In today’s hyper-connected world, a stable and reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Whether it’s for work, education, entertainment, or simply staying in touch with loved ones, we all rely heavily on Wi-Fi. However, many users often find themselves plagued by weak signals, limited range, and frustratingly slow speeds. In comes the TP-Link TL-WN722N Wireless N150 High Gain USB Adapter, a long-standing and popular solution designed to combat these connectivity woes. For years, this unassuming little device has promised to extend your Wi-Fi range and provide a more stable connection, particularly for older computers or devices with subpar built-in Wi-Fi cards.
But in an era of rapidly evolving technology and newer, faster wireless standards, is the TL-WN722N still a viable option? This review aims to provide a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of the TP-Link TL-WN722N, examining its features, performance, strengths, and weaknesses. We will also delve into how it stacks up against more modern alternatives and ultimately determine whether this high gain USB adapter is still worth considering in today’s market. While offering improved Wi-Fi range and easy installation, it’s also limited by its older Wireless N standard.
A Closer Look at the TP-Link TL-WN722N
The TP-Link TL-WN722N Wireless N150 High Gain USB Adapter is essentially a plug-and-play device that allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network, even if your computer doesn’t have a built-in wireless card or if its existing Wi-Fi adapter is weak.
Let’s break down its key features. The adapter supports the Wireless N150 standard, which translates to 802.11b/g/n compatibility. This means it can connect to older and newer Wi-Fi networks, but it’s limited to a maximum theoretical speed of 150Mbps. It operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band, which is the most common frequency for Wi-Fi networks, but also tends to be more congested than the 5GHz band. The inclusion of a high-gain antenna, typically rated at 4dBi, is the key selling point, as it significantly boosts the adapter’s ability to receive and transmit Wi-Fi signals over greater distances. The adapter connects to your computer via a standard USB two point zero interface. While functional, this is an older technology, and may limit the achievable speeds somewhat. Finally, the TL-WN722N supports WPA and WPA two encryption, ensuring that your connection is secure. It boasts broad compatibility with Windows operating systems (including older versions), macOS, and Linux.
This adapter primarily targets users who own older laptops or desktop computers that lack built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It’s also suitable for individuals experiencing poor Wi-Fi range or weak signal strength with their existing devices. Perhaps you’re trying to connect to a router that’s located far away, or maybe you’re dealing with thick walls that are interfering with the signal. The TL-WN722N aims to provide a cost-effective solution to these problems. Due to its price point, it is also appealing to budget-conscious users who want to improve their Wi-Fi connection without breaking the bank.
Upon unboxing the TP-Link TL-WN722N, you’ll typically find the adapter itself, a quick installation guide, and a driver CD. The adapter is compact and lightweight, featuring a plastic housing and a detachable high-gain antenna. The antenna can be rotated and adjusted to optimize signal reception.
Evaluating Performance and Real-World Use
The ease of setup is one of the TL-WN722N’s strongest assets. The installation process is generally straightforward, even for users who are not particularly tech-savvy. Simply plug the adapter into a USB port and install the drivers from the included CD or download them from the TP-Link website. The software is user-friendly and guides you through the necessary steps. Driver compatibility is excellent across various operating systems, although you may need to manually install the drivers on older or less common operating systems.
To assess the adapter’s range, you should compare the TL-WN722N’s Wi-Fi range to that of a standard built-in Wi-Fi adapter in a laptop. Conduct tests in different environments, such as an open space and areas with walls or other obstructions. The TL-WN722N’s high-gain antenna should demonstrate a noticeable improvement in range compared to a built-in adapter, especially in areas with weak signals.
Measuring upload and download speeds using the adapter at varying distances from the router is an excellent way to further test the performance. You can use readily available online speed test tools to obtain these measurements. Compare the speeds achieved with and without the high-gain antenna attached to determine the antenna’s impact on performance. The antenna should improve the download and upload speeds as well as the signal quality.
Beyond speed tests, connection stability is crucial. Monitor the adapter’s connection stability over extended periods to identify any potential issues, such as dropped connections or disconnections. A reliable adapter should maintain a consistent connection without frequent interruptions.
In real-world usage scenarios, the TP-Link TL-WN722N is perfectly adequate for web browsing, email, and social media. Streaming standard-definition videos should also pose no problems. However, for more bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming high-definition videos, online gaming, or transferring large files, the adapter’s limitations become more apparent. You may experience buffering, lag, or slower transfer speeds compared to more modern wireless adapters.
The Upsides and Downsides of the TL-WN722N
Like any piece of technology, the TP-Link TL-WN722N has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
On the positive side, it significantly improves Wi-Fi range and signal strength compared to built-in adapters. This can be a game-changer for users struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals. The adapter is also relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. Installation is straightforward, and the adapter is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including older versions of Windows.
However, the TL-WN722N is not without its drawbacks. Its primary limitation is its support for the older Wireless N standard. This means it’s limited to a maximum theoretical speed of 150Mbps and only operates on the two point four GHz frequency band. The USB two point zero interface may also limit its performance, as it’s slower than the more modern USB three point zero standard. These limitations make the adapter less suitable for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming four K video or transferring large files.
Exploring the Alternatives
Before making a final decision, it’s important to consider some alternative wireless adapters that may offer better performance or features.
One notable alternative is the TP-Link Archer T two U Plus. This adapter supports the more modern Wireless AC standard, offering significantly faster speeds and dual-band support (two point four GHz and five GHz). It’s a great option for users who require faster speeds and a more reliable connection. Another strong contender is the NETGEAR A six two one zero. This is another dual-band adapter that offers excellent performance and range. It’s a bit more expensive than the TL-WN722N, but the improved performance may be worth the investment for some users. There are also many USB Wi-Fi Adapters from brands such as ASUS, D-Link, and Panda Wireless, each with different tradeoffs.
When choosing between these alternatives, consider your budget, the features you need, the performance you expect, and your intended use case. If you only need basic Wi-Fi connectivity for web browsing and email, the TL-WN722N may suffice. However, if you require faster speeds for streaming high-definition video or online gaming, a more modern adapter with Wireless AC support is a better choice.
Final Verdict: A Capable Adapter or a Relic of the Past?
The TP-Link TL-WN722N Wireless N150 High Gain USB Adapter is a capable and affordable solution for users who need to improve their Wi-Fi range and signal strength. Its ease of installation, broad compatibility, and low price make it an attractive option for those on a tight budget or those who simply need a basic Wi-Fi adapter for older devices.
However, its limitations in terms of speed and wireless standard support cannot be ignored. In today’s world of increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications, the TL-WN722N may struggle to keep up. For users who require faster speeds or need to connect to a five GHz network, more modern adapters with Wireless AC support are a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the TP-Link TL-WN722N depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful way to boost your Wi-Fi range for basic tasks like web browsing and email, the TL-WN722N is still a viable option. But if you need faster speeds for streaming high-definition video, online gaming, or other bandwidth-intensive activities, you should definitely consider investing in a more modern wireless adapter.
Your Thoughts?
Have you used the TP-Link TL-WN722N? What has your experience been like? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.
