Product Overview
#The AWUS036EACS is Alfa’s ultra-compact WiFi + Bluetooth combination adapter, designed for home and office users who want both wireless connectivity in a single discreet USB dongle. Built around the Realtek RTL8821CU chipset, it integrates AC600 dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 in a nano form factor with built-in driver support on Windows. Its Soft AP mode lets you share your internet connection. This adapter prioritises simplicity and compactness over performance — it is NOT recommended for Linux power users, Kali Linux, or security research.
⚠️ Note: AWUS036EACS is designed for Windows home use. RTL8821CU has poor Linux community driver support. NOT recommended for Linux, Kali Linux, or Raspberry Pi. No RP-SMA port — antenna is non-upgradeable.
Product Features
#- 802.11ac AC600 dual-band WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 in a single nano USB adapter
- Plug-and-play on Windows — built-in driver installs automatically
- Soft AP mode — create a WiFi hotspot directly from the adapter
- Ultra-compact and portable — disappears into any USB port
- Dual-band: 2.4 GHz (150 Mbps) + 5 GHz (433 Mbps)
- Integrated 2 dBi antenna — no external RP-SMA connector
- Ideal for desktops, embedded systems, or home PCs needing WiFi + BT in minimal space
- Bluetooth 4.2 supports audio streaming, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals
Technical Specifications
#| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Chipset | Realtek RTL8821CU |
| WiFi Standards | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (WiFi 5) |
| Bluetooth | BT 4.2 (2.4 GHz) |
| Frequency Bands | WiFi: 2.4 GHz · 5 GHz · BT: 2.4 GHz |
| Max Data Rate | 802.11b: 11 Mbps · 802.11g: 54 Mbps · 802.11n: 150 Mbps · 802.11ac: 433 Mbps |
| Combined Max Speed | AC600 (150 + 433 Mbps) |
| Antenna | Integrated, 2 dBi (non-removable, no RP-SMA) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Output Power | 17 dBm typical |
| Receive Sensitivity | 802.11b: −85 dBm · 802.11g: −69 dBm · 802.11n: −68 dBm · 802.11ac: −59 dBm |
| Wireless Security | WEP / WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK / 802.1X |
| Operating Temperature | −10°C to 60°C |
| Form Factor | Nano / low-profile |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
OS Compatibility
#| OS | Status | Notes |
|---|
| Windows XP–10 | ✅ Supported | Built-in driver; plug and play. Check Alfa driver page for Windows 11 compatibility. |
| macOS | ⚠️ Limited | Exact version range TBC. No Apple Silicon support. |
| Ubuntu / Linux | ⚠️ Poor | RTL8821CU has poor community driver support. Not recommended. |
| Kali Linux | ❌ Not recommended | Monitor mode and packet injection not reliably supported. |
| NetHunter (Android) | ❌ Not recommended | RTL8821CU not confirmed working with NetHunter. |
Hardware Support
#| Hardware | Status | Notes |
|---|
| Raspberry Pi | ❌ Not recommended | RTL8821CU driver issues on Pi OS. |
| Desktop / Laptop PC | ✅ Supported | Windows only recommended. |
| Embedded / IoT (Windows) | ⚠️ Windows only | Compact design suits embedded Windows systems. |
Advanced Capabilities
#| Feature | Status |
|---|
| Monitor Mode | ❌ Not reliably supported |
| Packet Injection | ❌ Not reliably supported |
| Soft AP Mode | ✅ Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✅ BT 4.2 |
| VIF | ❌ No |
What’s in the Box
#- 1× AWUS036EACS nano adapter
Resources & Links
#Datasheet Download
#Official datasheet coming soon.
Compatible Antenna Upgrades
#All ALFA adapters feature a standard RP-SMA connector. Upgrade with an optional external antenna for greater range and gain:
