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    Bigfoot Killer Wireless-N 1103 compatability

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by rawhide85, Jun 11, 2011.

  1. ghostchili

    ghostchili Notebook Enthusiast

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    Any quick tutorial on installing the 1103?
     
  2. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    Simple. Remove the battery -> remove 4 screws holding the backplate -> slide the backplate upwards and remove it -> unplug the antennas from the stock wifi card, remove the card (1 screw)-> insert the killer, plug the antennas 1 - white, 2 - grey, 3 - black.

    Don't forget to remove the intel wifi drivers/software prior installing the killer drivers.

    Enjoy!
     
  3. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Aiki,

    Quick question for you. Have you found or do you know of any improvements in using the drivers direct from Bigfoot over the Dellized Bigfoot driver? - Im about to clean install shortly to my SSD and have both downloaded...was gonna go with the latest Bigfoot instead of Dell's but if you have any advice or whatever, Im all ears......
     
  4. ghostchili

    ghostchili Notebook Enthusiast

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    I will, whenever I place my order :) Sooner rather than later ;)
     
  5. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    For some reason Dell drivers work better, lower latency. Dunno why.
     
  6. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Cheers. I will go with the Dell recipe and wait for arrival of your sticker (obviously to increase the overall speed :p )
     
  7. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    Wow I did not know that. I tried the Dell driver. Using pingtest.net, I got 25ms vs 24ms with the Dell one.

    Differences between the Dell one and Bigfoot one:
    The Bigfoot one uses Speedtest.net as the bandwidth test whereas the Dell one uses its own test. Both are equally unreliable. I just manually put in my sync speed from my router stats.

    The newer Bigfoot one takes overheads into account. Say if I put in 20Mbps, the bars which control your bandwidth distribution max out at 18.60Mbps. The Dell driver uses the actual speed you specify so keep that in mind. When using the Bigfoot driver, I set my speed to 18Meg but was only getting around 16 per app.

    Anyways, I'm happy with the Dell one for now. Very good pings of 24ms with 1ms jitter. Now bring on Battlefield 3!
     
  8. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    hey fellas, i would like to share some unpleasant experience with killer 1103 card i'm using right now...

    Currently using Zyxel Keenetic router. Everything was set to auto on the router and i simply established the connection to it. My speed is 75mbps for download and 30mbps for upload. I'm using 6.1.0.183 drivers from Bigfoot website. The problem is that after a few weeks of use my upload speed went down to around 8mbps and couldn't go higher, but on my other laptop sitting next to M18x intel 6230 shows 75/30mbps speeds. I decided to simply reinstall the drivers and it has been working fine for a couple of days already. But i think it might happen again in the future. The body of mine purchased killer 1102 and is experiencing the same problems, we'll see if reinstall works for him as well. Still doesn't think it's a faulty adapter...

    Did anyone experienced the same issue with the adapter before? Overall it's awesome and i'm 100% satisfied with my purchase, but not if that problems occurs again!
     
  9. Massivex

    Massivex Newbie

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    Just a quick question for you folks, if the laptop I'm intending to buy only comes with two antennas and I don't want a 3rd antenna mod, would there be any point getting 1103 over 1102? The difference is about $15... I read about some people here with two antennas installing 1103 anyway, so just wondering if there would be any difference with 1103 vs 1102 if I'm using two antennas only anyway. Thanks.
     
  10. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    Go with the 1102, since with 2 antennas the 1103 will work at the exact same speeds and specs.
     
  11. Mechanized Menace

    Mechanized Menace Lost in the MYST

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    Aikimox, I just wanted to thank you again! You have brought my R2 great networking joy!
     
  12. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    You are more than welcome, enjoy it! :)
     
  13. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Aikimox,

    I just ordered the 1103 on the Fortnax website and got an email confirmation. However, when I click on order status on the website, nothing happens?
     
  14. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    PM me your order details and I will look into it.
     
  15. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well I just received the card. Thanks Aikimox. Excellent service and delivery time (ordered on 5th received on 7th. I'm in Vancouver Canada.)

    I just tried the card in my Asus G53JW and it's not being detected at all. I have downloaded the software/driver package from Bigfoot, installed the card, and then ran the exe.

    I'm going to try reseating the card later tonight. If that fails, do you have any suggestions?
     
  16. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I should also just add a public thanks to Aiki for going above and beyond the "call of duty" (sorry for the terrible gaming pun hehe) for posting out a nice killer sticker to adorn my M18x.....thanks buddy...you rock!
     
  17. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    Thank you for the kind words! :)

    G53JW was released long before the card and might not have a native BIOS support for it. Check if there is a BIOS update available for your system, might help. Let us know how it goes.
     
  18. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've updated the BIOS and still no luck. I did make sure that the drivers for the old card were removed as well.

