Another instance of swapping parts once the reputation is set?
Another instance of swapping parts once the reputation is set?
Alfa Network (alfa.com.tw) is known for manufacturing premium network equipment, with several items favored by Linux enthusiasts and recommended for Kali Linux testing, especially for WiFi security assessments. Their products are widely discussed online, and their AWUS036NHA model is particularly popular among users. This device features the well-known Atheros AR9271 Wi-Fi chip. I possess two units, one with the original seal and another with German revision. Upon inspection, both did not meet the advertised performance claims, prompting me to examine a third ALFA USB Wi-Fi adapter—a now end-of-life AWUS036NH model equipped with the RALINK RT3070 Wi-Fi chip. The findings indicate that neither adapter contains the original chip as advertised. For the AWUS036NHA models, both have the AR9271L chip (low-cost variant labeled L). The AWUS036NH, however, uses the RT3070L. Based on naming conventions, low-cost or low-power variants are likely candidates. Images: overview shows the NHA should display an AAR9271, whereas the table confirms: ALFA AWUS036NH = AtherosAR9271L. ALFA AWUS036NHA = AtherosAR9271L. Sources: product pages on Alfa.com.tw (and technical details) - AWUS036NH - AWUS036NHA further information available on techinfodepot - Atheros_AR9271 - ALFA_Network_AWUS036NHA - ALFA_Network_AWUS036NH Edited August 4, 2021 by Herr.Snatzer (note: typo)
I understand you're asking about the production timeline, possibly influenced by current supply challenges.
They continue to offer a lower-priced alternative while maintaining the same price as the original hardware.
In strict English terms, it refers to a consumer or customer. I believe it comes from an unintended combination of the words.
Certainly, the shift isn't just about turning buyers into customers.
It's a simple typo. Most learners pick up English by mimicking sounds similar to many Germanic languages, where you write what you hear. The "CU" in Customer isn't a typical sound, so we often render it as an "O," which leads to confusion. Plus, since "Costumer" is a real word and spellcheck doesn't flag it, the error keeps happening.
I sent an email to Alpha Networks regarding this matter. Since two out of three have their seals, they appear authentic. I also reached out to the store where I purchased the three units—located in the Netherlands (https://wifihouse.nl/), a dedicated Wi-Fi shop. They informed me they are the only Alpha Network location accessible from the German distribution hub there. I requested they update their website images and specifications so customers are clearly informed about what they receive. So far, they haven’t responded... ) back to my original email. No reply, not even an automated message from a bot. If nothing comes within a week, I’ll try alternative contact points within the company, this time using general customer support.
Additionally, I couldn’t locate any documentation explaining what distinguishes an L version from an L version. Some sources mention the L version clearly, but no detailed specs are available for comparison. For the Ralink model, it seems significant changes exist, possibly due to the Mediakick takeover of the company, which now holds all Ralink product documentation. I suspect this could explain why certain features differ even when other products use the non-L version.
In terms of the AWUSB036NH (Ralink), it’s promoted as a 2000mW high-power Wi-Fi adapter. However, the USB device specs show only 450mA maximum. It’s unclear how it achieves 2000mA over a USB 2.0 connection, especially since my fast-charging port only supports up to 1500mA.
Lastly, I discovered that the Ralink model is advertised with specific technical details. If anyone owns a unit or knows someone who does, could you share your experience? Also, note that the AWUSB036NH is listed as a 802.11 n WLAN adapter with serial number 1.0, and the manufacturer is Ralink.
I never understood the advertised 2000mW anyway, AFAIK there is no country where that would be legal to use. As for "how do they push 2W from USB 2.0" the simple answer I suspect is, they don't. It probably refers to ERP (Effective Radiated Power) which a quick Googling suggests that can be 3-6 times the actual input power. So they're basically saying you can achieve 2W ERP with a high-gain directional antenna, not really anything to brag about. Very disturbing to see them using Ralink, AFAIK they are the absolute bargain basement, maybe slightly better or equal to Realtek.