Precision 5550 WiFi quality in Ubuntu

Question

Hi!

I have a Precision 5550 with Ubuntu 20.04 which was updated from 18.04.

Several times I loose my internet connection, even if the settings shows the WiFi is connected.

In the same time I checked other devices (Smartphone, other laptop) connected to the same network and there internet works fine. When the speed test gives me 0 Mbps (or a ridiculous values) in Precision 5550 other machines gives the expected values.

I have the Linux Kernel 5.4.0-42-generic, and all Intel drivers are up-to-date.

Is it a problem with Intel Dual Band Wireless AX201? I'm thinking to change squarely this card since I had no issue with a previous dell XPS laptop (with the same network and OS).

I hope that someone one from Dell or the community have an idea to solve this issue.

Thanks in advance.

Jalal

dinosaur · Answer

Maybe try:

`sudo apt install linux-oem-20.04`

and restarting your computer to get a different kernel?

Note that the package to install OEM kernel is different since Focal.

Source: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/OEMKernel

If this doesn't work, I think you can do

`sudo apt remove linux-oem-20.04`

to go back to your previous kernel but I'm not sure if that's enough. Maybe you should also do `sudo apt autoremove`? And of course don't delete your current kernel in the meantime. You can choose which kernel to boot into if you enter "Advanced options for Ubuntu" in GRUB. By default you boot in the latest kernel. You can check which kernel you're currently running by doing `uname -r`.

Another thing to try would be to perform a clean fresh install of Ubuntu 20.04 and if the issue persists, doing the steps above.

Please let me know about the progress of your problem because I'm also considering buying this laptop.

752103 · Answer

Thank you @dinosaur for your answer,

I've just change the Kernel to OEM one as you suggested. Will see...

Btw, if you are considering to buy this laptop, avoid the 3 Cells (56 Wh) battery, it's better to get the big one with 6 cells.

dinosaur · Answer

Thanks for replying, @752103, I think I will actually go with Lenovo P1 Gen 3 but I'm still interested in how it goes. They feature the same wireless card.

752103 · Answer

It's a new card, so we hope the issue will be fixed with new update from Linux Kernel and Dell Drivers.

Comparing to Lenovo's workstations, what I like in Dell (Precision and XPS) is the design, the keyboard and the size (they are bezelless).

DCG1234 · Answer

People are having the same issue in Windows. Reference this thread: https://www.dell.com/community/Precision-Mobile-Workstations/Precision-5550-poor-Wi-Fi-on-Intel-WiFi-6-AX201/m-p/7709265#M4211

Precision Mobile Workstations

Precision 5550 WiFi quality in Ubuntu

Was this post helpful?