Wouldn't it be nice if your could have a device which you can put in your pocket and then use it as a wireless network adapter? The answer to this question might have been what inspired the fellows at Asustek to create the ASUS WL-160N Wireless USB Adapter. This device looks pretty much like your own normal USB drive stick, the difference being that it provides different features than you might expect from a USB stick.



The ASUS product was released back in November 2007 and came to complete ASUS's wireless devices product list. The product can provide support for wireless transfer rates above the average Ethernet 100 Mbps. This is mainly due to the implementation of the next generation wireless standard technology, namely IEEE 802.11 n Draft. The technology can provide the WL-160N adapter a maximum data rate of 270 Mbps with compatible n Draft devices.



Because it features a USB 2.0 interface, the product can serve the wireless needs of both desktop and portable computer users. The later will probably make better use of it as it can fit small places, thus ensuring a high portability level. Upon the time of the release, the Asus WL-160N wireless USB adapted was dubbed, the World´s smallest 802.11n USB 2.0 Wireless Card. The n Draft technology is backwards compatible with the earlier and slower 802.11 B and G, thus allowing the device to work with early released routers.



One of the most important issues of wireless devices like this one is the fact that they are vulnerable to various security threats. This is way the WL-160N provides some highly important security features, like 64 or 128-bit WPA and WPA2 encryption. The USB adapter is compatible with the two most important operating systems, namely Windows Vista and Mac OS making it available to large number of users. The adapter is available online for an approximate price tag of $85.