Not quite sure. I know the wireless adapter you have is not an Intel adapter.
Does your router have WPS enabled? I heard that turning it off may help. I do not have the firewall turned on in my wireless router. I also use channel 11.
The original one wasn't, it was the Dell 1703, but the replacement is an Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230.
Funny thing now that I messed with that FAT setting. I can't even get 150Mbps, 144Mbps is the MAX speed.
I did find some Intel pages that deal with stuff like this. Funny part was that in some settings, to make sure they are 'real', change them and then put them back and save? Hmm....
WPS is on the router. Enabled too but never used. Matter of fact I've used 3 different flashes to see if it was the router, a released flash, a Beta flash, and a 3rd party flash, no difference.
I can't really figure out WHO is controlling the connection either? Original was clearly an Antheros app for the 1703. Looks like it could be an Intel app, not sure for the 2230. I may dump those and use Windows Zero and see if it is any better?
I'm waiting for a call from Dell's escalated Level 2 support on this, supposed to be on Sunday. We'll see.
Rick, I've seen those too, sigh... I guess I should have listed all I looked at.
One point though, on the page is this :
On the wireless router check the following options:
Property Value
Auto channel scan Enable
802.11 mode Use 802.11n only
Channel width 40MHz
However my router had 'b/g protection' which allows the N to operate normally even if G devices are attached (none are). I've got another computer running with a LinkSys WMP300N and it connects to the same router with 270Mbps (LinkSys is a 14X network card, 270Mbps is max. possible) and it was sitting on the same desk as the 8500 is now. Other than that one setting all are the same.
Also the ProSet Utility is NOT for the 2230, but note the note :
Note If the slider is already at Highest / Maximum Performance, move the slider to another setting and then back to Highest / Maximum Performance.
Puzzling that one needs to do that? Maybe that messed up the settings when I changed them to test FAT setting?
I may uninstall and re-install this driver and utility?
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options\Create a Power Plan
Select High performance.
Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Ghost, way ahead of you... on the system and of course it says 300Mbps max. Graph shows DB in range of what it should be and no other SSID's near the channels. If I didn't have this (which I started to show Dell Support when they were connected) I'm not sure what the outcome would have been. They did what I did first, opened up EVERY conceivable setting associated with the 1703 and even looked at my router settings and changed some of those to see if it would correct it. Didn't, so I was sent the Intel 2230. Last though was the antennae was the problem as it wasn't replaced, but I doubt it. I really don't want to use a PCIe slot, I'd like it open 'just in case'.
Well, I had the Intel latest drivers installed. I backed those out and returned to the Dell ones... I can now again get the 300Mpbs connection by messing with the settings, but again, on re-boot, back to 150Mbps.
I notice in almost all the forum posts and documentation for that card, even on the Intel site they mention LAPTOPS... I suspect that card was made for them, as some of the troubleshooting even mentions charging your batteries. Again, this leads me to believe the problem is the two antenna's. The computer that does get 270Mbps has an external that can be moved, but also has 3 antenna's, not 2 like the 8500 that is fixed on the top of the computer in the case.
I also tested setting the Router to N ONLY and on WPS, made no difference.
I'll wait to talk to Support and 'suggest' using WZC, see what they say, who knows, they might know how to fix this?
dell support knowes there is issue with their wireless card receiving n signal
they wanted to replace the card for me but the problem is so wide spread they run out of parts
ETA on month or a year they cant say
they can replace your computer but they cant guarantee the same problem not happens again
they know their part is faulty
just get your money back
i have contacted consumer watchdog here in uk as i recorded conversations with dell as british telecom engineer told me has seen these issues with dell many times
After the Intel 2230 didn't work either, I was sent a USB network device (AE2500 LinkSys Dual band) and it too connected at 1/2 speed. Since it was Dual Band (5GHZ too) I turned on that SSID on my router. It connects fine at 300Mbps.
So, I suspect the problem is within the Windows Image used? Maybe something within the TCP/IP stack, but if that were the case, then I'd think the 5Ghz wouldn't work either? Since it is a stand-along USB device, it doesn't use the internal antennae's so they are not the problem?
Why 2.4Ghz doesn't reach 300Mbps on 3 devices but at 5Ghz it does work is beyond me?
Exact same problem. Replace my 2 year old XPS with new XPS with Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n...and the connection went from 300Mbps on the old XPS to 74MBPS on the NEW XPS - Nothing else changed. The computer is in the same place, using the same router, etc. The only thing different was the card. There is no way it can be anything other than the card...what is up with the Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n?????
I am having the same issue with my Netgear dual band router (WNDR4000) my 8500 does not see the 5GHz net work at all, the device manager shows the adapter as Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz). From research I am doing outside the dell forums it seems you need an 11a card to pickup the 5GHz network is that correct? My old macbook picks up the 5Ghz network and that has an 11a designation. I am assuming the card that comes with the XPS is not compatible with 5GHz is that possible.
Rick, I guess that would beg the question - Why in the world is Dell dumping the 2.4 GHz cards into there supposed High End XPS systems....It makes no sense that Dell had better cards in the same systems 2 years ago.
Just a guess, that maybe because the dual streams can give you faster speeds. The word wireless N fools many people as they thing that means they can connect to 5.0GHz when they can't unless it states dual band. You have to read the specifications carefully.
I have argued my thoughts about this but the qualifications to be a wireless N adapter is speed, so they do dual streaming
The problem is most likely your router configuration. The 1703 adapter will conform to the router standards. So, if you have wireless b or g devices on your network, the router has to slow the adapter, which complies by dropping down to 72.2 mbps. If your network was all wireless n and your router was capable, the 1703 will run very quickly. My own test (wireless n only) was 225 mbps. In a mixed environment with wireless g devices, it drops to 72.2. You need to set your router to receive up to 300 mbps and also disable 20/40hz coexistence, which is designed to slow the wireless down when there are neighboring wireless systems present. In your PC's device manager, under network adapters, you can check the 1703's advanced properties 802.11 n bandwidth to make sure it is set 20Hz/40Hz auto. The Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n will then run at n speeds. Just remember that if you want to add a wireless b or g device, the router will have to slow the adapter down to accommodate them. Your security settings can also affect performance. I believe WPA2-PSK [AES] is optimal.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 14:00
Irv S.,
Not quite sure. I know the wireless adapter you have is not an Intel adapter.
Does your router have WPS enabled? I heard that turning it off may help. I do not have the firewall turned on in my wireless router. I also use channel 11.
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 14:00
The original one wasn't, it was the Dell 1703, but the replacement is an Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230.
Funny thing now that I messed with that FAT setting. I can't even get 150Mbps, 144Mbps is the MAX speed.
I did find some Intel pages that deal with stuff like this. Funny part was that in some settings, to make sure they are 'real', change them and then put them back and save? Hmm....
WPS is on the router. Enabled too but never used. Matter of fact I've used 3 different flashes to see if it was the router, a released flash, a Beta flash, and a 3rd party flash, no difference.
I can't really figure out WHO is controlling the connection either? Original was clearly an Antheros app for the 1703. Looks like it could be an Intel app, not sure for the 2230. I may dump those and use Windows Zero and see if it is any better?
I'm waiting for a call from Dell's escalated Level 2 support on this, supposed to be on Sunday. We'll see.
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 15:00
Rick, I've seen those too, sigh... I guess I should have listed all I looked at.
One point though, on the page is this :
On the wireless router check the following options:
Property Value
Auto channel scan Enable
802.11 mode Use 802.11n only
Channel width 40MHz
However my router had 'b/g protection' which allows the N to operate normally even if G devices are attached (none are). I've got another computer running with a LinkSys WMP300N and it connects to the same router with 270Mbps (LinkSys is a 14X network card, 270Mbps is max. possible) and it was sitting on the same desk as the 8500 is now. Other than that one setting all are the same.
Also the ProSet Utility is NOT for the 2230, but note the note :
Note If the slider is already at Highest / Maximum Performance, move the slider to another setting and then back to Highest / Maximum Performance.
Puzzling that one needs to do that? Maybe that messed up the settings when I changed them to test FAT setting?
I may uninstall and re-install this driver and utility?
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 15:00
Irv S.,
Intel known issues...
Intel® WiFi Products — Power Save Polling (PSP) causes connection issues with some access points
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options\Create a Power Plan
Select High performance.
Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Intel ~ Recommended settings for 802.11n connectivity
Rick
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
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August 3rd, 2012 15:00
Ghost, way ahead of you... on the system and of course it says 300Mbps max. Graph shows DB in range of what it should be and no other SSID's near the channels. If I didn't have this (which I started to show Dell Support when they were connected) I'm not sure what the outcome would have been. They did what I did first, opened up EVERY conceivable setting associated with the 1703 and even looked at my router settings and changed some of those to see if it would correct it. Didn't, so I was sent the Intel 2230. Last though was the antennae was the problem as it wasn't replaced, but I doubt it. I really don't want to use a PCIe slot, I'd like it open 'just in case'.
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 17:00
Well, I had the Intel latest drivers installed. I backed those out and returned to the Dell ones... I can now again get the 300Mpbs connection by messing with the settings, but again, on re-boot, back to 150Mbps.
