Problem on general wifi connection

Question

My laptop has been having a major problem with wifi connection while outside of my living room.

Whenever I try to bring my laptop into my own room, my wifi connection goes from 5 bars (full) to 2 bars, which is terrible connection. I can't connect to the internet in my room without it freezing on me. However, my sister can bring her own laptop into her room, and it works fine. She still has excellent connection and can maintain that status for hours.

I'm wondering if there is anyway to improve the wifi connection on my laptop. Thanks in advance! :emotion-2:

PudgyOne · Answer

BestName,   Try running Finding System Information REMOVE YOUR PRODUCT ID and post the rest of the information back here.     Rick

BestName · Answer

Ok, here is my information:

Host Name: STUDIO_XPS

OS Name: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate

OS Version: 6.1.7600 N/A Build 7600

OS Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation

OS Configuration: Standalone Workstation

OS Build Type: Multiprocessor Free

Registered Owner: John

Registered Organization: Microsoft

Original Install Date: 3/3/2010, 8:58:09 PM

System Boot Time: 10/23/2011, 9:01:05 AM

System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.

System Model: Studio XPS 1640

System Type: x64-based PC

Processor(s): 1 Processor(s) Installed.

[01]: Intel64 Family 6 Model 23 Stepping 6 GenuineIntel ~2133 Mhz

BIOS Version: Dell Inc. A15, 4/9/2011

Windows Directory: C:\Windows

System Directory: C:\Windows\system32

Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume2

System Locale: en-us;English (United States)

Input Locale: en-us;English (United States)

Time Zone: (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Total Physical Memory: 4,061 MB

Available Physical Memory: 2,070 MB

Virtual Memory: Max Size: 8,120 MB

Virtual Memory: Available: 5,590 MB

Virtual Memory: In Use: 2,530 MB

Page File Location(s): C:\pagefile.sys

Domain: WORKGROUP

Logon Server: \\STUDIO_XPS

Hotfix(s): 165 Hotfix(s) Installed.

[01]: KB971033

[02]: KB2032276

[03]: KB2079403

[04]: KB2120976

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Network Card(s): 2 NIC(s) Installed.

[01]: Broadcom NetLink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet

Connection Name: Local Area Connection

Status: Media disconnected

[02]: Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100 AGN

Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection

DHCP Enabled: Yes

DHCP Server: 192.168.1.1

IP address(es)

[01]: 192.168.1.42

[02]: fe80::9c6d:c2ea:1fa0:fa06

Thanks for the welcome! and the help!

PudgyOne · Answer

BestName,

I see you do have an ip address, so the computer is connecting. Your hint, about leaving the room gives me a hint, that the antenna wire on the wireless adapter may have come loose or may have come off. For instructions on how to check, CLICK HERE.

Rick

OS Name:                   Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
OS Version:                6.1.7600 N/A Build 7600
OS Manufacturer:           Microsoft Corporation
Original Install Date:     3/3/2010, 8:58:09 PM
System Boot Time:          10/23/2011, 9:01:05 AM
System Manufacturer:       Dell Inc.
System Model:              Studio XPS 1640
System Type:               x64-based PC
Processor(s):              1 Processor(s) Installed.
                          [01]: Intel64 Family 6 Model 23 Stepping 6 GenuineIntel ~2133 Mhz
BIOS Version:              Dell Inc. A15, 4/9/2011
Windows Directory:         C:\Windows
System Locale:             en-us;English (United States)
Input Locale:              en-us;English (United States)
Time Zone:                 (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Network Card(s):           2 NIC(s) Installed.
                          [01]: Broadcom NetLink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet
                                Connection Name: Local Area Connection
                                Status:          Media disconnected
                          [02]: Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100 AGN
                                Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection
                                DHCP Enabled:    Yes
                                DHCP Server:     192.168.1.1
                                IP address(es)
                                [01]: 192.168.1.42
                                [02]: fe80::9c6d:c2ea:1fa0:fa06

BestName · Answer

I'm not sure if I was supposed to check the wires on the mini-card or not, but I had some trouble locating it.

Here's a link to what my laptop looks like right now: http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/jzthai/IMG_0010.jpg

and here's a link to what I thought was the mini-card: http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/jzthai/IMG_0009.jpg. Everything seems to be firmly connected in that area.

PudgyOne · Answer

BestName,

The last picture was the 5100. It was on the card.

Here were the setting I used, when I had my old laptop that had the 5100 AGN.

My Intel WiFi 5100 AGN Connectivity Settings

Maybe one of the settings will make it better.

I used these Recommended Wireless Router Settings I use channel 11 and always has a great connection. My wireless router is located on the second floor of my home.

Rick

BestName · Answer

Hi, I've checked my Intel WiFi 5100 AGN Connectivity Settings, and they matched the ones you had. However, I'm having some trouble with the next step. Sorry, I'm not really great with computers. How do you access Recommended Wireless Router Settings?

PudgyOne · Answer

BestName,

You need to log in to your wireless router.

How to login to your wireless router then use these Recommended Wireless Router Settings I use channel 11. I would make a new SSID to make connecting easier.

Here is the setup with pictures. You can stop before the removing of the wireless adapter.

Setting up/Troubleshooting a Wireless Network

Rick

BestName · Answer

I've tried the recommended channels, and 11 seems to give me the best connection. However, I was unable to use WPA-PSK(TKIP) Security(WPA Personal). The only option of security given to me was WEP, which I set up, I'm still not able to receive wifi connection in my room. Are there any other solutions that may work?

PudgyOne · Answer

BestName,

Honestly, ge a wireless router that supports WPA-PSK(TKIP) Security (Personal) A dual band is nice if you have a wireless N adapter and have the need for speed. The router you have must be an older model.

Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Problem on general wifi connection

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