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 from the target network owner before use.
Product Overview
#The AWUS036ACM is the top recommendation for Linux users who want zero-hassle setup. Its MediaTek MT7612U chipset has been built into the Linux kernel since version 4.19 — meaning it works out of the box on Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Raspberry Pi OS, Arch Linux, and virtually any modern distribution without compiling a single line of code. It matches the AWUS036ACH in physical size and antenna configuration but uses MediaTek’s rock-solid in-kernel driver. Monitor mode, packet injection, and VIF (Virtual Interface) are all fully supported.
macOS Notice: All ALFA adapters have limited or no macOS support. macOS 11+ and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) are NOT supported. The AWUS036ACM supports a maximum of macOS 10.12 Sierra — stricter than most other models.
Key Features
#- MediaTek MT7612U chipset — in-kernel Linux driver since kernel 4.19 (plug & play, no compilation needed)
- WiFi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band AC1200 — up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz, 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz
- 2× RP-SMA female connectors with 2× 5 dBi detachable dual-band antennas — identical physical format to AWUS036ACH
- USB 3.0 (USB-A) interface
- Full monitor mode, packet injection, and AP mode support
- VIF (Virtual Interface) support in Kali Linux
- Included USB 3.0 extension cable
- TAA compliant — suitable for US government procurement (GSA compatible)
- Works out of the box on Raspberry Pi OS — no driver installation
Technical Specifications
#| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek MT7612U |
| WiFi Standards | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (WiFi 5) |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz (2.412–2.472 GHz) · 5 GHz (5.15–5.825 GHz) |
| Channel Widths | 20 / 40 / 80 MHz |
| Max Data Rate | 5 GHz: up to 867 Mbps · 2.4 GHz: up to 300 Mbps |
| Combined Max Speed | AC1200 (867 + 300 Mbps) |
| Antenna Connectors | 2× RP-SMA female |
| Included Antennas | 2× dual-band dipole, 5 dBi gain |
| USB Interface | USB 3.0 Type-A (backward compatible with USB 2.0) |
| Output Power | 802.11a: 20 dBm · 802.11b: 23 dBm · 802.11g: 23 dBm · 802.11n: 21 dBm · 802.11ac: 20 dBm |
| Receive Sensitivity | 802.11a: −92 dBm · 802.11b: −97 dBm · 802.11g: −90 dBm · 802.11n: −90 dBm |
| Wireless Security | WPA2 / WPA / WEP / WPA-PSK / 802.1X |
| LED | Yes (power + WLAN activity) |
| Accessories | USB 3.0 extension cable |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
OS Support
#| OS | Status | Notes |
|---|
| Windows XP–11 | ✅ Supported | Driver from Alfa website. Windows 10/11 recommended. |
| macOS 10.7–10.12 | ⚠️ Limited | Official support ends at macOS 10.12 Sierra. macOS 11+ and Apple Silicon NOT supported. |
| Ubuntu 19.04+ | ✅ Plug & Play | In-kernel mt76 driver (kernel ≥ 4.19). Zero driver installation on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later. |
| Kali Linux 2019.3+ | ✅ Plug & Play | In-kernel driver. Monitor mode confirmed. VIF (Virtual Interface) supported. AP mode on 5 GHz may require disable_usb_sg module parameter. |
| NetHunter (Android) | ✅ Supported | OTG USB; in-kernel driver means broader Android compatibility than RTL adapters. |
Hardware Support
#| Hardware | Status | Notes |
|---|
| Raspberry Pi 3B+/4/5 | ✅ Excellent | Works out of the box on Raspberry Pi OS — no driver installation required. Best Alfa adapter for Pi. |
| Desktop/Laptop PC | ✅ Supported | Standard USB-A, with included extension cable. |
| Mac (Intel) | ⚠️ Limited | macOS 10.7–10.12 only. |
Advanced Capabilities
#| Feature | Status |
|---|
| Monitor Mode | ✅ Yes (in-kernel, no extra steps on modern distros) |
| Packet Injection | ✅ Yes |
| Soft AP Mode | ✅ Yes (5 GHz AP: add disable_usb_sg module parameter for best performance) |
| Bluetooth | ❌ No |
| VIF (Virtual Interface) | ✅ Yes (full VIF support in Kali) |
What’s in the Box
#- 1× AWUS036ACM adapter
- 2× Detachable 5 dBi dual-band dipole antennas
- 1× USB 3.0 extension cable
- 1× Driver CD (Windows)
Resources & Links
#Datasheet Download
#
Compatible Antenna Upgrades
#All ALFA adapters feature a standard RP-SMA connector. Upgrade with an optional external antenna for greater range and gain:
