Strange problem, Wifi getting weak after closing lid for a while

Hi,

I am facing a really strange problem. The wifi signal is getting weak after I close the lid of my Dell XPS 17 (3D) laptop for a while (maybe around 1-2 minutes).

On re-opening the lid, I find the signal showing weak and download speed getting to 0 kb/s. It picks up speed after a moment again.

That means I do not get any signal at all when the lid is closed, or maybe too weak.

What might be the problem?

 

Since the WiFi antenna is in the lid, closing it might cause the signal to be in a 'grey area' of strength and quality.

And in advanced power options change the wireless adapter settings to maximum performance

 

Yes I have it in maximum performance, both on battery and plugged in.

But I didn't use to face this issue before. The router is in the same room and I tried in all angles but it remains weak.

I tried with 2 more routers in my home and found that when the signal drops, all routers' strength drop at the same time. So it must be the Wifi antenna prblem in the lid?

 

Hi Neo,

My name is Rathish and I am working with Dell Social Media Team. I got to know from your post that your computer`s wireless signal drops when you close the lid of the computer.
The first step which I recommend is to update the driver for the wireless card.
Please click on the link below
Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]
Enter the service tag number of the computer and choose the Operating system which you are using.
Please update the latest Bios version available and also update the wireless driver for the laptop.
You have already maximized the wireless performance as advised .
If you have no data on the computer you can reinstall windows again as the computer was working fine before.
If Still problem persist it’s definitely an issue with the wireless card.

I request you to please revert us if any further issues.



Thanks & Regards
Dell_Rathish_c
Dell Social Media Responder

 

I just spoke with Dell about this issue. All Latitude (and probably XPS) computers have a design flaw, there is a metal plate in the monitor behind the antenna and another in the palm rest, when the lid is closed it creates a problem that will dramatically reduce the ability to use wireless. I saw 90% loss in download speed and no loss in upload consistently in test after test on several Latitude computers. There is no fix, they only suggest that you open the lid, cable it in to a switch or get an external USB antenna. The article was last updated in May of 2013 and today in mid June they are still producing and selling computers with this problem that they have no fix for. Our Dell sales person was completely unaware of this issue.