01-01-2020, 09:00 PM
1. With the appropriate driver, the Mac would detect any of these devices as an alternative network connection. It would exist independently and redundantly along with the built-in WiFi and Ethernet connections. Disable built-in WiFi or set service-priority in the Network settings to avoid using the native WiFi port.
2. Real world speeds on one of those adapters is probably no better than 802.11n.
3. Apple didn't configure the antennas in the MacBook Air to get faster 802.11ac speeds.
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I wouldn't trust any of those USB adapters. In my experience, driver support is non-existent and they use weird hacks to get them going on a Mac, subject to failing at the slightest provocation and certainly failing with every OS update. On top of that, they're fudging their speed numbers... As does your router, which is combining the max 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds into one number. But those devices seem to be making up their numbers out of thin air.
If you really want to do it right wirelessly, get an 802.11ac/Ethernet bridge or mobile/travel access point. Something that allows you to jack into the 2012 mini using Ethernet.(You said no Ethernet, but this is a hybrid WiFi/Ethernet solution.) This way you don't have to fool with drivers. You can probably come close to doubling your 802.11n speeds with a small access point that does 802.11ac/750 or 1200.
...But an even better and more reliable solution would be to forego wireless entirely. If there's no convenient way to run Ethernet, go for some Powerline Ethernet adapters. Note that they run at roughly half their rated speed, so for gigabit you'd need to get a 2000Mbps model.
2. Real world speeds on one of those adapters is probably no better than 802.11n.
3. Apple didn't configure the antennas in the MacBook Air to get faster 802.11ac speeds.
...
I wouldn't trust any of those USB adapters. In my experience, driver support is non-existent and they use weird hacks to get them going on a Mac, subject to failing at the slightest provocation and certainly failing with every OS update. On top of that, they're fudging their speed numbers... As does your router, which is combining the max 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds into one number. But those devices seem to be making up their numbers out of thin air.
If you really want to do it right wirelessly, get an 802.11ac/Ethernet bridge or mobile/travel access point. Something that allows you to jack into the 2012 mini using Ethernet.(You said no Ethernet, but this is a hybrid WiFi/Ethernet solution.) This way you don't have to fool with drivers. You can probably come close to doubling your 802.11n speeds with a small access point that does 802.11ac/750 or 1200.
...But an even better and more reliable solution would be to forego wireless entirely. If there's no convenient way to run Ethernet, go for some Powerline Ethernet adapters. Note that they run at roughly half their rated speed, so for gigabit you'd need to get a 2000Mbps model.