Product Application:

 802.11n Wireless Network Gear

Product Provided by:

 D-Link

Available at:

 NewEgg.com

Estimated MSRP:

$104 - $130 Each

Availability:

Now

Review by:

 Scott

Edited by:

 Paul

Review date:

 9/7/2007
 

D-Link Xtreme N Desktop Adapter (DWA-552)

     The other Xtreme product that will complete our test network is the D-Link Xtreme N Desktop Adapter (DWA-552). This device also uses 802.11n and a three antenna configuration for extended ranges and faster speeds. This particular Xtreme product is of the PCI flavor that will require installation. D-Link also offers other Xtreme N wireless network adapters including a PCI Express version for newer computers.

Specifications

Standards

• IEEE 802.11n (draft)
• IEEE 802.11g
• IEEE 802.11b

Interface

• 32-bit PCI

Wireless Frequency Range

• 2.4GHz to 2.4835GHz

LEDs

• Link
• Activity

Certifications

• FCC Class B
• CE

Dimensions

• Item (WxDxH): 3.8" x 4.7" x 0.1"
• Packaging (WxDxH): 6.6" x 9.5" x 1.5"

Weight

• Item: 0.2 lbs
• Packaging: 0.6 lbs

Warranty

• 1 Year Limited*

Recommended System Requirements

• For Optimal Wireless Performance:
Use with Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655)

Minimum System Requirements

• Computer with:
• Windowsฎ XP SP2 or Windows 2000 SP4**
• CD-ROM Drive
• 20MB Hard Disk Space
• 32-bit PCI Slot
• For Internet Access:
• Cable or DSL Modem
• Subscription with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Package Contents

• Xtreme N™ Desktop Adapter
• Quick Installation Guide
• CD-ROM*** with:
• Installation Wizard
• Drivers
• Product Documentation

* 1-Year Warranty available only in the U.S.A and Canada.
** Computer must adhere to Microsoft’s recommended System Requirements.
*** Latest software and documentation are available at http://support.dlink.com.

This product is based on draft IEEE 802.11n specifications and is not guaranteed to be forward compatible with future versions of the IEEE 802.11n specifications. Compatibility with draft 802.11n devices from other manufacturers is not guaranteed. All references to speed are for comparison purposes only. Product specifications, size and shape are subject to change without notice, and actual product appearance may differ from that depicted herein.

In the box

     The DWA-552 comes with everything needed, which isn't much... The package contains the wireless adapter, 3 antenna, a quick installation guide, and the drivers disk.

The wireless adapter looks fairly simple, but it appears to be built extremely well with a heavy, high quality feel.

Not much to see here... The DWA-552 has a very clean look with nothing but green PCB showing on the back.

Installation & Setup

     Installing the DWA-552 is very straight forward process, but with all add on cards, if you don't have experience with computer hardware, we highly recommend that you seek help from someone who does. Getting right down to it, installing the card is simple, you just install the card and then install the drivers...nothing to it. There is also a quick setup wizard included just incase you need a little help. Just follow the guide and you'll be up and running in just a few short minutes. And for those who thought the world would come to an end if they didn't upgrade to Windows Vista, or downgrade depending on how you feel about Vista, yes there are Vista drivers available on the D-Link website.

     Once the DWA-552 and drivers were installed, there really wasn't any setup required. The only message that popped up was one asking if I wanted Windows XP to control the wireless adapter, which I chose yes. The new Xtreme N network was immediately discovered and I was cruising the internet as if nothing had ever changed. My installation and setup experience was by far the easiest I've ever experienced with any wireless adapter, to included plug and play USB adapters.

 

     Clicking on the wireless network connection icon revealed that I am now connected at an incredible 300Mbps. Remember, this is wireless, not wired networking!