Unsolved
1 Rookie
•
48 Posts
0
349
December 27th, 2022 14:00
WiFi Driver - Which One? Compatible with Xfinity Gateways?
Inspiron 5559
Dell Support Assist keeps recommending I download and install the Dell wireless 1801 wifi and bluetooth driver, but Device Manager shows my laptop uses the Intel dual band wireless-ac-3160 network adapter, and Windows (Win10 Home, x64) tells me I have the most recent Intel driver.
I ask because the WiFi works well at all home networks I visit, except ones that use an Xfinity gateway. There, the internet connection drops intermittently, but still connected to the home network, perhaps every few hours, sometimes sooner, sometimes later. I have to disconnect entirely, and reconnect, and all is fine again.
The Intel adapter settings are default. I could try changing, but wanted to ask here, first.
Should I use the Dell driver instead?
0 events found
JOcean
11 Legend
•
12.6K Posts
•
69.5K Points
2
December 27th, 2022 14:00
Dell drivers are optimized for Dell hardware. I would suggest trying the Dell drivers and if they prove to be inferior to Intel drivers, you can always go back to Intel. Those Dell drivers can be found here. However if the Wi-Fi works well everywhere except with Xfinity that would lead me to believe that there may be a problem with their equipment and an incompatibility with the Dell Wi-Fi adapter.
user_da4c1b
1 Rookie
•
1 Message
•
2 Points
0
January 3rd, 2026 17:06
I had a similar problem. I have the Intel dual band wireless-ac-3160 network adapter for my laptop but could not see our home WiFi after switching to the Xfinity Gateway router. After reviewing Intel's site for drivers, I found that the the Intel dual band wireless-ac-3160 network adapter is no longer support. I decided to purchase the TP-Link wireless USB Adapter from Amazon to see if that solved my problem. The TP-Link works perfectly. Simply plug-in, run install and our home network was available once again to connect too. Problem solved for $25 plus shipping.