TP-Link TL-WN821N User manual

TL-WN821N
300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
REV5.0.1
1910011704

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. is a registered trademark of
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 © 2016 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com

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 to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced 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.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only
Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 5 mm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”

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.
RF Exposure Information
This device meets the EU requirements (1999/5/EC Article 3.1a) on the limitation of exposure of
the general public to electromagnetic fields by way of health protection.
This device has been tested and meets the ICNIRP exposure guidelines and the European
Standard EN 62209-2. SAR is measured with this device at a separation of 0.5 cm to the body,
while transmitting at the highest certified output power level in all frequency bands of this device.
Carry this device at least 0.5 cm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or
below the as-tested levels.
Canadian Compliance Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, meme si le
brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with IC 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.
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.
Industry Canada Statement
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B).

Korea Warning Statements
당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음.
NCC Notice & BSMI Notice
注意！
依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法
第十二條 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或功能。
第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通行；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，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率
射頻電機需忍受合法通信或工業、科學以及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
減少電磁波影響，請妥適使用。
安全諮詢及注意事項
●請使用原裝電源供應器或只能按照本產品注明的電源類型使用本產品。
●清潔本產品之前請先拔掉電源線。請勿使用液體、噴霧清潔劑或濕布進行清潔。
●注意防潮，請勿將水或其他液體潑灑到本產品上。
●插槽與開口供通風使用，以確保本產品的操作可靠並防止過熱，請勿堵塞或覆蓋開口。
●請勿將本產品置放於靠近熱源的地方。除非有正常的通風，否則不可放在密閉位置中。
●請不要私自打開機殼，不要嘗試自行維修本產品，請由授權的專業人士進行此項工作。
Продукт сертифіковано згідно справилами системи УкрСЕПРО на відповідність вимогам
нормативних документів та вимогам, що передбачені чинними законодавчими актами
України.
Safety Information
When product has power button, the power button is one of the way to shut off the product;
when there is no power button, the only way to completely shut off power is to disconnect the
product or the power adapter from the power source.
Don’t disassemble the product, or make repairs yourself. You run the risk of electric shock
and voiding the limited warranty. If you need service, please contact us.
Avoid water and wet locations.

Explanation of the symbols on the product label
Symbol Explanation
DC voltage
RECYCLING
This product bears the selective sorting symbol for Waste electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE). This means that this product must be handled pursuant to
European directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or dismantled to minimize
its impact on the environment.
User has the choice to give his product to a competent recycling organization or to
the retailer when he buys a new electrical or electronic equipment.

TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
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
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 within the scope of Council Directives:
Directives 1999/5/EC, Directives 2014/30/EU, Directives 2014/35/EU, Directives 2011/65/EU
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents:
EN 300 328 V1.9.1
EN 301489-1 V1.9.2 & EN 301489-17 V2.2.1
EN 55022: 2010+AC: 2011
EN 55024: 2010
EN 60950-1: 2006 + A11: 2009 + A1: 2010 + A12: 2011 +A2: 2013
EN 50566: 2013
EN 50581: 2012
The product carries the CE Mark:
Person responsible for making this declaration:
Huang Jing
Regulatory Compliance Manager
Date of issue: 2016-04-07

CONTENTS
Chapter 1Product Overview ................................................................................. 1
1.1Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2Features.................................................................................................................. 1
1.3LED Status.............................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 2Connect to a Computer ........................................................................ 2
Chapter 3Windows ................................................................................................ 3
3.1Install Driver ............................................................................................................ 3
3.2Join a Wireless Network.......................................................................................... 5
3.2.1Windows Wireless Utility ............................................................................ 5
3.2.2TP-LINK Utility............................................................................................ 7
3.2.3WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)..................................................................... 8
3.3Management ......................................................................................................... 11
3.3.1Status ....................................................................................................... 12
3.3.2Profile ....................................................................................................... 12
3.3.3Advanced ................................................................................................. 14
3.3.4SoftAP ...................................................................................................... 14
3.3.5About........................................................................................................ 16
3.4Uninstall Driver and Utility ..................................................................................... 16
Chapter 4Mac OS X ............................................................................................. 17
4.1Install Driver and Utility ......................................................................................... 17
4.2Join a Wireless Network........................................................................................ 21
4.2.1TP-LINK Utility.......................................................................................... 22
4.2.2WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)................................................................... 23
4.3Management ......................................................................................................... 26
4.3.1Link Status ............................................................................................... 27
4.3.2Profiles ..................................................................................................... 27
4.4Uninstall Driver and Utility ..................................................................................... 29
Chapter 5Linux .................................................................................................... 30
Appendix A: Specifications................................................................................... 31
Appendix B: Glossary............................................................................................ 32