    I believe the card actually shows up in the Device Manager under "Other Devices". When click on it, it shows Ethernet Controller, but doesn't know what it is and doesn't have any drivers.

    Any other suggestions for me? I'll also check on the Asus sub section to see if anyone has successfully used the same combo before.
     
  19. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    If it shows in the device manager try using the drivers from bigfoot.
     
  20. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    I can't seem to find the drivers only. I only see the download for the software suite for Win 7 64. That's the one I tried to use with no success.

    Version 6.1.0.183 Windows 7 64 bit - Killer Wireless-N 1102 and 1103.

    When downloaded, it only has a single EXE file, and I can't locate individual drivers.
     
  21. littleone562

    littleone562 Notebook Deity

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    That is it, it installs the drivers too as well as the software.
     
  22. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    I guess I'm out of luck then =(
     
  23. Aluminum

    Aluminum Notebook Consultant

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    Try looking for atheros AR938X drivers, since thats what it is. There are recent win7 versions out there that are whql signed.
     
  24. littleone562

    littleone562 Notebook Deity

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  25. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    How do I ensure that my Killer 1103 is using N speeds? I have my router in compatibility mode since I need to be able to connect my Driod to the router, but when I switched the router to only "N" my computer wasn't connecting, how do I go about connecting on N? I'm a n00b when it comes to this type of stuff, but doing some research. Thanks
     
  26. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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  27. littleone562

    littleone562 Notebook Deity

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    No they wont.
     
  28. Mechanized Menace

    Mechanized Menace Lost in the MYST

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    Compatibility mode will not let your card reach N speeds. It will limit it to around 130MBPS. What router are you using? It should automatically detect and run in the N Speed. (Unless compatibility mode is on)
     
  29. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Its a Verizon Fios router and i only get 30mb wired and 25 wireless. Not signed up for anything that n would help on. I know Im not going to get 30 being wireless especially since Im signed up for 25, but just curious if there would be a difference. I have to use compatibility mode to keep my phone connected.
     
  30. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, so I contacted support at Bigfoot. They said it's either my antivirus messing with the driver install or it's a faulty card.

    He said since I've used a 3rd party NIC before, the problem can't be that BIOS is locking out 3rd party NICs.

    I'll try again and let you guys know.
     
  31. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    It could be a BIOS support issue. We have tested the card in older gen laptops and certain systems do not recognize it. For example, if you plug it into a Lenovo ThinkPad W510, the first message on post will be the " Unsupported wireless card detected..." System halts.

    Also, we test every NIC before it leaves our facility, but we will replace it anyway if that can help.

    On a side note, could you try the card in another laptop, maybe you have a friend with a SB machine?
     
  32. Bloodstriker

    Bloodstriker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks Aikimox.

    Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with a SB machine.

    I'm happy to hear that you guys test every NIC.

    When I get a chance, I'll try reinstalling everything with NIS2011 disabled. If that doesn't work, I'll have to contact support again.
     
  33. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Recently noticed that I was getting a fair few 4k+ latency spikes using DPC checker...happening regularly and upon opening my network task bar icon - would shoot up to 4000us right away.

    Went to Bigfoot site and downloaded latest driver from them and uninstalled Dell's version and installed Bigfoot official. All now seems well as I have been able to open/close my network icon and watch vids without it spiking at all.....

    Kinda just a FYI if anyone notices big spikes....before, the screenshot was littered with large red spikes tightly packed together and after installing official Bigfoot drivers we have the following constant result.........................
     

    Attached Files:

  34. Aluminum

    Aluminum Notebook Consultant

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    Despite it being made/marketed for north america, it is configured the same as all the noname/fleabay cards.

    World roam crippled for 5ghz, ran across a post on the ath9k list:

    Does not apply to windows because they cheat with binary firmware in drivers, but windows generally can't run in master mode or do anything but be a dumb client anyways.
     
  35. Sonaks

    Sonaks Notebook Guru

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    I've got some issues, not sure if it's my Router or infact the Killer N-103 card.
    But when i use the wireless i only get like 45mbit/sec, compared to 90+ mbit/sec when i use cable.

    My router is NETGEAR WNR2000 WIRELESS N ROUTER.
    From what i can read it should support 300mbit. Though i know that some speed is always lost due to wireless.

    The router is like 5 meters away from the computer with no walls / closed doors blocking the signal.

    I just wanna atleast be able to max out my ISP connection even if i use the wireless.

    I am considering buying a new router if that is the case.
    Not sure which routers works best with Killer Wireless N-103 though.

    Tips are more than welcome.
     
  36. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    got a situation here:

    i own Samsung Galaxy S II phone which supports direct wi-fi feature to transfer files through air but i don't know how to enable it using killer 1103. Asked bigfoot support and received a reply:

    Good afternoon.

    WifiDirect adapters in windows laptops support direct via the method
    of allowing windows to use the adapter to make a 'hotspot'.

