Comments (2)

By Scott., June 5, 2009 10:56 pm

While searching for information on the infamous Alfa Network AWUS036H USB Wi-Fi adapter, I came across some generic adapters on Ebay that look like exact clones of the Alfa unit.  They are also based on the Realtek RTL8187L chip, and except for the color they look exactly the same on the outside.  The circuit boards look exactly the same as well.  Here’s one of them:

And for comparison, the “real thing”:

I also came across a thread on a forum where someone was attempting to sell some similar adapters.  He described them as bulk “OEM” Alfa adapters.  Yeah, right.  The Ebay units are shipping from Hong Kong, and anybody who uses Ebay long enough knows about all of the inexpensive products for sale on there from Asia.  More often than not, they’re counterfeits.  I highly doubt these units for sale are approved by or made by Alfa.

With that said, I wonder if anybody has had any experience with them… I haven’t found anything.  I’m curious to know if anybody has tried them and compared them with the official AWUS036H.  I have to think it’s probably worth spending the extra $15-20 to get the real thing, and that’s what I ended up doing.  I’m looking forward to receive my 500mw adapter soon!