N1030 trouble

Hi guys

To start, I've used the search function, but that didn't help me...


I have an Dell L702x with a Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030. (Driver 14.2.0.10 - 3/08/2011).

When I trie to connect to a certain wireless network, I can connect (the first trie), but I don't have internet access (but the connection tells me I have an internet connection).

When I manage to connect to the network (+ working internet), I lose the connection after some minutes. After that I'm unable to connect back until I restart my laptop.

What I did
- I've changed my wireless adapter to CAM mode
- I've disabled the bluetooth drivers

The connection works perfectly on another laptop, so the probleem is indeed an issue with my wireless adapter.


I really hope you can help me out (there is a huge difference between 2mbps and 30 mbps ).


Thanks in advance

Koetje

 

intel cards that have the 30 in the name such as 1030 or 6230 should be avoided because the bluetooth causes problems with the wifi. Best bet is to get a different wifi card, intel 6300/killer 1102/killer 1103/intel 6200 to name a few.

 

Allright, but can you give me a price range for these cards?
And is it easy to swap them?

 

50ish for the killer 1103, the rest could be had for less

 

Allright, and where can I find a guide/video/whatever to see how I can swap my current one with a new one?

 

If you have the 3D model L702x then go for the 6300/killer 1103 card. The 3D version has 3 antennae already fitted in the laptop and all it requires is a simple swap out of the card. If you don't i recommend going for a 2 antennae card. If you want to take on the challenge of installing the 3rd antennae if you don't have the 3D laptop then it's up to you. The 2 antennae card options are the killer 1102 or the intel 6200.

Here is a link which tells you how to go about swapping out your wifi card with pictures:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/562138-dell-xps-17-l702x-thread-391.html#post7700270

If you do decide to add the 3rd antennae, look at this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/573133-upgrading-wireless-card-l702x.html

 

Wow, that really helps me out.
(I have the 3D model, btw)

But opening my laptop, isn't that risky, that if I close it, that my laptop won't work afterwards?

 

If it's your first time don't be scared to do so, and it will NOT void your warranty. Just be patient and make sure you understand what the instructional guides require you to do. This way you are confident in making the changes when opening up your laptop. Do make sure you don't do this on carpet or wear fabric that causes a lot of static build up as static discharge can cause harm to your components. A lot of people recommend wearing an anti-static wristband or strap and/ working on anti-static mats. I have never used these when opening up my laptop, and I guess I've been lucky as nothing has messed up thus far. I don't recommend my approach.

So basically as long as you don't break anything while making the wifi card swap you will be fine.

Before opening your computer do make sure you do a power drain. With your laptop off:

Remove the ac adapter and battery
Then hold down the power button for about 20-30 seconds.

Just an fyi - before removing the old wifi card, make a note of where the black/white/grey wires are connected. It just makes it easier when fitting them onto the new card.

 

Wow, thanks for all those tips, I really appreciate it.

I have the next buniness day support for my laptop.
Can I use this and let Dell change my wireless card (on their costs)?
That would be 100% safe and I'll be happy after

 

You would have to speak with dell, and if you want them to do it then you would have to purchase the card from them. I highly doubt they would honor your next business day if you gave them something that was bought elsewhere for them to fit for you. Most people on these forums seem to refrain from sending their laptop to the dell depot unless they have to.

 

So the best solution is to try it myself and hope it won't break.

 

You can always take it to a reliable computer shop and have them do it. That is if you don't feel confident in doing it yourself. In all honesty its not as hard or scary as you may be thinking.

 

Allright, that's really helpfull.
I've changed the security to WEP and now it works perfectly (almost).
I'll see how things work out

 

Just so you are aware WEP is less secure than WPA. Have you tried disabling your bluetooth when you aren't using it. Try that and see if it has an impact on your wireless.

 

I'm pretty aware WEP sucks, but it's the only way to let it work almost flawless.
I have unlimited bandwidth, so if they hack my network, they I won't experience any difficulties (or do I?).

I've disable bluetooth in various ways.
- Deleted it in Device manager
- Unchecked it in the properties of my wireless card
- (Some other things I can't remember).

That didn't help me. Or is their another way to remove/disable bluetooth?

 

If you are happy with your current setup then there is nothing further to do