Avoid TP-Link TL-WDN5200 (also named T2U in some countries)

[fakemanhk]

Well, previously tried the TP-Link T2U (borrowed from my friend), knowing that it was MT7610U so I bought it (the Asus USB-AC51 not available in my country), so I ordered the TL-WDN5200 but was shocked after I received it.

The USB ID is 0bda:c811 which is Realtek 8821?! I cannot believe my eyes when I saw that from my Chromebook.

After more detail inspection, there's a little word V3 printed on the USB connector, and found hint on the internet that only V1/V2 are MT7610U, TP-Link changed it to Realtek in V3! Even the seller knows nothing about this. And just like their routers, so many different versions/revisions that might have hardware change, and people just get confused.

So my verdict is, avoid this TP-Link dongle, unless you have a chance to open and check the dongle to make sure you are getting V1/V2 (it's not printed on packaging, nor not visible through the box due to the presence of plastic cover), or if you have a chance to return it.

Note: This is not related to T2U Nano/Plus since the Nano/Plus are already known to be using Realtek

[morrownr]

@fakemanhk

Stories like this are a big part of why I started this site. I am very very picky about what I allow to go into the Plug and Play List. Adapters have to not only be good adapters but the links have to be known to provide what we think they are selling.

If you read Main Menu item 1, I go into this and I even recommend that Linux users do not buy TP-Link products because of this kind of way of doing business. I realize that there is not the availability of all products we might like in all parts of the world as I have lived in several countries myself but I have found that if you work the issue with the Plug and Play List in hand, you can in most cases get something that you want.

Thanks for posting. Getting information out to Linux users worldwide is the most important thing we can do to help each other.

@morrownr