Your Upgrade for Maximum WiFi Reception
Stop wondering why your Wi-Fi constantly gives up. The ALFA Network AWUS036ACM is not an ordinary Wi-Fi stick, but a real performance upgrade for your computer. Thanks to the combination of a highly sensitive chipset and two external 5dBi Antennas, this adapter reliably captures even distant and weak signals. Whether in the home office, gaming corner, or in buildings with thick walls – you get a stable and fast connection where internal Wi-Fi cards have long given up.
The Professional Adapter for Kali Linux & Pentesting
In the world of IT security, the right chipset is crucial. The MediaTek MT7612U in the AWUS036ACM is a legend. It is natively supported by the Linux kernel, which means: plug in and get started. On current systems like Kali Linux or Parrot OS, it works without any driver installation. More importantly: It reliably supports monitor mode and packet injection on both frequency bands. This makes it an indispensable tool for anyone professionally involved in Network security.
True Dual-Band AC1200 for High-Speed & Gaming
Why choose one frequency band when you can have both? The AWUS036ACM intelligently uses the 2.4 GHz band for maximum compatibility and range, as well as the significantly faster and less crowded 5 GHz band. This allows you to achieve data rates of up to 867 Mbps via the 802.11ac standard. That's more than enough power for smooth 4K streaming, demanding online gaming, and lightning-fast downloads without annoying loading bars. This WiFi USB Adapter is your ticket to the high-speed league.
Flexible and Future-Proof thanks to Upgradeable Antennas
Is standard not enough for you? No problem. The AWUS036ACM is equipped with universal RP-SMA connectors. This means you can replace the included 5dBi Antennas at any time with even more powerful WiFi Antennas. Whether it's a directional Antenna for a point-to-point connection or stronger omnidirectional antennas for even better coverage – you have full control and can perfectly adapt the adapter to your needs.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Superior Linux compatibility with native kernel support (plug-and-play).
- Pro: Reliable monitor mode and packet injection for pentesting.
- Pro: High reception sensitivity and range due to two 5dBi antennas.
- Pro: True AC1200 Dual-Band for high speeds and flexibility.
- Pro: Upgradeable antennas thanks to standard RP-SMA connectors.
- Note: A USB 3.0 port on the computer is required for full speed.
- Note: The newer WPA3 encryption standard is not officially supported.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | Alfa Network Inc. |
| Model: | AWUS036ACM |
| EAN: | 4718050307371 |
| Chipset: | MediaTek MT7612U |
| Device Type: | External WiFi USB Client Adapter |
| Interface: | USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0) |
| WiFi Generation: | Wi-Fi 5 |
| WiFi Standards: | IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Frequency Bands: | Dual-Band, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz |
| Max. Data Rate (5 GHz): | up to 867 Mbps (802.11ac) |
| Max. Data Rate (2.4 GHz): | up to 300 Mbps (802.11n) |
| Channel Widths: | 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz |
| Antennas: | 2x external, detachable Dual-Band Antennas |
| Antenna Gain: | 5 dBi per Antenna |
| Antenna Connector: | RP-SMA Female |
| Transmit Power (TX Power): | up to 23 dBm |
| Receive Sensitivity (RX): | up to -97 dBm |
| WiFi Security: | 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK, 802.1X |
| Special Functions: | Monitor Mode, Packet Injection, AP Mode |
| Compatibility Windows: | XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 |
| Compatibility macOS: | 10.7 to 10.12 (and newer, depending on driver) |
| Compatibility Linux: | Plug-and-Play from Kernel v4.19 (e.g., Kali Linux, Ubuntu) |
| Power Consumption: | approx. 380mA |
| LED Indicator: | Power, WiFi Activity |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x ALFA Network AWUS036ACM WiFi Adapter |
| 2 x 5dBi Dual-Band Antenna |
| 1 x USB 3.0 Connection Cable |
| 1 x Clip Mount |
| 1 x Driver CD |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to install drivers for the ALFA AWUS036ACM under Kali Linux?
No. The big advantage of this adapter is its native support by the Linux kernel since version 4.19. On current versions of Kali Linux, Parrot OS, or Ubuntu, the adapter is automatically recognized and ready for immediate use ('Plug-and-Play').
Does the AWUS036ACM support monitor mode and packet injection?
Yes, absolutely. The adapter is specifically designed for penetration testing and security analysis and reliably supports monitor mode (with tools like `airmon-ng`) and packet injection (with `aireplay-ng`) on both frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
What is the difference between the AWUS036ACM and the older AWUS036AC?
The main difference lies in the chipset used. The AWUS036ACM uses the MediaTek MT7612U, while the AWUS036AC uses a Realtek chipset. The MediaTek chipset in the ACM model is known for its superior and more stable Linux compatibility and driver support directly in the kernel.
Can I improve the range of my WiFi at home with this adapter?
Yes. Thanks to its high transmission power and the two sensitive 5dBi antennas, the adapter can receive WiFi signals significantly better than most internal WiFi cards in laptops. It can help establish a stable connection in areas with weak signals.
Do I need a USB 3.0 port to use the adapter?
Not necessarily, but it is highly recommended. The adapter also works with a USB 2.0 port, but the maximum data transfer rate is then limited to 480 Mbit/s. To utilize the full speed of the 802.11ac standard (up to 867 Mbit/s), a USB 3.0 port is required.
Is this adapter suitable for online gaming and 4K streaming?
Yes, very well even. By supporting the fast 5 GHz band and the 802.11ac standard, it offers high data rates and low latencies, which is ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as 4K video streaming and online gaming.
Homepage: https://alfa.com.tw
