I've a similar problem and others with the same computer, XPS 8500 and the Dell Wireless 1703 that I got 10 days ago. Been playing with it ever since.
I did find something that helped, on the Device Properties I noticed on the Advanced tab that the 802.11n Bandwidth was set to 20MHZ only, changed that to 20/40Mhz Auto, which helped a little, not completely.
I see conflicting 'information' too... the connectoid on the Systray shows only 3 bars of 5 bars1. Open some utilities like Wireless Wizard and it says speed of 150Mbps and only 50% strength. The wireless connection status under properties of the card shows 135Mbps?
I've enabled the Atheros connections settings too, no help (where is there documentation on this and the HOTSPOT???).
Additionally, coming out of SLEEP is a hit or miss thing. I'm checked EVERY setting on all devices and Power Option to MAKE sure the 1703 is NOT powered off during sleep, however returning most of the time it will NOT reconnect immediately. Sometime after a short period is will, other times I have to manually reconnect, and rarely, NOTHING will help and I have to re-boot.
Suggestions and assistance please? My computer is away from the router, but other devices further way have NO problems. In addition, about the ONLY thing I can say is working right is my Internet speed, which is 40Mbps down, 5Mbps up, at least that is correct (but any connection above 40Mbps would support that).
Just an update regarding my problem I sacked off the wireless adaptor in the system and opted for an external wifi adaptor (netgear). Everything is running fine plugged in and getting 300mbps no problem. Not ideal as I wanted not to have an external wifi adaptor. Didn't want to go through what you guys are going through although Dell should really address this issue. Its obviously an issue with there oem internal wifi adaptors.
Just one hint. Get the free app inSSIDER. It will tell you the max rate / speed of your router. Obviously you lose a percentage of this over a wifi connection.
Just as a note it would be nice of Dell to offer us a solution or some sort of voucher.
have you checked the web recently is full of people with the same problem
i had the same issue ,i brought the british telecom engineer and called dells help desk together
after 2 hours of dell logging to my system ,they admitted there is a fault with their wireless card
the beauty is the problem is so widespread dell doesnt have the part to replace
they can give you an ETA ;1 MON OR 1 YEAR
its a disaster
and you talk about router issues
the thing is you guys living in past with your wireless card ,people are using fibre optic connection with n signal but dells wireless card cant handle the
N signal and transfer to a G or B signal
my router was checked by dell
the new drive was updated
but problem was still there
they issue is so clear even if you ask for replacement desktop they say we can not gurantee the new one would not have the same problem
i have recorded all conversation as BT engineer advised me ,he has seen this with other customers
dell also says everyone on forums complaining about this has been refunded
so if you not call them ask your money back
i have contacted consumer watchdog and they asked for my tapes for their tv programme
You may verify the specification of the router, if it is designed to handle the above mentioned speed, however the issues which you are facing can be due the following reason:
1. Corrupted firmware of the Router - I would request you to please update the same; you may refer to the manufacturer website of your website of the router.
2. You may also try to change the channel settings of your router.
In addition to the above you also verify and install the latest drivers for your network card.
Thanks,
Dell-Rishi P
Dell | Social Media Outreach | Global Social Media & Community
Dear Rishi, I am having the same problem. In fact, some of the times, I am connected to the router but there is no Internet access. All other devices in my home have stable Internet access. The computer is only 4 days old. My Dell laptop is connected at 220 Mbps. Computer: XPS 8500 Router: D-Link HD3000 (900 class) Please advise. Regards, Adnan
This is the new XPS 8500. It has the network adapter inside the case on the top. There is NO external antenna. Check the manual, support.dell.com/.../om_en.pdf, the Wireless Mini-Card on the left, and the Antennas below that.
Windows 7 as well, no 'individual' Network on Control Panel but it does have Network and Sharing Center. I do know how to get to the properties of the 1703 adapter though, and Advanced, see http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9625/capturejca.jpg for a picture. I can't even find documentation for all those, but I did set the Bandwidth to be both 20 and 40Mhz which I know is needed to reach 300Mbps, otherwise only 1/2 that speed is possible. It almost seems like that isn't being used?