    Here is the article explaining:
    Wi-Fi Direct - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    We have tested this and this works (windows wifi sharing):
    Set Windows 7 as WiFi HotSpot [Quick Tip] | Windows 7 | Windows Tools, Help & Guides


    Regards,

    Ethan
    Tech Support Engineer
    Bigfoot Networks
    Bigfoot Networks

    Now, i tried to follow the steps by in 2nd link but couldn't establish sharing. Does somebody have a clue on how to make Direct Wi-Fi work? tnx
     
  37. CyberTronics

    CyberTronics Notebook Consultant

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  38. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    ^^ there's a good chance it will work as it does work on all SB platforms we have tested thus far. Still, there's always a chance of fiasco, so make sure your reseller can refund you if it doesn't work.
     
  39. CyberTronics

    CyberTronics Notebook Consultant

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    Thx for the answer Aikimox. But should i buy 1102 or 1103?
     
  40. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    Check the number of antennas in your system. If it's 3 - go for the 1103, 2 - 1102. You can get 1102 regardless, the only real difference is the max speed (300 vs 450 of the 1103) but you will only be able to get those speeds in LANs.
     
  41. rojinjin

    rojinjin Newbie

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    Hi, Aikimox, I wonder how can i buy 1103 only, and I am in UK now, thanks very much
     
  42. TheApprentice

    TheApprentice Notebook Enthusiast

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    My M18x has been losing internet connectivity a lot recently.
    The router and modem are fine as other computers and my phone connect fine.

    I'd be browsing or downloading as usual then the internet connectivity will just hang for a few minutes then restart.

    It's begun happening after the driver update to fix the iTunes issue.
    Anyone else having these problems?
     
  43. Deviskan

    Deviskan Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm having pretty much the exact same issue myself.

    Just received a new m18x (replacement, following the AMD thermal shutdown issue...dual 580sli's). I have the Killer network card, and after downloading iTunes, and going through the driver update everything seemed fine ~(iTunes Store would connect etc).

    Then, I have had a multitude of BSOD's (must be closing in on about 20 now!), which seemed to start/happen when I click on Internet explorer initially...and then as soon as the system boots up. Subsequently I have had to complete a few system restores...and again thought everything was ok.

    Unfortuntately not! I started to notice that my internet connection was dropping out every few minutes...where I couldn't connect to Web Pages (google etc). I would then open the Network Sharing Center, troubleshoot problems...and repair. This would temporarily fix the issue and restore network connectivity...only for it to go again a few moments later (where it was indicating it was an issue with the Network adapter).

    My speed on my router was not an issue on the now returned AMD 6990 crossfire machine (also with the Killer card)...so I know my router is not the issue. The speed check on the Bigfoot Killer Network Manager was also having issues actually completing the upload speed test (and returning minimal results (3 for download, and under 1 for upload).

    Although, I did notice another issue with my McAfee AV at one point...were real time scanning would turn on, and then turn itself off straight away. I had to re-install that...but it has been fine since then (this was originally noticed following the install of the Bigfoot driver).

    Anyway...any of you guys have any thoughts why this would be happening? I am not the most technical when it comes to things like this...but I definitely think there is an issue with the Bigfoot card/network manager/latest driver...really wish I had not went with Bigfoot as my network card (currently sitting with 3 bars on my wireless signal, when it is always 5 normally).
     
  44. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You guys could try the Official Bigfoot drivers instead of Dell's version.....be sure to fully uninstall the old drivers before...do not run from the internet as it needs to be saved and installed after uninstallation.
     
  45. Deviskan

    Deviskan Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Steve...unfortunately, I am using the official drivers already. Went through all the instructions on another thread (uninstall existing software, turn off av...run 64 bit cleaner...install new driver).

    It did work with respect to allowing me to connect to iTunes...but my actual Internet connection is dropping every five minutes, until I how through the repair process. That coupled with the intermittent bsod (which seems to be linked to whenever I access Internet explorer), means I will no doubt be on the phone to tech support tomorrow!
     
  46. TheApprentice

    TheApprentice Notebook Enthusiast

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    Also on official Bigfoot drivers here. Did the clean install and everything.
     
  47. littleone562

    littleone562 Notebook Deity

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    I had a similar experience with an older router, once I started using a newer one no issues with disconnects. It might be because Bigfoot changes UDP packet sizes (one of the cool features of these wifi cards) for better performance on the network. Could be a conflict with that and an older router, but not sure.
     
  48. FredFlint_

    FredFlint_ Notebook Consultant

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    I was having lots of issues until i removed the bigfoot software from the startup folder. It now works ok unless i load the software.
     
  49. batmemo

    batmemo Notebook Consultant

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    And I want to buy one 1103,but must be ship to Bulgaria.Any chance ???
     
  50. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Aikimox might do if you PM him....
     
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