UGREEN AC650 WiFi Adapter CM496 – Dual Band 5GHz/2.4GHz USB Wireless Dongle
The UGREEN CM496 is a USB wireless adapter that adds dual band Wi-Fi connectivity to any desktop or laptop PC with a spare USB port. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands simultaneously and switches automatically between them depending on network conditions, delivering stable, interference-reduced wireless access for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. It targets Windows and Linux users who need to add or upgrade Wi-Fi on a machine without a built-in wireless card.
Technical Specifications
Wireless Performance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Maximum Speed (5GHz) | 433 Mbps |
| Maximum Speed (2.4GHz) | 200 Mbps |
| Combined AC Rating | AC650 |
| Operating Frequencies | 2.4GHz and 5GHz (simultaneous dual band) |
| Transmit Power | ≤20 dBm |
Antenna
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Antenna Type | External high-gain |
| Antenna Gain | 6 dBi |
| Rotation | 90° and 180° adjustable |
Interface and Chipset
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Type-A |
| Chipset | Realtek RTL8811CU |
| LED Indicator | Blue (status-indicating) |
| Dust Protection Cap | Included |
Security and Operating Modes
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Encryption | WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2-PSK, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP |
| Operating Modes | Station (Adapter) Mode, Soft AP Mode |
Compatibility
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Windows | 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 (built-in driver on Windows 10/11) |
| Linux | 2.6.18–5.3 (manual driver installation required) |
| macOS | Not supported |
| FCC ID | 2AQI5-UG650A |
Physical
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CM496 (SKU: 90339) |
| Connector | USB Type-A |
| Power Supply | USB bus-powered |
Package Contents
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| UGREEN CM496 AC650 Wi-Fi Adapter | 1 |
| User Manual | 1 |
| Dust Protection Cap | 1 |
Warranty
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 years (UGREEN official stores and authorised sellers) |
Use Cases and Applications
Adding Wi-Fi to a Desktop PC Without a Wireless Card
Many desktop towers rely entirely on a wired Ethernet connection, with no onboard Wi-Fi. The CM496 resolves this without opening the case or installing a PCIe card. Plug it into any available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, and Windows 10 or 11 installs the built-in driver automatically. Furthermore, the 6dBi external antenna compensates for the typical disadvantage of USB Wi-Fi adapters — namely, being positioned close to the floor or chassis rather than at desk height — by providing extended range and adjustable signal direction.
Upgrading from 2.4GHz-Only Wi-Fi
Older USB Wi-Fi adapters commonly support only the congested 2.4GHz band, resulting in interference from neighbouring networks, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices. The CM496 adds access to the 5GHz band, which offers a less congested spectrum and higher throughput. Consequently, users in dense apartment buildings or shared office spaces experience noticeably more stable connections for video calls, screen sharing, and cloud file sync.
Sharing a Wired Connection Wirelessly via Soft AP
In environments where only a wired Ethernet connection is available — such as hotel rooms, serviced offices, or older business premises — the CM496’s Soft AP mode allows a connected desktop or laptop to broadcast a Wi-Fi hotspot. Other devices, including smartphones and tablets, then connect to this hotspot through the CM496. This removes the need for a separate travel router in many single-room scenarios.
Linux Workstation Wireless Connectivity
Linux 2.6.18 through 5.3 is supported with manual driver installation via the UGREEN website or the open-source RTL8821CU driver repository. This makes the CM496 one of the few consumer USB Wi-Fi adapters with declared Linux compatibility, though users should note that advanced Linux technical knowledge is required for kernel 4.4.x to 5.x driver installation.
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