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
1
Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1 Introduction
The TP-LINK TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter connects your notebook or
desktop computer over Wi-Fi to an 11n or other network for applications such as lag-free video
streaming, online gaming, and secure Internet surfing.
1.2 Features
Seamlessly compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n products
USB 2.0 port
Equipped with a USB Extension Cable for flexible deployment
Good capability on anti-jamming
Supports high rate of up to 300Mbps for maximum throughput, supports automatically adjust
to lower speeds due to distance or other operating limitations
Supports ad-hoc and infrastructure mode
Easy wireless security encryption at a push of the WPS button
Supports 64/128 WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK(TKIP/AES), supports IEEE
802.1x
Easy Wireless Configuration Utility
Supports Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10 32/64bit, Mac OS X 10.7 - 10.10, Linux
1.3 LED Status
Status Working Status
Off
The driver has not been installed.
The adapter's radio has been disabled.
Flashing Slowly The driver has been installed but no data is being transmitted or received.
Flashing Quickly Data is being transmitted or received.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
2
Chapter 2 Connect to a Computer
Before you begin using your adapter, connect the adapter to your computer.
Option 1: Directly
Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer directly.
Option 2: Via the USB Extension Cable
Connect the adapter and your computer with the provided USB extension cable.
Note:
In Windows XP, a Found New Hardware Wizard window will appear when the adapter is
detected. Please click Cancel.
After connecting your adapter to the computer, please follow the instructions in the appropriate
chapter for your operating system: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
3
Chapter 3 Windows
3.1 Install Driver
The Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedures. We use the procedures in
Windows 7 as an example - the procedures may vary slightly for other versions of Windows.
1. Insert the resource CD into your CD drive and run the Autorun.exe from the pop-up
AutoPlay window. Select TL-WN821N and click Install Driver to begin.
Note:
The CD is included in the package. If your CD does not work or your computer doesn't
support the CD, you can also download the driver and utility from the TP-LINK website
(http://www.tp-link.com).
In some operating systems, the CD screen will pop up automatically. Otherwise, run the CD
manually.
2. The InstallShield Wizard window displays. Click Next to continue.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
4
3. Choose a setup type. It is recommended to select Install Driver Only. Click Next.
Note:
The default setup type is Install Driver Only. You can also select Install TP-LINK Wireless
Configuration Utility and Driver for more functions, such as joining a wireless network via
TP-LINK Utility or WPS, and managing the adapter.
4. Click Install. After a few minutes, the installation completes. Click Finish.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
5
3.2 Join a Wireless Network
You can join a wireless network via Windows built-in Wireless Utility. If you want to use Option 2:
TP-LINK Utility or Option 3: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) to join a wireless network, you need
to install TP-LINK Utility first.
Option 1: Windows Wireless Utility
You can use the Windows WLAN Autoconfig service (for Windows 7/8/8.1/10) and the Wireless
Zero Configuration service (for Windows XP) to join a wireless network..
Option 2: TP-LINK Utility
TP-LINK Utility lets you easily connect the adapter to a wireless network and manage the
adapter.
Option 3: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a network security standard for easily adding computers and
other devices to a home network. Use this method if your wireless router or access point
supports WPS.
3.2.1 Windows Wireless Utility
Follow the instructions in the appropriate section below to use your computer system’s built-in
wireless utility: Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Windows XP.
Windows 7/8/8.1/10
1. Click , or (Network icon) on the taskbar. Select the network you want to join,
and click Connect. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
2. When the network icon changes to or , it indicates a successful network
connection.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
6
Note:
If you do not want to enter the Wi-Fi password, you can also join a wireless network either by
pushing the WPS or QSS button on your router or AP, or entering the PIN of your router when
the screen prompts you to do so, and click Next.
Windows XP
1. If you have not installed TP-LINK Utility, please directly go to Step 2.
If you have installed TP-LINK Utility, you need to switch to use Windows wireless configuration
tool manually using one of the following methods.
Right-click (TP-LINK Utility icon) on the system tray. (If you do not see the icon,
click the hidden icons arrow on the system tray.) Select Switch to Windows wireless
configuration tool.
Open TP-LINK Utility and select Advanced tab. Select Use Windows wireless
configuration tool the following figure shows. Click OK when it prompts.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
7
2. Right-click (Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility icon) on the taskbar, and
select View Available Wireless Networks.
3. Select the network you want to join, and click Connect. Enter your Wi-Fi password when
prompted.
3.2.2 TP-LINK Utility
1. Double-click (TP-LINK Utility icon). The Network screen displays.
2. Select the network you want to join from the list on this screen and click Connect. If you
want the adapter to automatically connect to the network next time, select the Connect
automatically checkbox. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
8
Note:
If your Wi-Fi network is not displayed in the list, you can try to join it by WPS or by adding a
profile in the Profile screen.
3.2.3 WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS can be activated via PBC (Push Button Configuration) and PIN code. Please refer to PBC
or PIN below.
PBC
Option 1
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the
WPS button on the adapter until the following screen appears.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
9
2. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
Option 2
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP.
2. Open TP-LINK Utility and click WPS tab. Select Push the button on my access point or
wireless router and click Connect.
3. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
10
PIN
Option 1
1. Open TP-LINK Utility and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of my access point or
wireless router. Enter the PIN of your router or AP. Click Connect.
Note:
The default PIN of your router or AP is printed on the product label of your router or AP. If you
generated a new PIN for your router, please enter the new one.
2. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
11
Option 2
1. Open TP-LINK Utility and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of this device into my
access point or wireless router. The screen displays a PIN of the adapter, which is
generated randomly. Click Connect.
2. Log into the Web Management page of your router or AP. Go to the WPS page, enter the
PIN of the adapter in the corresponding field and click Connect.
3. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
3.3 Management
TP-LINK Utility provides you with an easy way to manage your adapter. It includes the following
sections:
Status - View the information of the current Wi-Fi network connection and of the adapter.
Profile - Save or manage various Wi-Fi network connection settings.
Advanced - Turn on or off the SoftAP mode and power saving mode, switch between TP-LINK
Utility and Windows Wireless Utility (for Windows XP only).
SoftAP - Configure the settings of the network shared by your adapter, and view the IP address
of your adapter when it works on SoftAP mode.
About – View your adapter’s Utility version and its Driver version.
Double-click (TP-LINK Utility icon) and click the Status, Profile or Advanced tab to
manage the corresponding section of your adapter.

TL-WN821N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter User Guide
12
3.3.1 Status
You can view the IP address and MAC address of the adapter, the signal strength of the Wi-Fi
network, and other information of the network status as shown in the following figure.
3.3.2 Profile
The Profile screen lets you save and manage different Wi-Fi network connection settings as
profiles so that you can quickly and simply connect to your network. Moreover, you can join a
hidden Wi-Fi network that does not broadcast its SSID by adding a profile, provided that you
know its wireless settings, such as SSID, security type, and encryption type. For more details,
please refer to the instructions below: To add a new profile, To join a Wi-Fi network, To manage
an existing profile.
To add a new profile
1. Click the Add button, and then a new window will open.
2. Complete the settings as shown in the following figure, and click Save.