EnGenius 9801 300Mbps Dual Band Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter

EnGenius 9801 300Mbps Wireless N Dual Band USB Adapter

I was pretty surprised that I was able to purchase this dual band wireless-N usb adapter for under $40 including shipping. This is one of the few true dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz using wireless-N on both frequencies out in the market – other dual band wireless N adapters utilize wireless-G for the 2.4GHz band and wireless-N for the 5GHz band. The EnGenius 9801 utilizes a Ralink chipset – which is similar to other branded USB wireless adapters that currently cost twice as much.



The EnGenius 9801 comes with an installation CD that also includes a wireless utility to monitor connection strengths, other SSIDs (routers) in range, throughput speeds, and for configuration of the wireless adapter. Once installed the 9801 automatically locates all routers in range and you can choose which router you want to connect to by double clicking on the SSID name and entering the password. You may also connect by using the one touch button, WPS, connection feature by pushing the WPS button on the router and USB adapter simultaneously. Keep in mind although it is a dual band device - you must choose one or the other to connect to your router.

2.4GHz Wireless-N Band (802.11 B,G,N):
On this frequency the EnGenius is also backwards compatible with wireless G & B router connections.
The connection at this frequency is the stronger of the two. I had little or no drop connections and was able to maintain a maximum throughput of 50Mbps or faster during file transfers using only wireless-N connection. Streaming high definition movies I was able to sustain a throughput of between 15Mbps to 25Mbps.

5GHz Wireless-N Band (802.11 N:
The connection at this frequency is the weaker of the two and also the range was much shorter – although there was less noise (interference). I was able to maintain a file transfer throughput of 45Mbps or faster and maintain media streaming between 15Mbps to 25Mbps.
On both bands I never came close to the 300Mbps throughput speeds that manufacturers’ claim. But performance overall was better than Wireless-G connections. In order to achieve favorable wireless-N performances you must use ONLY WPA2 encryption and set router bands at 40MHz (which will prevent any other types of wireless connections and only allow Wireless-N connections)

Overall Thoughts:
For the price ($30-$40), the EnGenius 9801 is a great deal for a true dual band wireless-N device. Its Ralink chipset is similar or the same to more well known brands that cost twice as much or even more. Performance with this USB wireless-N adapter for exceeds those of wireless-G adapters. The only negative thing is that it is prone to being molested or knocked off due to the fact it is a USB 2.0 wireless-N device sticking out of your PC. If you are looking to upgrade your home wireless-N network the EnGenius 9801 300Mbps Dual Band USB adapter is the best value out there.