Asus Unveils PCE-AC66 and USB-AC53 WiFi 802.11ac Adapters

Asus showcased two WiFi 802.11ac wireless adapters PCE-AC66 and USB-AC53 for the next generation WiFi technology. Both products utilize dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz transmission with up to 1.3Gbps and 867Mbps in data rate, respectively, making them ideal for multiplayer gaming and HD content streaming. The PCE-AC66 is the world’s first dual-band PCI-Express 802.11ac adapter, while the USB-AC53 is a compact adapter using USB connection intended to bring 802.11 ac connectivity to more devices. The PCE-AC66 uses PCI-Express interface that allows for instant wireless upgrade to desktop PCs. It includes hardware signal amplification to offer up to 150% the coverage of 802.11n adapters for serving a larger space. It can be used as an adapter or client with selectable dual 2.4GHz/5GHz bands, and comes three detachable antennas with a magnetized antenna base for flexible and optimized placement. The USB-AC53, on the other hand, is a USB WiFi adapter with dual-band support and twin antennas designed for upgrading wireless capability of notebook. It supports up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz frequency and 300Mbps via 2.4GHz. A cradle is included for vertical and horizontal placement and a attachment clip allows you to hook it to a notebook. Also in the package is a USB extension that allows users to place the adapter in the location wit best reception. The AC53 features an elegant Black Diamond design seen on Asus’ other high-end networking products. Asus PCE-AC66 and USB-AC53 Price & Availability Pricing and availability are still unknown at the moment for both products. PCE-AC66 Specifications- Network standard: IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac Interface: PCI Express Antennas: 3 x external dual-band detachable Operating frequency: 2.4GHz/5GHz (non-concurrent) Data rate: 802.11b up to 11Mbps, 802.11a/g up to 54Mbps, 802.11n (2.4GHz) up to 450Mbps, 802.11ac (5GHz) up to 1.3Gbps Output power: a mode 18-22dBm, b mode 24.5dBm, g mode 19-23dBm, n mode 18-23dBm (2.4GHz) and 18-22dBm (5GHz), ac mode 17-22dBm Operating system: Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8 Encryption: 64-bit/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2-TKIP/AES, WPA/WPA2-PSK Management and utilities: 2.4GHz/5GHz transmission power adjustment, connection settings, connection profiles Dimensions: 103.3mm x 68.9mm x 21mm Weight: 125g USB-AC53 Specifications- Network standard: IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac Interface: USB 2.0 Antennas: 2 x internal PIFA Operating frequency: selectable dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Data rate: 802.11b up to 11Mbps, 802.11a/g up to 54Mbps, 802.11n (2.4GHz) up to 300Mbps, 802.11ac (5GHz) up to 867Mbps Output power: a mode 18-21dBm, b mode 22dBm, g mode 19-22dBm, n mode 19-22dBm (2.4GHz) and 18-21dBm (5GHz), ac mode 18-21dBm Hardware buttons: WPS Operating system: Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8, Mac OS 10.4 and above Encryption: 64-bit/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES, WPA/WPA2-PSK Dimensions: 96mm x 26mm x 12.45mm Weight: 20g