UGREEN AC650 11ac Dual-Band Wireless USB Adapter – CM448

The UGREEN AC650 11ac Dual-Band Wireless USB Adapter delivers reliable Wi-Fi connectivity with speeds up to 650 Mbps in an ultra-compact design. This nano-sized USB adapter enables students to add wireless capability to desktop computers or upgrade outdated laptop Wi-Fi for online classes and streaming, while business professionals use it to connect workstations wirelessly or enhance connectivity on business laptops. It’s an ideal solution for anyone seeking discreet, portable wireless connectivity without external antennas or excessive bulk.

Key Features & Benefits

• Ultra-Compact Nano Design: The miniature form factor sits nearly flush with USB ports, eliminating protrusion that risks damage during transport and allowing you to leave it permanently installed without worry.
• AC650 Dual-Band Speed: Provides combined speeds up to 650 Mbps (433 Mbps on 5GHz + 200 Mbps on 2.4GHz), delivering sufficient bandwidth for video conferencing, HD streaming, and everyday productivity without performance limitations.
• Dual-Band Flexibility: Switch between 2.4GHz for extended range through walls and 5GHz for faster speeds with less interference, adapting to your environment and bandwidth requirements.
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Automatic driver installation on Windows 10 and 11 means you connect to networks within seconds of inserting the adapter, with no technical configuration required.
• MU-MIMO Technology: Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output support allows efficient data handling when multiple devices connect to your router simultaneously, maintaining stable performance in busy network environments.

Technical Specifications

Wireless Performance

• Wi-Fi Standard: IEEE 802.11ac/a/b/g/n
• Maximum Speed: 650 Mbps combined (433 Mbps on 5GHz + 200 Mbps on 2.4GHz)
• Frequency Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption
• MU-MIMO: Supported for improved multi-device performance
• Modulation: OFDM, CCK, DBPSK, DQPSK, BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM

Antenna & Range

• Antenna Type: Internal high-performance antenna
• Antenna Configuration: Built-in dual antenna array
• Effective Range: Up to 50 meters in open space (varies by environment)
• Reception Technology: Beamforming support for directional signal focus

Interface & Hardware

• Interface: USB 2.0 Type-A
• Chipset: Realtek RTL8811CU
• Operating Channels: 2.4GHz (1-13), 5GHz (36-165, region dependent)
• LED Indicator: None (discreet operation)

Physical Design

• Dimensions: 18.9 x 16.4 x 7.3mm (nano form factor)
• Weight: 2g (0.07 oz)
• Profile: Less than 5mm protrusion from USB port
• Color: Black
• Build Material: High-quality ABS plastic

System Requirements & Compatibility

• Operating Systems: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 (32/64-bit), macOS 10.9-10.15, Linux (kernel 4.4 or later)
• USB Port: USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 available port
• Processor: 1GHz or faster recommended
• RAM: 512MB minimum
• Disk Space: 30MB for driver installation

Package Contents

• 1x UGREEN AC650 Wireless USB Adapter (CM448)
• 1x Quick Start Guide
• Driver CD or download link for driver software

Standards & Certifications

• Compliance: FCC, CE, RoHS
• Backward Compatibility: Works with all 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac)

Use Cases & Applications

For Students

Students using desktop computers in dorm rooms or apartments gain wireless freedom with this nano adapter. The ultra-compact design means you can leave it permanently installed without worrying about breakage when moving your computer or packing for semester breaks. Unlike larger adapters with protruding antennas, the CM448 survives the rigors of student life—backpack transport, cramped desks, and frequent relocations.

Online learning demands stable connectivity for video lectures, virtual office hours, and collaborative projects. The AC650 adapter handles Zoom classes, Microsoft Teams sessions, and Google Meet without buffering or dropouts. The dual-band capability proves valuable in crowded student housing where dozens of devices compete for 2.4GHz bandwidth—switch to the cleaner 5GHz band for better performance during critical class sessions.

Budget-conscious students appreciate the adapter’s ability to breathe new life into older laptops with failing or outdated Wi-Fi cards. Rather than expensive laptop repairs or replacements, simply plug in this adapter to restore or upgrade wireless connectivity. The minimal cost makes it accessible even on tight student budgets.

For Business Professionals

Office desktop workstations traditionally require Ethernet cables for network connectivity. The UGREEN nano adapter eliminates cable constraints, enabling flexible desk arrangements and hot-desking without infrastructure changes. IT departments appreciate the discreet design that doesn’t create visual clutter or attract unwanted attention in professional environments.

Business laptops traveling between offices, client sites, and home benefit from the adapter’s portability and discretion. Keep it permanently installed in a USB port—the flush-mount design prevents accidental damage or disconnection during transport. When laptop built-in Wi-Fi underperforms or fails, this adapter provides immediate restoration of connectivity without requiring service appointments.

Remote workers conducting frequent video conferences need reliable wireless performance. The adapter’s dual-band capability and MU-MIMO support maintain stable connections for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex calls while other household devices share the network. The 433 Mbps 5GHz speed provides adequate bandwidth for professional-quality video calls alongside cloud application usage.

Portable and Permanent Installations

The nano form factor makes this adapter ideal for devices requiring permanent wireless connectivity. Media center PCs, desktop computers, and even some smart TVs without built-in Wi-Fi benefit from the discreet installation that doesn’t compromise aesthetics. Once installed, the adapter becomes virtually invisible while providing reliable wireless access.

Users alternating between multiple computers appreciate the adapter’s extreme portability. Weighing just 2 grams and measuring under 2 centimeters, you can carry it on a keychain or in a wallet without noticing the additional weight. IT professionals keep these adapters in their toolkit for emergency connectivity solutions during troubleshooting.

Limitations and Appropriate Use Cases

The internal antenna design prioritizes compactness over maximum range. This adapter excels in environments with moderate signal strength—typical home and office spaces at reasonable distances from routers. Users in very large buildings, behind multiple concrete walls, or at extreme distances from access points may achieve better results with external antenna models like the CM496.

For users primarily working close to routers or in areas with adequate signal coverage, the nano design offers superior practicality. The adapter handles typical student and business needs—web browsing, email, cloud applications, video streaming up to 1080p, and video conferencing—without performance concerns in appropriate environments.

Setup and Installation

Windows 10 and 11 users experience plug-and-play installation—simply insert the adapter and wait for automatic driver installation to complete, typically within 30-60 seconds. Available wireless networks appear immediately after driver installation finishes. Older Windows versions and macOS users should download drivers from UGREEN’s support website before connecting the adapter for smoothest installation.

The adapter works in any available USB port, though USB 3.0 ports (marked with blue inserts) provide stable power delivery that may improve performance consistency. Avoid installing the adapter in USB ports directly adjacent to USB 3.0 devices transferring large amounts of data, as USB 3.0 can sometimes create interference affecting 2.4GHz Wi-Fi performance.

Select your preferred network band through your computer’s network settings. In environments with strong router signals and multiple competing 2.4GHz networks, the 5GHz band typically delivers better performance. In spaces with weaker signals or when maximum range matters more than speed, the 2.4GHz band’s superior obstacle penetration proves advantageous.

Performance Optimization

Position your computer for optimal line-of-sight to your router when possible. While the internal antenna captures signals effectively, wireless performance always improves with fewer obstructions between adapter and router. Desktop computers under desks may benefit from relocation to desktop surfaces for marginally better reception.

Keep the adapter’s drivers current by checking UGREEN’s support website periodically. Driver updates address compatibility with new router models and operating system updates while potentially improving connection stability. Most users can rely on automatic Windows updates to maintain current drivers.

Close bandwidth-intensive background applications when maximum wireless performance matters—video calls, important presentations, or time-sensitive file transfers. While the adapter handles typical multitasking well, eliminating unnecessary network activity ensures critical applications receive adequate bandwidth.

Performance Expectations

Real-world speeds vary based on distance from router, obstacles, interference, and router capabilities. In typical home and office environments at moderate distances, expect speeds of 200-280 Mbps on 5GHz and 80-120 Mbps on 2.4GHz—substantially faster than older 802.11n adapters and appropriate for most everyday computing tasks.

This adapter comfortably handles HD video streaming (1080p), standard video conferencing, web browsing, email, and cloud productivity applications. Users working with very large files or requiring absolute maximum wireless speeds should consider higher-performance adapters with external antennas, but the CM448 delivers excellent value for typical student and business computing needs.

Important Considerations

The nano design prioritizes portability and discretion over maximum range and speed. This adapter represents the ideal choice for users valuing convenience and aesthetics in environments with adequate wireless coverage. Users in challenging wireless environments—large homes, thick walls, distant rooms—may prefer external antenna models offering stronger signal reception.

USB Wi-Fi adapters draw minimal power from USB ports, creating negligible battery impact on laptops. The CM448’s efficient design and lack of external components minimize power consumption even further compared to larger adapters with illuminated indicators and external antennas.

This adapter supports modern WPA2 and WPA3 wireless security standards, ensuring secure connections to contemporary routers while maintaining compatibility with older WPA networks. The MU-MIMO support improves performance when connecting to compatible routers in multi-device households or offices.

The UGREEN AC650 11ac Dual-Band Wireless USB Adapter (CM448) delivers reliable wireless connectivity in the smallest possible package. Students and business professionals seeking discreet, portable Wi-Fi solutions without sacrificing performance for everyday tasks will find this nano adapter perfectly balances form, function