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  • TP-Link wifi card TL-WN881ND recognized as Realtek RTL8192EE

I'm not sure why, but my TP-Link wifi card TL-WN881ND is being recognized as a Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8192EE PCIe Wireless Network Adapter when I:

bhibb@bsolus ~> lspci | grep -i wireless
05:00.0 Network controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8192EE PCIe Wireless Network Adapter

Any ideas how I can fix this? This happened a while ago and I've had bad performance since then.

    Bhibb There may be lots of devices that have a Realtek chip on them, and are identified according to that chip. That's been my experience with a lot of network cards, video cards, and so on.

        WetGeek Thanks for that. I had hoped it would be something I could fix in my configs. I've had a terrible time with this card for the last year or so. Guess it's time to replace it.

            Bhibb Guess it's time to replace it.

            Be sure to research the replacement card thoroughly before you pay for it. Chances are very good it will use a Realtek chip as well. Lots of them do. Still, something other than a TP-Link card could work better for you, even if it does use a Realtek chip. The problems you're having might have nothing to do with Realtek.

              Very true. I don't understand why it doesn't work at the same rate it did before. I'm getting like 6Mbps instead of the 144Mbps it 'says' it reports as the Link speed.

              The "Security" info is incorrect, though. It's on WPA2 not WPA3.

                Bhibb It's on WPA2 not WPA3.

                I wish I could be more helpful, but I'm not an expert in this area. I do know that there is -- or was -- a protocol called WPA2/WPA3 Mixed. It might be that the device is reporting that it supports WPA3, but also allows WPA2 devices to connect. I think that's unlikely to be true in your case, but it's the best I can do.

                I'd also be curious about the 2.5 GHz speed it indicates. The reported 144 Mbps is probably a theoretical value based on that frequency, and not necessarily an actual value. And to the best of my knowledge, it should be 2.4 MHz, not 2.5 MHz, although that may not mean anything. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are the only two speeds for Wi-Fi that I'm familiar with (my router supports both).

                If you're continuing to have issues with that card, I think you have the right idea. If I were you, and were able to, I'd replace the card with something newer and better. The best idea might be ask around the forum for recommendations for a card that works well with Solus.

                    WetGeek You've been a great help, if nothing more than hearing me complain about my frustration. I've jumped the gun and ordered a newer model card that supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz. I'm hoping that newer technology, and the 5 GHz connection will increase my throughput.

                    Thanks again for the sage advice.