Legal Disclaimer: Monitor Mode and Packet Injection features are for authorized security testing, educational research, and legal penetration testing only. Ensure you have explicit authorization for the target network.
Product Overview
#The AWUS036ACH is Alfa Network’s most iconic security research adapter — the gold standard for Kali Linux penetration testing since 2017. Powered by the battle-tested Realtek RTL8812AU chipset, it delivers rock-solid monitor mode and packet injection support, a built-in power amplifier for long-range reception, and two detachable 5 dBi antennas. It was the world’s first WiFi 5 adapter with a USB Type-C connector.
macOS Notice: All ALFA adapters have limited/no macOS support. macOS 11 Big Sur and later, and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) are NOT supported. Maximum macOS support is 10.15 Catalina on Intel Macs.
Key Features
#- Realtek RTL8812AU — most widely tested chipset for WiFi security research
- WiFi 5 AC1200 dual-band: 5 GHz 867 Mbps + 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps
- Built-in power amplifier — up to 3× the range of typical laptop cards
- 2× RP-SMA female with 2× 5 dBi detachable dual-band antennas (upgradeable)
- World’s first WiFi 5 USB-C adapter
- Screen clip mount included
- Kali Linux support since 2017.1
Technical Specifications
#| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Chipset | Realtek RTL8812AU |
| WiFi Standards | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (WiFi 5) |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Max Data Rate | 802.11n: 300 Mbps · 802.11ac: 867 Mbps |
| Combined Max Speed | AC1200 (867 + 300 Mbps) |
| Antenna Connectors | 2× RP-SMA female |
| Included Antennas | 2× dual-band dipole omni, 5 dBi |
| USB Interface | Type-C SuperSpeed (5 Gbps); USB 2.0 backward compatible |
| Power Amplifier | Yes — extended range |
| Wireless Security | WPA3 / WPA2 / WPA / WEP / WPS / 802.1X |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
OS Support
#| OS | Status | Notes |
|---|
| Windows 10/11 | ✅ Supported | Download driver from Alfa website; WPA3 supported |
| macOS 10.15 Catalina | ⚠️ Limited | Manual install; macOS 11+ and Apple Silicon NOT supported |
| Ubuntu | ✅ Supported | Manual RTL8812AU DKMS install; in-kernel on kernel ≥ 6.14 |
| Kali Linux | ✅ Excellent | Since Kali 2017.1; full monitor mode + packet injection; use aircrack-ng driver |
| NetHunter (Android) | ✅ Supported | OTG USB; widely confirmed working |
Hardware Support
#| Hardware | Status | Notes |
|---|
| Raspberry Pi 3B+/4/5 | ✅ Supported | Manual driver via morrownr DKMS script |
| Desktop/Laptop PC | ✅ Supported | USB-C or USB-A via included cable |
| Mac (Intel) | ⚠️ Limited | macOS 10.15 Catalina maximum |
Advanced Capabilities
#| Feature | Status |
|---|
| Monitor Mode | ✅ Excellent (gold standard — community-proven since 2017) |
| Packet Injection | ✅ Excellent |
| Soft AP Mode | ✅ Yes |
| Bluetooth | ❌ No |
| VIF | ⚠️ Limited |
What’s in the Box
#- 1× AWUS036ACH adapter
- 2× Detachable 5 dBi dual-band dipole antennas
- 1× USB-C to USB-A cable
- 1× Screen clip mount
Resources & Links
#Product Datasheet
#
Compatible Antenna Upgrades
#All ALFA adapters feature a standard RP-SMA connector. Upgrade with an optional external antenna for greater range and gain:
