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[DELL E6400] Wifi poor reception

Discussion in 'Dell Latitude, Vostro, and Precision' started by MadMatt_956, Jan 12, 2011.

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  1. MadMatt_956

    MadMatt_956 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello guys !

    I have a DELL LATITUDE E6400 with the INTEL 5300 wifi card, but the signal reception and detection is very poor. 2 friends with 2 different computers (1 old and a new 1) detect wifi signals easly while I cannot detect them or only with poor quality which doesn't allow me to connect to it, while both my friends can.

    I uninstalled the DELL CONTROL POINT stuff and only put the INTEL software, it doesn't change anything, and I have the latest drivers.

    Could it be a problem with my wifi card, or is the 5300 just crap ?

    Cheers,

    Matt :)
     
    MadMatt_956, Jan 12, 2011
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  2. GKDesigns

    GKDesigns Custom User Title

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    Intel 5300 works fine here on E6400 with Intel.com drivers and no DCP Connection Manager ever installed. I would look to reseat the card and antenna connections... inspect connections closely for plastic wrapping debris... I now recall removing a bit of this.

    Otherwise, could be a bad card.

    GK
     
    GKDesigns, Jan 12, 2011
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  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I would also check if the antennae cable are correctly connected to the card. I think the 5300 uses three antennae. I think the black wire goes to the connector nearest the edge of the computer, then grey to the middle connector on the card with white nearest the memory (based on the 5100 which only uses the black and white wires).

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 12, 2011
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  4. MadMatt_956

    MadMatt_956 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you for the quick answers guys ! Can you tell me where is located the card inside the computer ? :)

    EDIT : I found it ! Documentation
     
    MadMatt_956, Jan 12, 2011
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  5. MadMatt_956

    MadMatt_956 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I checked, the cables are connected in the right order according to DELL's documentation and there is nothing not normal there.

    Is there a way to REALLY check the power of the wifi card ? Because it might just be that the card is crap, but not that my card has got a problem. But as I heard it was a really good card, I'm wondering...
     
    MadMatt_956, Jan 12, 2011
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  6. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Have you reinstall the Intel software? My 5100 AGN in my Latitude 13 has never had any issues. Also what router do you have?
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Jan 12, 2011
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  7. GKDesigns

    GKDesigns Custom User Title

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    The Intel 5300 is not crap. And if your card is healthy, assuming it is crap will not help you to troubleshoot the issue.

    Are your friends connecting well to the same AP you are having trouble with? Do you have trouble on all APs? Did you physically remove and re-install the 5300?

    GK
     
    GKDesigns, Jan 12, 2011
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  8. MadMatt_956

    MadMatt_956 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I did this experience :

    I tried to get connected to the router let's say from distance X and it works. Not every time but let's say after 15minutes of trying I finally get a connection (with poor signal). My friends could connect to the router from X+5meters at the first attempt, with 2 different computers (one old and one new).

    We are 2 flats with a wall separating them, and we are sharing the internet connection. The thing is that while they can easly get the connection through the wall, I can't.

    Yes, I physically removed and re-install the 5300, uninstalled it in windows and installed the drivers back but it didn't change anything.

    And thank you for helping me, I appreciate it ! :)
     
    MadMatt_956, Jan 13, 2011
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  9. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    There is always the chance your wifi card is genuinely defective. These kinds of things happen. Are you still under manufacturer warranty? See if you can go get it replaced. Or you can pay out of pocket as you can pick up a 5100 AGN card for like ~30 bucks on Ebay..
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Jan 13, 2011
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  10. GKDesigns

    GKDesigns Custom User Title

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    I'll assume your friends were connecting from the same spot you are having trouble from... that your flat does not have unique radio interference.

    If your 5300 has difficulty connecting to all APs regularly... it could be defective.... have you tried the local coffee shop AP for signal strength and connectivity?

    GK
     
    GKDesigns, Jan 13, 2011
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