PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
TP-Link TL-WN861N N300 Wireless Mini PCI Adapter
The TP-Link TL-WN861N is an internal wireless network adapter designed to add or replace Wi-Fi connectivity in compatible legacy computers. Its 32-bit Mini PCI interface requires a supported host system; it does not fit Mini PCI Express or M.2 wireless card slots.
Supporting IEEE 802.11b/g/n networks, the adapter provides 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity with an advertised maximum signal rate of 300 Mbps. Its 2×2 MIMO technology uses two transmit and two receive paths to support Wireless N connections for everyday network access, file transfers and media applications.
Key Features
- 32-bit Mini PCI host interface.
- 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity.
- Advertised wireless signal rate up to 300 Mbps.
- 2×2 MIMO wireless technology.
- WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security support.
- Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc operating modes.
- TP-Link Wireless Client Utility for connection configuration and monitoring.
Wireless Performance
The TL-WN861N connects to compatible 2.4 GHz wireless networks. Connection speed depends on the access point, wireless settings, signal conditions and host system. The 300 Mbps rating describes the advertised wireless link capability, not guaranteed Internet speed or file-transfer throughput.
Installation and Driver Requirements
Installation requires access to a compatible internal Mini PCI slot and a suitable driver. TP-Link's model-specific driver downloads list Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. Confirm the adapter's hardware revision and the host manufacturer's requirements before purchase.
Wireless Security and Setup
The adapter supports WPA2 and AES encryption. TP-Link's legacy QSS utility provides assisted wireless setup with compatible network equipment. Choose network settings supported by both the adapter and the access point.
Ideal Applications
- Replacing a wireless card in a verified compatible legacy computer.
- Adding Wireless N connectivity to supported Mini PCI systems.
- Connecting legacy equipment to a compatible 2.4 GHz WLAN.
- Maintenance and restoration projects requiring this specific interface.
Compatible Products
Physical installation requires a host that supports a 32-bit Mini PCI wireless adapter, provides sufficient clearance and accepts the card through its BIOS or firmware. A suitable driver and compatible antenna installation are also required. A matching slot alone does not confirm complete system compatibility.
The following product is a compatible wireless network counterpart, rather than a host for installing the adapter:
- TP-Link TL-WR841N 300 Mbps Wireless N Router – Supports a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n network and WPA2 settings that match the TL-WN861N's documented wireless capabilities.
Important: Mini PCI is different from Mini PCI Express and M.2. Do not purchase this adapter for those slots. Compatibility with specific notebook models, RouterBOARD devices or other embedded systems has not been reliably confirmed.
Important: The adapter operates on 2.4 GHz. It does not provide 5 GHz or 6 GHz connectivity, and WPA3 support is not documented. Use a network mode and security configuration supported by both devices.
Technical Specifications
General
- Brand: TP-Link
- Model / MPN: TL-WN861N
- Product Type: Internal wireless Mini PCI adapter
- Host Interface: 32-bit Mini PCI
- Supplied Hardware Revision: Not specified on the Flytec listing
Wireless
- Standards: IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b
- Frequency Range: 2.4–2.4835 GHz
- Advertised Maximum Signal Rate: 300 Mbps
- MIMO: 2×2; two transmit and two receive paths
- Operating Modes: Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc
- Maximum Transmit Power: 20 dBm, as listed in the official datasheet
- Media Access: CSMA/CA with ACK
Security
- WPA Security: WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- Encryption: TKIP/AES
- Legacy WEP Support: 64/128/152-bit
Software and Drivers
- Manufacturer-Listed Driver Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista
- Configuration Utility: TP-Link Wireless Client Utility
- Driver Selection: Match the adapter's hardware revision
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 59.7 × 51 × 3.3 mm
Environmental
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 °C
- Storage Temperature: -40 to 70 °C
- Operating Humidity: 10%–90%, non-condensing
- Storage Humidity: 5%–95%, non-condensing
Certifications
- Listed Certifications: CE, FCC
Manufacturer-Documented Package Contents
- TL-WN861N wireless Mini PCI adapter
- Quick Installation Guide
- Resource CD with drivers, wireless client utility and user guide
