WiFi Native AirPort Extreme - TP-Link TL-WDN4800

[Bobcat86]

Did a search on this site about this card and no info was found.

Therefore here's the scoop:

TP-Link TL-WDN4800 card is a drop-in AirPort Extreme replacement complete with AirDrop support. The only issue I had is it didn't show that it was locked on my AirPort Base Station and didn't show signal strength, as if it was not latched on my network despite it was. Fixed itself automatically on next reboot, but I had to enter my SSID and password a second time.

Now I have full native WiFi with AirDrop for $45CDN, OSX sees it as an AirPort Extreme.

Let me know if this is of any help !

 

[dapimp18]

Great info mate

 

[cliffg]

I picked this card up today based on this recommendation. I plugged it in to Lion 10.7.4 and it was recognized immediately. Linked right up to my router and it worked
flawlessly.

 

[Bobcat86]

Did you have any issues, my SSID is not broadcasted, which would probably explain my very short lived pains...

 

[cliffg]

I did not try it without broadcasting m SSID. I will try it out and post an update tomorrow.

 

[Going Bald]

what chipset is it using? can you post a pic of the chips showing model numbers?

TIA

 

[Bobcat86]

I am at work now and will send you the System Information screen later tonight, as a picture would be useless since the transceiver chips are shielded as seen on this link:

http://www.tp-link.com/ca/products/deta ... TL-WDN4800

 

[Bobcat86]

Here's a listing of relevant System Information of the TP-Link TL-WDN4800, you can notice it being recognized as AirPort Extreme with AirDrop supported:

Software Versions:
CoreWLAN: 2.1.2 (212.2)
CoreWLANKit: 1.0.3 (103.2)
Menu Extra: 7.1 (710.1)
configd plug-in: 7.2.1 (721.3)
System Profiler: 7.0 (700.3)
IO80211 Family: 4.2 (420.3)
WiFi Diagnostics: 1.0.2 (102)
AirPort Utility: 6.0 (600.92)
Interfaces:
en0:
Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x3112)
Firmware Version: Atheros 9380: 4.0.64.8-P2P
MAC Address: FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF
Locale: Unknown
Country Code:
Supported Channels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64
Wake On Wireless: Supported
AirDrop: Supported
Status: Connected

 

[kaipu]

I think its based on the following chipset:
Atheros AR5BXB112 AR9380 Dual-Band full height mini PCI-E 450M WLAN wifi card

Can make the WiFi card with this chipset and a Mini PCI-E to PCIe adapter with Antennas

But I think it would cost as much as the TP-Link or more.. :?

 

[mofoinc]

I built my own card as per others in the forum using both the mini pci card with an Atheros mini wifi adapter but have been having drop out issues with it. Also the range isn't all that good with the card I bought. (Previous gen, no 5 ghz band) I too ordered one based on Bobcat's review. Hopefully it will solve my wireless issues.

Thanks for helping a fellow canuck Bobcat!