Hardkernel WiFi Module 5BK: dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for ODROID
15,50 € INCL. VAT
- Add dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to your ODROID with a single USB dongle
- 802.11ac up to about 200 Mbit/s, Bluetooth 4.2, Realtek RTL8821CU chipset
- Validated by Hardkernel for ODROID-N2L, N2+, C4, C5, M1, M2 and XU4
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- Description
Description
ODROID WiFi Module 5BK: dual-band 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for ODROID
The Wi-Fi Module 5BK is Hardkernel's official USB adapter for adding dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless connectivity and Bluetooth to an ODROID board. Based on the Realtek RTL8821CU chipset, it reaches about 200 Mbit/s over 802.11ac Wi-Fi in a 28 x 16 x 7 mm dongle.
It is the accessory Hardkernel itself recommends for the ODROID-N2L, which has neither an Ethernet port nor Wi-Fi: without a USB adapter, this board has no network access at all.
Key features of the 5BK module
- Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi : 2.4 GHz for range, 5 GHz for throughput and less congested channels.
- Built-in Bluetooth (2.1, 3.0 and 4.2): keyboard, mouse, gamepad or speaker without a second adapter.
- Throughput measured by Hardkernel : 225 Mbit/s receive and 238 Mbit/s transmit on 5 GHz, 1.5 m from the access point.
- Recognized right away : unlike the older 5B module, the 5BK no longer has a CD-ROM mode, so no usb-modeswitch setup is needed.
- Linux and Android : driver built into recent ODROID images.
- Compact : at 5 g, it does not block the adjacent USB port; an LED shows Wi-Fi activity.
Technical specifications
| Features | Wi-Fi Module 5BK |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Realtek RTL8821CU (USB ID 0BDA:C820, no CD-ROM mode) |
| Wi-Fi standards | IEEE 802.11ac/a/b/g/n, 1×1, dual-band |
| Frequencies | 2.4 to 2.483 GHz and 5.725 to 5.825 GHz |
| Throughput | about 200 Mbit/s |
| 5 GHz measurements | 225 Mbit/s receive, 238 Mbit/s transmit |
| 2.4 GHz measurements | 81.2 Mbit/s receive, 53.7 Mbit/s transmit |
| Bluetooth | 2.1, 3.0 and 4.2 |
| Security | WEP 64/128/152-bit, WPA/WPA-PSK, WPA2/WPA2-PSK |
| Interface | USB 2.0 High-Speed |
| Antenna | built-in dual-band, 2 dBi gain |
| Dimensions and weights | 28 x 16 x 7 mm, 5 g |
Which one should you choose?
The 5BK is the go-to wireless solution in the range. Here are the boards sold here that need it:
| Card | Built-in networking | Need for the 5BK |
|---|---|---|
| ODROID-N2L 2 GB | none (no Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) | essential for a wireless connection |
| ODROID-N2L 4 GB | none (no Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) | essential for a wireless connection |
Our advice: on the N2L, plug the 5BK into the USB 2.0 port and keep the USB 3.0 port for a drive. Hardkernel reports stability issues with some USB 3.0 network devices on that port.
Compatibility and pitfalls to avoid
- Boards validated by Hardkernel : ODROID-C4, C5, HC4, HC4-P, M1, M1S, M2, N2L, N2+, XU4, XU4Q, H4, H4+ and H4 Ultra, as well as the GO Super and GO Ultra consoles.
- Raspberry Pi and other boards : not validated by Hardkernel. The RTL8821CU then depends on the driver included in your distribution.
- Module not recognized? Hardkernel advises updating the system to its latest version.
- Metal case : metal attenuates radio waves. A port accessible from outside or a short USB extension cable improves reception.
- Range or throughput : 5 GHz for streaming and transfers, 2.4 GHz through walls.
What's in the box
1 Hardkernel 5BK USB Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module.
Recommended accessories
- 12 V 2 A power supply for ODROID-N2L : the power headroom covers the board and its USB peripherals.
- 16 GB Android eMMC module for N2L : a ready-to-boot system, with the 5BK providing networking and Bluetooth.
Uses and projects
- Cable-free media box : the 5 GHz band is enough for streaming from a NAS, and Bluetooth handles a remote control or gamepad.
- Emulation console : Bluetooth gamepads and metadata downloads over Wi-Fi.
- IoT node far from the router : garage, workshop or enclosure, without running a cable. Compare the options in our LoRaWAN, Zigbee or Wi-Fi guide.
- ARM desktop computer : wireless keyboard and mouse, browsing over Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 5BK module work on 5 GHz?
Yes. It is dual-band and reaches its best throughput on 5 GHz, between 225 and 238 Mbit/s according to Hardkernel's measurements.
What is the difference from the older Wi-Fi Module 5B?
The RTL8821CU chipset is identical and both are compatible. The 5BK no longer has a CD-ROM mode and therefore does not need usb-modeswitch.
Does it work on a Raspberry Pi?
Hardkernel only validates it on ODROID boards. On another board, everything depends on the RTL8821CU driver in your distribution.
Which USB port on the ODROID-N2L should I plug it into?
Preferably the USB 2.0 port: Hardkernel reports stability issues with some network devices on the USB 3.0 port.
Does the Bluetooth support gamepads?
The module supports Bluetooth 2.1, 3.0 and 4.2, which covers most standard gamepads, keyboards and headsets.
Connect your ODROID wirelessly in seconds with the 5BK module. Shipped within 24/48 h of payment receipt from our stock based in France, official and tested products, returns possible within 14 days with a return authorization, free pickup point delivery on orders of €200 or more, and payment by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Discover the full ODROID range.
