WPA2 Connection problems with Vostro 3550

It looks like there's only one set of drivers listed for that wireless adapter on Dell's site, so I'm assuming this is what you have installed.  I'd say give Intel's drivers a shot but it looks like they're listing the same version number for this adapter.  That's an interesting one.

I've got the same problem with the 32 bits version on Windows 7 Service Pack 1.

I already downloaded and tried all the drivers from Dell, but it wouldn't solve the problem.

Anyone with a solution?

Hi Larry,

I am also facing the same problem with the wireless for my 3550. The Dell service personal came and changed most of the hardware related to hardware. Then when he almost give up, we saw the new version of the bios(A05) in the driver download. It became much better but it is still very, very slow. When I use my external usb wireless adapter( Unbranded made in China) it is very fast. Right now I am still trying to figure out how to get the thing working as normal without using the external usb wifi adapter. If you have solved your problem, please advise me too. I am also using Windows 7 Professional 64bits.

I also just purchased a Vostro 3550 Laptop and got the same Wireless problem.. or similar... sometimes loosing packets to the point where downloads from the internet are aborted.  Also did a speed test with my Internet Provider and I am getting around 2 Mbps while connected to the LAN card I get around 5 Mbps.  Tried with my old Vostro 1520 and I can achieve 5 Mbps.. so it really points to the wireless on the Vostro 3550.  I am also running Windows 7 professional 64-bit.  I'm in the process of downloading all possible updates... If anyone finds something meanwhile, please post :)  I'll do the same once my tests are done...

Thanks 

Oh well, updated all possible drivers and bios... still very little improvement... I'm running about half the speed of what I can get from my other Vostro 1520 which is also on wireless...

Thanks for the reply PudgyOne. I have tried everything I can think of, and I consider myself to be well versed in the quirks of wireless networking. Maybe mum has just got a dud....

DG

I too am having huge issues with a new Vostro 3550 I purchased for my mother who lives in Invercargill, New Zealand.

The laptop won't connect to her Vodafone wireless router at all. I'm an IT tech and I've tried everything I know. The Vostro 3550 with Intel 1030.

Dell have been less than helpful...a shame really as I was about to get myself a 3750 Vostro. Now I'm considering HP.

There is a real issue here, and no solution from DELL. The laptop sees the router, but can't pass the Association test in the Intel tools.

I've about had a gutsful of Dell. I used to recommend them to everyone, but not anymore.

DG

CHCH/NZ

 dgriffnz,

This adapter works only on the 2.4GHz Band.

http://www.intel.com/products/wireless/adapters/1030/index.htm

Did you try using these Recommended Wireless Router Settings, I use channel 11.

Rick 

Don't know whether this is good news or bad news. Earlier I have posted the problem I face with the Vostro 3550 a few weeks ago. After few complains and services from Dell service personal, I got my wifi up to speed again. The issue is with the intel N1030 wifi combo bluetooth. I was told that it was compatibility with my wireless router so they have changed my wifi card to N6150. The speed went up immediately. This N6150 card does not have the bluetooth but has wimax. Actually it does not matter to me whether I have the wimax or bluetooth. I seldom use bluetooth because most of the time I use wifi at home or work. For bluetooth I can easily get a extenal usb bluetooth, by the way I already have 2 mini ones. So I settle for this card. One thing for sure although I have my frustration but I guess I cannot deny that Dell gave me very good services. It gave me back some confidence for Dell. Now I am happy with this unit. Hope this helps. 

Sorry will try the intel link again. If this one doesn't look right just go to the intel site and search drivers. It isn't to hard to find

"http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19827&ProdId=3314&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%207%2C%2064-bit*&DownloadType=Software%20Applications"

I had the same problem on 4 3550’s I got recently.

After a new AP and much testing I was getting nowhere however have found as workaround that is holding up.

Below are the steps I took to resolve the issue. All of these may not be needed however this is exactly what I did. Apologies in advance if I am listing basic stuff but wanted the guide accessible to all level of end users.

1. Download the intel DRIVER ONLY (ICS_Ds64.zip) here:

downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx*&DownloadType=Software%20Applications

2. Uninstall all intel wireless software, including wireless display if installed, from Programs and Features (basically ANYTHING with wireless in the name). Reboot. The adapter should no longer be recognized in device manager.

3. Install the intel software downloaded earlier by unzipping the file, extracting the contents and running DPInst64.exe

4. Open Network and sharing center. Click “Change Adapter Settings” Down the left hand side.

5. Right Click the new “Wireless Network Connection” and select Properties

6. Click the Configure button under the 1030 device name then select the Advanced tab

7. Set the following settings:

    802.11n Channel Width: Auto

    802.11n Mode: Disabled

    Wireless Mode: 2. 802.11g

Reconnect to your wireless network by entering the network key and the connection should be more stable.

I know it’s not a great solution but if it works till the next driver is released it will do.

The only other thing I may have done is disable the Bluetooth adapter I can’t remember sorry and the laptops have gone to end users now!

Hope this helps,

Mark

I had the same problem today, very bad connection, lost packets and high ping.

After uninstalling all software related to Intel 1030 card (bt and wifi soft) I installed only wifi drivers.

Drivers were from dell support page, installed them manually in device manager.

That solved my problems, so I guess software is the thing that need to be fixed or deleted ;).

MM

I too experienced woeful network performance on a newly purchased Vostro 3550 with Windows 7 - 64 bit. Having limited the wireless adapter to G mode there was still no improvement. Testing the wired LAN connection, this also exhibited slow performance which led to me to try the following with immediate improvement to wireless performance.

Try this and see if your network speed increases:

Go into Power Options

Change Plan settings

Change Advanced Power Settings

For Wireless Adapter Settings

Power Saving Mode

Set to "Maximum Performance"

For PCI Express

Link State Power Management

Set to "Off"

Obviously battery life will be reduced but I personally noticed a x4 speed increase, ie back to a normal expected speed.

I also recently received a Vostro 3550 and experienced the same issue with really bad latency using the wireless adapter. The solution that corrected the issue for me was to adjust the Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance. Making this change immediately resulted in normal ping times and overall better performance. Changing this back and forth confirmed this was the problem in my case. Saving a small amount of power for horrible wireless performance is not worth my time.