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16686
August 6th, 2006 02:00
Inspiron E1405 slow wireless internet connection
I have a new Inspiron E1405 with an Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection. My old computer was an Inspiron 8600 with a Dell Wireless WLA 1350 WLAN Mini-PCI Card. My wireless router is a Linksys 2.4 ghz Wireless B, model BEFW11S4. My ISP is Comcast with a RCA broadband cable modem.
To test the throughput of the Internet connection I have been using http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest with results as follows:
If I use the old Dell 8600 with the Linksys wireless router, I get speeds around 3 megabits per second. If I use the new Dell E1405 with the Linksys wireless router, I get speeds from 70 - 300 kilabits per second. If I use the new Dell E1405 with a neighbors Belkin54g wireless router, I get speeds around 6 - 7 megabits per second. If I use the new Dell E1405 hardwired via a ethernet cable to the Linksys router, I get speeds as high as 11 megabits per second.
I do not think that my Dell E1405's internal wireless card is working properly. If it has A-B-G technology as advertised by Dell, it should be able to connect to a "B" router at a decent speed. I do not really understand why my old computer can connect through the same router at such a high speed while the new computer cannot. Any ideas on how to correct this?
volcano11
2 Intern
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August 6th, 2006 03:00
See if disabling the A mode in the cards advanced properties (Device Manager) fixes the problem.
Steve
scstarr
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August 6th, 2006 12:00
volcano11
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28K Posts
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August 6th, 2006 15:00
Over the last several weeks I have seen numerous problems similar to yours reported on these forums. The common thread seems to be the use of new models of wireless cards with old routers. The combination should work, but sometimes the newer cards implement new features that cause problems with older technology. Manufacturers have little incentive to correct these problems because they would rather sell new products. You might see if there is a firmware upgrade available for your router and install it if there is. There are other options available in the advanced settings that you may want to try. For example, see if disabling Afterburner mode gives you a better connection.
Steve
scstarr
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August 6th, 2006 16:00
Thanks for the replies, Steve.
I have upgraded the firmware on the router and it helped a little, but nothing that significant. Whenever I talk to Dell Technical Support they say that the wireless card is new technology and the router is older technology and that I should buy a new router. They feel that everything is working fine. I guess what bothers me is that the wireless card is advertised as A-B-G so I did not think that a B router would be a problem.
I also have an older HP wireless printer, PSC 2510 photosmart all-in-one. I wonder if I will have problems with the printer if I upgrade the router.
Message Edited by scstarr on 08-06-200601:43 PM
123pcg
1 Message
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August 31st, 2006 10:00
I am having the very same problem with the same router LINKSYS BEFW11S4 and a new XPS M1210 with Intel (R) Pro/Wireless card 3945ABG received this week.
I'm glad to see this post so I stop mucking around with settings, but could someone recommend a new router to buy? One that works well for sure with the new wireless cards?
I also have an older laptop with a G wireless card that worked fine with my old router.
Thanks,
Claire
scstarr
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August 31st, 2006 11:00
I have always had good look with Linksys routers, so I bought another one, the WRT54GL, thru amazon.com. There is a $10 rebate and free shipping right now. Everything is working great - very easy to set up with this new router. My older router "should" have worked, but after a week of changing settings on both the router and computer and talking to tech support guys, I gave up on it and sent for the new router.
Sheryl
Message Edited by scstarr on 08-31-200608:19 AM