I've done all that as far as settings too, including checking that the Power plan will not do that.
> Make and model of your wireless router and the type of security you're using? What channel?
ASUS RT-N56U is the router. A few WIRELESS devices are attached here to it, 2 iPads (N speed) and another computer using a LinkSys N speed card which connects at 270Mbps to the router. iPads I can't easily tell but I know they have a single antennae so they might be slower. I have 40Mbps down service and the speed of the network card is fast enough to support that, but NOT computer to computer transfer.
To get to the McAfee firewall, read Allow a printer past McAfee This will get you to the firewall settings.
Rick
=========================================
It almost seems this is meant for someone else.
I *KNOW* it is 2.4Ghz only and that is what I'm running! Although my router is a dual band, the 5GHZ band is NOT ON! This has nothing to do with the speed I connect at.
After messing with my computer for some hours (connected to it) Support came to the conclusion that the 1703 will NOT support 300Mbps, but only 150Mbps. I can't find ANY documentation that either supports or rebuts this. So Support decided to replace the card with an Intel 2230 wireless card.
It was installed and as you looked at the card status you see it negotiate 300Mbps and stay there for less than a minute and drops to 150Mbps. Had to call support... they think it could be the ANTENNEA's although I doubt it? The installer wasn't sent them to replace. After SOME playing around I discovered that it DOES work at 300Mbps. What you MUST do is mess with the card settings. Intel is dual band and defaults to mixed. If I set it to 2.4Ghz it locks on to 300Mbps and stays there, that is until the NEXT BOOT... same story, at 150Mbps, mess with the settings changing it back to mixed and lt again locks onto 300Mbps. Support is quite puzzled... I don't know what it to be done next?
Suggestions? Have you seen this? I even got the Intel drivers, no help?
I know to reach 300Mbps, both the 20 and 40Mhz channel have to be used.
This ONE setting sort of has me confused. From your link:
===============
Fat channel intolerant Disabled
===============
Which is what it is set for... but from my link, more details.
===============
Fat Channel Intolerant
This setting communicates to surrounding networks that this Wi-Fi adapter is not tolerant of 40MHz channels in the 2.4GHz band. The default setting is for this to be disabled (turned off) so that the adapter does not send this notification.
===============
Reading this, it doesn't seem it means anything but the card telling the OTHER NETWORKS it doesn't like that channel? Does this mean other than the one it connects too?
Why if I mess with the Intel utility connection to a router band it then works?
No clear at ALL to me? I may try changing Fat Channel Intolerant and see what happens? However I've NOT seen other reports of problems like this? Do people not look or care what speed they connect to the router at?
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
1
July 8th, 2012 09:00
I've a similar problem and others with the same computer, XPS 8500 and the Dell Wireless 1703 that I got 10 days ago. Been playing with it ever since.
I did find something that helped, on the Device Properties I noticed on the Advanced tab that the 802.11n Bandwidth was set to 20MHZ only, changed that to 20/40Mhz Auto, which helped a little, not completely.
I see conflicting 'information' too... the connectoid on the Systray shows only 3 bars of 5 bars1. Open some utilities like Wireless Wizard and it says speed of 150Mbps and only 50% strength. The wireless connection status under properties of the card shows 135Mbps?
I've enabled the Atheros connections settings too, no help (where is there documentation on this and the HOTSPOT???).
Additionally, coming out of SLEEP is a hit or miss thing. I'm checked EVERY setting on all devices and Power Option to MAKE sure the 1703 is NOT powered off during sleep, however returning most of the time it will NOT reconnect immediately. Sometime after a short period is will, other times I have to manually reconnect, and rarely, NOTHING will help and I have to re-boot.
Suggestions and assistance please? My computer is away from the router, but other devices further way have NO problems. In addition, about the ONLY thing I can say is working right is my Internet speed, which is 40Mbps down, 5Mbps up, at least that is correct (but any connection above 40Mbps would support that).
Irv S.
