Customer Reviews
Works exactly like it should 
2008-08-19
I use it with the D-link DIR-655 router (another product I wholeheartedly recommend) and it works perfectly. I can stream video with a reliable wireless connection that doesn't constantly peter out like those other manufacturers. Plus I don't have to worry about more adapters clogging up my desktop. Always on, always fast, and great range; what more could you want out of your wireless adapter?
D-Link Needs to Work on Their Software 
2008-06-20
I have a D-Link 655 Xtreme N router, and it has worked very well. I decided to purchase an Xtreme N PCI-E network adapter (D-Link DWA 556) to make the most of the speeds these units were supposed to be capable of together. I purchased the DWA 556 through Amazon and had my son bring it to me in Thailand, as he was about to visit. I also purchased a D-Link DWA 130 Xtreme N USB network adapter. The DWA 130 has worked very well, for the most part. The DWA 556 has been another story.
To make a long story short, I had multiple problems installing the card and getting it to work. Some of these had to do with the bios, as my motherboard is about a year and a half old and it had issues with getting the pci-express slot to work. I (my son actually) was able to get the card to work after using a very good bios update utility from Asus. However, upon returning from a trip of a few days, the software for the card seemed to be acting up. It appeared at times to have difficulty making a secure connection with the router after entering the password, though I have Windows XP and this was apparently a known issue only with Windows 2000. If I disabled the card through windows, windows was unable to enable it. If I tried to open the connection manager, often the window would not open at all, so no adjustments could be made.
Inspired by the fact that the card had worked well for a brief period, I went ahead and updated the driver from the D-Link website. The updating process was not smooth at all. At times the update would hang up part way, but then still act as if it was installed later. When I tried again later, the installation went through, but terminated with a sign that told me there was no card to be found on the machine. A final installation seemed to be successful, but I was then unable to boot my machine at all. It would get to the Windows screen, then shut down and restart repeatedly. I first removed the card, but this did not help. Finally I booted in safe mode and removed all of the software for the DWA 556. At that point everything returned to normal.
When I called tech support, they said that my mistake was to have purchased the card in the US and then to have used it on a machine purchased in Thailand. They said my having taken the card out of the country also voided the warranty, so I am left with a loss of about $80.
I am not fully persuaded by the argument that the source of the problems was my using the card in a different region. Some of the problems I experienced were also mentioned in reviews of a similar card (D-Link 552) within the US with a US-made machine. An example would be the fact that at certain points when using the D-Link connection manager, the load on the CPU would be really high (in my case making for a whine from the computer that was very hard to tolerate or work with). Furthermore, some of these problems, like getting the connection manager to open up, also occurred with an older D-Link wireless G network adapter that I had purchased in Thailand.
Since I am not an expert in these matters, I cannot thoroughly assess the idea about using parts in a different region. I feel I have to give D-Link the benefit of the doubt there. I do want to say this, however. Why don't the makers of these products spend more time on developing decent software? If you read online reviews of supposedly high-end network adapters (D-Link as well as others), you wouldn't really want to buy ANY of them. Often the problems appear to be in the software. To summarize my own experience, my D-Link software was unable to work fluidly with two different adapters from D-Link (one a card and one as USB backup). The connection manager for the DWA 556 overloaded the CPU. Often I could not get the connection manager to open up at all. Finally, I had problems several times getting through the password stage on a secure connection (with a very good D-Link router).
I would like to urge big companies like D-Link to ease up on the breakneck race to make new products available at an ever faster pace, and instead start offering software that is fully tested, reliable, and easy to work with. This would save many earnest computer users hours of figuring and trying things out, when their technicians and developers should be doing that work in advance.
I give this product a three because I think it probably can work well given the right conditions, but I feel the software is really poor.
Easy to install and fast 2008-05-09
The card was easy to install into Vista PC, no problem with configuration was quick and easy. The card is fast and never have any issues after a month of use.
This card works for me and my VIsta system 2008-04-12
I bought this card for my Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit system - it seemed like a great way to use the PCIe x1 slot. It installed very quickly and easily with no issues. It found my Dlink DIR-655 router right away with no setup or driver issues. It is only about 15' from the router but there is a wall in between; my measured speeds through the Dlink interface are 100% signal and 300MBPS rate. Also, just a warning - use the Dlink supplied drivers in the box & at their website with Vista and NOT the ones from Windows Update - those have messed up my system requiring a System Restore.
EASY INSTALLATION, FAST & RELIABLE CONNECTION 2008-03-20
Installed with Windows Vista 32 Business SP1
Immediately recognized, best connection ever.
Do not use D_Link driver, just make sure you are connected to Internet via LAN and the OS will automatically choose the driver.
Not That Great 
2007-07-15
The D-Link Xtreme N PCI Express (PCIe) Desktop Adapter (DWA-556) is a draft 802.11n wireless client that delivers unrivaled wireless performancefor your PCI Express-enabled desktop computer. The PCIe interface provides superior performance over a standard PCI interface. This wireless adapter delivers up to 14x faster speeds and 6x farther range than 802.11g while staying backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b networks. Once connected, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, photos, files, music, videos, printers, and storage. The Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter is powered by Xtreme N technology and boasts three external antennas to provide superior wireless reception in your home or office. This adapter is designed for use in larger homes and offices, or for users running multiple bandwidth-intensive applications. This adapter enables you to simultaneously make or receive Internet phone calls (VoIP), surf the Web, transfer files, and stream High-Definition (HD) media when connected to an Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655). The DWA-556 supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption that allow you to connect securely to a wireless network. Up to 50% faster than legacy PCI cards Fits anystandard PCIe - x1, x4, x8, or x16 Offers increased bandwidth, reliability, and more functionality than a legacy PCI card Some maximum speed listings require use of optional DIR-655 Xtreme N Router
Seems to work well with XP and 802.11n draft 2.0n compatible 
2007-06-27
This is one of the few PCIe wifi cards on the market and it is draft 2.0 802.11n compatible as well (with latest firmware update).
After my neighbor installed a pre-draft 2.0 802.11n access point (which was blowing my connection out of the water on a regular basis) I purchased this card to replace a 802.11G ethernet bridge I had been using for the past few years. This new adapter seems to be solid and gives better throughput as well.
I recommend this product to anyone with a legacy-free desktop (i.e. no standard PCI slots) who wants a draft 2.0 802.11n wifi adapter.
Does not work 
2007-05-31
Only works in G mode with Vista. Spent most of 2 days on phones with technical service, could not get to work with Vista-32 or Vista-64 in N mode. Might work with XP?