I notice in almost all the forum posts and documentation for that card, even on the Intel site they mention LAPTOPS... I suspect that card was made for them, as some of the troubleshooting even mentions charging your batteries. Again, this leads me to believe the problem is the two antenna's. The computer that does get 270Mbps has an external that can be moved, but also has 3 antenna's, not 2 like the 8500 that is fixed on the top of the computer in the case.
I also tested setting the Router to N ONLY and on WPS, made no difference.
I'll wait to talk to Support and 'suggest' using WZC, see what they say, who knows, they might know how to fix this?
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
August 3rd, 2012 17:00
Irv S.,
Kind of curious what would happen if you allow Windows to manage your connection.
How to start Wireless Zero Configuration using Vista/Windows 7
Do you get any better results in the safe mode with networking?
Rick
farshad arbabi
4 Posts
0
September 29th, 2012 19:00
i have the same problem
my spped was half of what it was
dell support knowes there is issue with their wireless card receiving n signal
they wanted to replace the card for me but the problem is so wide spread they run out of parts
ETA on month or a year they cant say
they can replace your computer but they cant guarantee the same problem not happens again
they know their part is faulty
just get your money back
i have contacted consumer watchdog here in uk as i recorded conversations with dell as british telecom engineer told me has seen these issues with dell many times
ispalten
4 Operator
•
2.5K Posts
0
October 2nd, 2012 08:00
After the Intel 2230 didn't work either, I was sent a USB network device (AE2500 LinkSys Dual band) and it too connected at 1/2 speed. Since it was Dual Band (5GHZ too) I turned on that SSID on my router. It connects fine at 300Mbps.
So, I suspect the problem is within the Windows Image used? Maybe something within the TCP/IP stack, but if that were the case, then I'd think the 5Ghz wouldn't work either? Since it is a stand-along USB device, it doesn't use the internal antennae's so they are not the problem?
Why 2.4Ghz doesn't reach 300Mbps on 3 devices but at 5Ghz it does work is beyond me?
TraceyBee
3 Posts
0
November 30th, 2012 06:00
Exact same problem. Replace my 2 year old XPS with new XPS with Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n...and the connection went from 300Mbps on the old XPS to 74MBPS on the NEW XPS - Nothing else changed. The computer is in the same place, using the same router, etc. The only thing different was the card. There is no way it can be anything other than the card...what is up with the Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n?????
rozmerlin
4 Posts
0
December 9th, 2012 20:00
I am having the same issue with my Netgear dual band router (WNDR4000) my 8500 does not see the 5GHz net work at all, the device manager shows the adapter as Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz). From research I am doing outside the dell forums it seems you need an 11a card to pickup the 5GHz network is that correct? My old macbook picks up the 5Ghz network and that has an 11a designation. I am assuming the card that comes with the XPS is not compatible with 5GHz is that possible.
RoseL
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
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December 10th, 2012 12:00
RoseL,
The Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) is what it states, works on 2.4GHz ONLY. It will not see 5.0GHz networks.
Rick
TraceyBee
3 Posts
0
December 10th, 2012 13:00
Rick, I guess that would beg the question - Why in the world is Dell dumping the 2.4 GHz cards into there supposed High End XPS systems....It makes no sense that Dell had better cards in the same systems 2 years ago.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
December 10th, 2012 14:00
TraceyBee,
Just a guess, that maybe because the dual streams can give you faster speeds. The word wireless N fools many people as they thing that means they can connect to 5.0GHz when they can't unless it states dual band. You have to read the specifications carefully.
I have argued my thoughts about this but the qualifications to be a wireless N adapter is speed, so they do dual streaming
Rick
Adam103
13 Posts
0
December 16th, 2012 14:00
The problem is most likely your router configuration. The 1703 adapter will conform to the router standards. So, if you have wireless b or g devices on your network, the router has to slow the adapter, which complies by dropping down to 72.2 mbps. If your network was all wireless n and your router was capable, the 1703 will run very quickly. My own test (wireless n only) was 225 mbps. In a mixed environment with wireless g devices, it drops to 72.2. You need to set your router to receive up to 300 mbps and also disable 20/40hz coexistence, which is designed to slow the wireless down when there are neighboring wireless systems present. In your PC's device manager, under network adapters, you can check the 1703's advanced properties 802.11 n bandwidth to make sure it is set 20Hz/40Hz auto. The Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n will then run at n speeds. Just remember that if you want to add a wireless b or g device, the router will have to slow the adapter down to accommodate them. Your security settings can also affect performance. I believe WPA2-PSK [AES] is optimal.
Best of luck!