Ghosthunter68
2 Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 15:00
Hi all sorry to here others are having a problem.
Just an update regarding my problem I sacked off the wireless adaptor in the system and opted for an external wifi adaptor (netgear). Everything is running fine plugged in and getting 300mbps no problem. Not ideal as I wanted not to have an external wifi adaptor. Didn't want to go through what you guys are going through although Dell should really address this issue. Its obviously an issue with there oem internal wifi adaptors.
Just one hint. Get the free app inSSIDER. It will tell you the max rate / speed of your router. Obviously you lose a percentage of this over a wifi connection.
Just as a note it would be nice of Dell to offer us a solution or some sort of voucher.
farshad arbabi
4 Posts
0
September 29th, 2012 19:00
abseloutly rubbish
have you checked the web recently is full of people with the same problem
i had the same issue ,i brought the british telecom engineer and called dells help desk together
after 2 hours of dell logging to my system ,they admitted there is a fault with their wireless card
the beauty is the problem is so widespread dell doesnt have the part to replace
they can give you an ETA ;1 MON OR 1 YEAR
its a disaster
and you talk about router issues
the thing is you guys living in past with your wireless card ,people are using fibre optic connection with n signal but dells wireless card cant handle the
N signal and transfer to a G or B signal
my router was checked by dell
the new drive was updated
but problem was still there
they issue is so clear even if you ask for replacement desktop they say we can not gurantee the new one would not have the same problem
i have recorded all conversation as BT engineer advised me ,he has seen this with other customers
dell also says everyone on forums complaining about this has been refunded
so if you not call them ask your money back
i have contacted consumer watchdog and they asked for my tapes for their tv programme
Rishi_P
18 Posts
0
June 13th, 2012 15:00
Hi,
Welcome to the Community.
You may verify the specification of the router, if it is designed to handle the above mentioned speed, however the issues which you are facing can be due the following reason:
1. Corrupted firmware of the Router - I would request you to please update the same; you may refer to the manufacturer website of your website of the router.
2. You may also try to change the channel settings of your router.
In addition to the above you also verify and install the latest drivers for your network card.
Thanks,
Dell-Rishi P
Dell | Social Media Outreach | Global Social Media & Community
Adnan Safdar
1 Message
0
July 7th, 2012 11:00
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
July 8th, 2012 12:00
Irv S.,
Did you attach the antennas to the wireless card?
Start, control panel, network, double click on Dell Wireless 1703 adapter, advanced
Look to see if this adapter has antenna diversity. If it does, try changing it from Auto to Aux.
Click on power management tab, uncheck the box, alloe the computer to turn off this device to save power. Clicp apply, then ok.
Restart the computer and see what happens.
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
July 8th, 2012 15:00
Rick,
This is the new XPS 8500. It has the network adapter inside the case on the top. There is NO external antenna. Check the manual, support.dell.com/.../om_en.pdf, the Wireless Mini-Card on the left, and the Antennas below that.
Windows 7 as well, no 'individual' Network on Control Panel but it does have Network and Sharing Center. I do know how to get to the properties of the 1703 adapter though, and Advanced, see http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9625/capturejca.jpg for a picture. I can't even find documentation for all those, but I did set the Bandwidth to be both 20 and 40Mhz which I know is needed to reach 300Mbps, otherwise only 1/2 that speed is possible. It almost seems like that isn't being used?
I've done all that as far as settings too, including checking that the Power plan will not do that.
imageshack.us/.../capture1zn.jpg
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
July 10th, 2012 05:00
Irv s.,
Sorry for the delay, wasn't feeling well.
Your adapter does not have antenna diversity.
Make and model of your wireless router and the type of security you're using? What channel?
What virus program and firewall are you using?
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
July 10th, 2012 15:00
Rick,
> Make and model of your wireless router and the type of security you're using? What channel?
ASUS RT-N56U is the router. A few WIRELESS devices are attached here to it, 2 iPads (N speed) and another computer using a LinkSys N speed card which connects at 270Mbps to the router. iPads I can't easily tell but I know they have a single antennae so they might be slower. I have 40Mbps down service and the speed of the network card is fast enough to support that, but NOT computer to computer transfer.
