Anti-Counterfeit Hologram Stickers on Alfa AWUS036H, AWUS036NH, and AWUS036NEH Wi-Fi adapters

[definty]

what i find a bit dumb, why dont alpha make a regitrastion system for each of the MAC adresses of there cards? so you have to register ont eh website to get updates or even better register your card to get the driver itself!

[phillyflash43]

Well I just ordered a ..36H from Data Alliance, says it'll have a holo sticker. The question is, since anti-counterfeit holos have been counterfeited themselves for decades, I still won't be positive I got the real thing :( ...if there were only some way to encode something encrypted into each individual device that you could verify online (for 99% certainty)

[roklandtv]

@phillyflash43 You are correct that holograms can of course be faked. Finding a hologram does not guarantee to a 100% certainty that your item is genuine, you should also verify the retailer directly with Alfa Networks by emailing them. Holograms help because counterfeiters make these in bulk, so this type of thing basically throws them a curve ball, and is an added expense to production of any new batches as well.

[grekodave]

ohhhh no i bought one 3 days ago on ebay for 70 bucks comes with a yagi super cantenna .i hope its not fake..............where can i find a real one >>????

[roklandtv]

@grekodave it is possible to duplicate the hologram. Alfa changes things up so make things more expensive for counterfeiters. The best way to find out if your unit is authentic is to email Alfa Network directly with your serial and MAC address printed on the back side of the unit, and a link to the retailer purchased from. If the unit is authentic, they will confirm that for you. If it is not, they will refer you to an authorized distributor close to you.

[Ruppster81]

Does Alfa put their halogram sticker on all their products? I bought an R36 Router that is supposed to work with this AWUSO36H adapter and the box and router says R36 but the web based interface says AIP-W502U, I Think I got scewed?

[roklandtv]

@Ruppster81 the R36 firmware does currently show AIP-W502U, which is a similar product model. Evidently they used that firmware, made some modifications, but did not change the model number inside. The R36 and Alfa brand routers do not have an anti-counterfeit hologram at this time. To confirm if your device is genuine, please contact Alfa directly with the MAC address and serial number of your unit.

[Ruppster81]

@roklandtv

I wish I would have found this out before I ordered another one, This time from Data Alliance. So I am going to get stuck with the same thing as I have now? This Router does NOT work with the AWUSO36H adapter as claimed. Is there any fix to this or have a tutorial on how to set this up? From the manual it shows their firmware of v0.1.8-0625 and there are no updates for the R36 on Alfa's website. Is there anyway to get that firmware?

[roklandtv]

@Ruppster81 I can confirm for you the R36 does work with the AWUS036H. But setup is a bit of a pain. We are not yet selling this model because we are working on a more guided manual of how to set it up. I also know an interface redesign is in the works and should be available for download within a month or two. In the meantime please contact the place you purchased it from for setup assistance or information about returns. For further questions about R36 please contact our support directly

[Ruppster81]

@roklandtv I have contacted Alfa directly and was informed of this firmware mistake. They also told me a new firmware was in the works and I would be updated when its available. I don't know how they thought this product was anywhere ready for the market. I REALLY look forward to your setup guide/manual because even after the FW update I think I am still going to have trouble setting it up (there are ALOT of features and settings in this tiny router!)

[kay188]

@Ruppster81 Oh, and also, if you look into it, this router supports DD-WRT, as it's not that much different from the AIP-W502U.

Google up "Alfa AIP-W502U DD-WRT", and you should see a supported devices page from DD-WRT.

You should read up about flashing Atheros chipsets with DD-WRT before attempting.

I was going to do mine, but I'm not sure if I can flash back.

[kay188]

@roklandtv I too have the R36 router that I recently purchased. Did you update the firmware downloaded from the alfa website? Maybe it's because I upgraded the firmware downloaded from the alfa website on the R36 page, that my AWUS036H is being shown not supported in the system log.

The old firmware is v 0.6 as I remember.

Any help?

Thanks.

[roklandtv]

Creators note: effective June 1st 2010, Alfa has changed the retail box on several of their wireless products. They now include a plastic window on the back so you can see the back side label of the product and the anti-counterfeit hologram on the product. There is no longer a second hologram on the retail box itself.

[buzov0s]

how to know is your alfa fake?,are the copy alfa weeker or?

[roklandtv]

@buzov0s first, check for the anti-counterfeit hologram shown in this video. Also look for a made in china sticker on the back. Genuine Alfa units are made in Taiwan and we have seen several fakes where the makers put a Made in China sticker on there. Third, and this is a must, contact Alfa directly by going to Alfa's web site. Email them with your product's model, serial number and MAC ID, as well as where you bought it, and they can confirm for you.

[roklandtv]

@buzov0s contact Alfa at Alfa.com.tw with your MAC and serial number from the back of the product. If you have bought one as of April 2010 or later, your unit should have an anti-counterfeit hologram on the back of the unit.