale or SOHO operation.
DSSS - (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit pattern for all
data transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). Even if one or more bits
in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the receiver
can recover the original data without the need of retransmission. To an unintended receiver,
DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e. another wireless LAN endpoint), the DSSS
signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference is inherently rejected (ignored).
FHSS - (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) - FHSS continuously changes (hops) the
carrier frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second according to a
pseudo-random set of channels. Because a fixed frequency is not used, and only the
transmitter and receiver know the hop patterns, interception of FHSS is extremely difficult.
Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure network is a group of computers or other devices,
each with a Wireless Adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless LAN. In infrastructure mode,
the wireless devices communicate with each other and to a wired network by first going
through an access point. An infrastructure wireless network connected to a wired network is
referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network is
referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure mode is useful at a corporation
scale, or when it is necessary to connect the wired and wireless networks.
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Spread Spectrum - Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique
developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems.
It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other
words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the
trade off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the
receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is
not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise.
There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency
Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).
SSID - A Service Set Identification is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key
identifying a wireless local area network. For the wireless devices in a network to
communicate with each other, all devices must be configured with the same SSID. This is
typically the configuration parameter for a wireless PC card. It corresponds to the ESSID in
the wireless Access Point and to the wireless network name. See also Wireless Network
Name and ESSID.
WEP - (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit or
152-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. To gain access to a
WEP network, you must know the key. The key is a string of characters that you create.
When using WEP, you must determine the level of encryption. The type of encryption
determines the key length. 128-bit encryption requires a longer key than 64-bit encryption.
Keys are defined by entering in a string in HEX (hexadecimal - using characters 0-9, A-F) or
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange – alphanumeric characters)
format. ASCII format is provided so you can enter a string that is easier to remember. The
ASCII string is converted to HEX for use over the network. Four keys can be defined so that
you can change keys easily.
TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Wi-Fi - A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless
Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards
group promoting interoperability among 802.11b devices.
WLAN - (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associated devices
communicate with each
area.
WPA - (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - A wireless security protocol uses TKIP (Temporal Key
Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.
other wirelessly, which network serving users are limited in a local
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