I have noticed that Atheros has a later driver date on their site, but the version appears to be A000 too? Also found one for a different Dell machine that appears to be newer --> drivers.softpedia.com/.../Dell-XPS-One-2710-DW1703-80211bgn-Bluetooth40-plus-HS-Driver-920496-740126.shtml
Is there ANY documentation for the device, Dell 1073 802.11b/g/n, I can't find any, it might not even support FULL N spec's for all I know?
> What virus program and firewall are you using?
The SHIPPED McAfee ISS. Doubt that would cut the speed in 1/2 though... Problem IS not making a connection, it is the SPEED of the connection.
Am I better off calling into support?
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
July 10th, 2012 15:00
Irv S.,
Your adapter works only on the 2.4GHz frequency.
To get to the McAfee firewall, read Allow a printer past McAfee This will get you to the firewall settings.
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
July 10th, 2012 15:00
Rick,
I'm very confused by your response?
=======================================
Irv S.,
Your adapter works only on the 2.4GHz frequency.
To get to the McAfee firewall, read Allow a printer past McAfee This will get you to the firewall settings.
Rick
=========================================
It almost seems this is meant for someone else.
I *KNOW* it is 2.4Ghz only and that is what I'm running! Although my router is a dual band, the 5GHZ band is NOT ON! This has nothing to do with the speed I connect at.
Where did a Printer come into this?
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
July 10th, 2012 19:00
Irv S.,
You said about N speeds, so I wanted to make sure that you know it will not connect to the 5.0GHz band.
The printer part gets you to McAfee's firewall settings so you can allow communications with the internet. Have seen McAfee block communications.
If you're under warranty, then contact Dell Tech Support.
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
August 2nd, 2012 15:00
An Update Rockstar...
After messing with my computer for some hours (connected to it) Support came to the conclusion that the 1703 will NOT support 300Mbps, but only 150Mbps. I can't find ANY documentation that either supports or rebuts this. So Support decided to replace the card with an Intel 2230 wireless card.
It was installed and as you looked at the card status you see it negotiate 300Mbps and stay there for less than a minute and drops to 150Mbps. Had to call support... they think it could be the ANTENNEA's although I doubt it? The installer wasn't sent them to replace. After SOME playing around I discovered that it DOES work at 300Mbps. What you MUST do is mess with the card settings. Intel is dual band and defaults to mixed. If I set it to 2.4Ghz it locks on to 300Mbps and stays there, that is until the NEXT BOOT... same story, at 150Mbps, mess with the settings changing it back to mixed and lt again locks onto 300Mbps. Support is quite puzzled... I don't know what it to be done next?
Suggestions? Have you seen this? I even got the Intel drivers, no help?
Irv S.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
August 2nd, 2012 17:00
Irv S.,
Try reading this, it's for Intel adapters but the settings may give you a clue that may work.
Intel ~ Recommended settings for 802.11n connectivity
Since Intel also uses adapters with dual streams, the settings may be close.
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 09:00
Rockstar, I actually had found this one too, www.intel.com/.../CS-025393.htm, it is for Vista...
I know to reach 300Mbps, both the 20 and 40Mhz channel have to be used.
This ONE setting sort of has me confused. From your link:
===============
Fat channel intolerant Disabled
===============
Which is what it is set for... but from my link, more details.
===============
Fat Channel Intolerant
This setting communicates to surrounding networks that this Wi-Fi adapter is not tolerant of 40MHz channels in the 2.4GHz band. The default setting is for this to be disabled (turned off) so that the adapter does not send this notification.
===============
Reading this, it doesn't seem it means anything but the card telling the OTHER NETWORKS it doesn't like that channel? Does this mean other than the one it connects too?
Why if I mess with the Intel utility connection to a router band it then works?
No clear at ALL to me? I may try changing Fat Channel Intolerant and see what happens? However I've NOT seen other reports of problems like this? Do people not look or care what speed they connect to the router at?
Irv S.