Dell's 1510 Wireless-N Card for Studio 15/17

Studio 15/17 users, what Draft N wireless router have you had success with using the N card in your Studio?

With draft N, the suggestion is to use a wireless card from the same maker as the router, but Dell doesn't make a router and I don't know who is making the wireless card for Dell. So any success stories would be great.

Secondly, does that router also work well wired with your xbox 360.

Thanks!

 

I might be speaking out of my ass, but I'm sure any "n" router made by a quality brand(linksys, etc) will work just fine.

 

I got the Belkin N wireless router to use with my Studio 15 (1510 Wireless N minicard). I read a brazillion reviews and opted for the Belkin because it was supposed to be the easiest to set up, and Belkin offers a lifetime warranty. I am very pleased with my network. It was really easy to set up - and I am really dumb. I can get a very strong signal anywhere in the house (townhouse with 3 floors). I would have to say that any N router that is good will work fine with the Dell wireless card.

 

Skip out on this one.

Buy this one.

I had so much trouble with the linksys, the land line worked fine and the wireless could barely keep in contact with the router. I was two feet away from it and I couldn't connect. I could easily connect on my neighbours network (shhh don't tell him). If I did connect it would be for 10-15 minutes maximum.

With the the D-Link I didn't have one problem at all.

Just make sure to go in your Device Manager, find your wifi network card, right click and properties, and the last tab on the right uncheck the "save power" option. It will stop you from reconnecting properly coming back from sleep mode. Took me a while to figure out what was causing that problem.

 

Could you tell me which router you bought? There are tons of them out there with different prices.

Thanks

 

Check out my post.

 

Thanks Sebastien.

 

The model I bought was the Belkin N - I paid $60 at Staples, but sometimes the big box electronics stores have awesome deals. I know that Belkin has the N-1 and the N-1 Vision, or something like that, but I think that the major difference is in the display. Mine works really well (after 3 weeks or so). I have never lost the signal or had a drop. And the Studio's Internet connection is lightning fast.

 

Is this a good one?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10090565&catid=26055

 

That's exactly the one I have - it is easy to set-up and I have had no performance problems so far.

 

Yay!!! Cool. thanks! One more question. I have never set up a network before does it cost money? do you have to set it up with a company and pay money every month?

 

As long as you have a DSL connection, you can set up a wireless network for no additional cost (other than the router). This was my first network, and the only part I had trouble with was configuring the modem that my DSL provider gave me. This step was a tiny bit confusing, but I read the ISP instructions, and had their customer service people walk me through the modem settings. After that, the wireless router was a piece of cake. And trust me when I tell you, I am not a smart person.

 

what's a DSL connection??

I'm not good at computer stuff either.

 

It's a type of high speed (broadband)internet connection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadband

 

The Belkin N is NOT a good choice for a wireless N router. The reason?

Wireless N is a 300mbps data rate, and the Belkin N router has all 100mbps ports. The result? The ports are limiting you to 100mbps (less, actually) and you never really see the full advantage of Wireless N.

Why manufacturers put 10/100 ports on wireless N routers is beyond me!

The D-link routers all have AT LEAST a 1000mbps port for the wan port, and usually for the LAN ports also. Great if you do file transfers to/from other computers or servers on your local network.

 

But pointless if all you use your router for is accessing the internet and your internet line speed is less than 100Mbps. Which it most likely will be.

If you are intending to file share across the network at max speeds, then yeah, wireless N definitely makes sense.

 

What is "pointless" as you say, is purchasing an N-router if all you're doing is accessing the internet. Since G-routers handle all current broadband speeds now, one would assume you wouldn't be buying an N-router unless you wanted local file transfer speed improvements.

If, on the other hand, this is your first wireless router, and you figure "I might as well buy an N-router so I am prepared for the future", or "I might as well have the latest-and-greatest", then again, you're not doing yourself any favors by buying a crippled N-router (one that doesn't even work at N-speeds).

What sense is it to buy a Porsche to drive 25 mph all the time...

 

It does seem logical in some cases to keep the existing 100mbps ports, because on ethernet you get an actual throughput of around 100mbps, wheras with wireless N the sync speed may be 300mbps, but you would not get an actual throughput of 300mbps, probably around 100mbps.

 

What if you have 2 or 3 wireless-N users running on the Belkin-N router?

The point is, why limit yourself? It's like buying a Gigabit ethernet switch when all your computers have 10/100 ports....why bother?

Although anyone can find some excuse why it would be "OK" for a wireless-N router to only have 10/100 ports, IMHO, it's a bad design, and a sign of a cheaply designed router. You'll never get all the horsepower you "think" you're paying for.

 

Speaking of a bad design, can anyone tell if the new 1510 Wireless-N mini-card had THREE antennas or still just the non-"standard" TWO?

It would be nice to get higher than 130mpbs from a Dell Wireless-N card for once!

 

The Intel Wireless-N card has three internal antennas connected to each other.

Two isn't too bad. Having a third one just allows for more diversity. Standard b/g wifi only use one anyway.

 

Thanks Forte...it wasn't totally apparent why some routers and cards have two and some have three. According to a Wikipedia search: (some words are missing, as they were graphical representations of numbers and didn't cut and paste well!)

Number of antennas
The number of simultaneous data streams is limited by the minimum number of antennas in use on both sides of the link. However, the individual radios often further limit the number of spatial streams that may carry unique data. The moniker helps identify what a given radio is capable of.[original research?] The first number (a) is the maximum number of transmit antennas or RF chains that can be used by the radio. The second number (b) is the maximum number of receive antennas or RF chains that can be used by the radio. The third number (c) is the maximum number of data spatial streams the radio can use. For example, a radio that can transmit on two antennas and receive on three, but can only send or receive two data streams would be .

The 802.11n draft allows up to . Common configurations of 11n devices are , , and . All three configurations have the same maximum throughputs and features, and differ only in the amount of diversity the antenna systems provide.

So it's NOT the antennas. Why does the 1505 only get upto 130mbps with a D-link N-router, whereas an Intel card gets the full 270?

 

Yup, its right on with the diversity in antenna systems. The fact is Intel cards have better range and connectivity as Dell uses Broadcom to manufacture their wireless cards. In essence, its more of a "budget" wireless card, which it really is. Most people do not pay attention to the 130mbps maximum just because most people don't really care much to notice.

Intel is made from higher quality parts and has better driver support. You can try checking for the latest drivers for the Dell 1510, but its really no surprise that the Dell one has less speed than the Intel.

 

It is possible to change the Dell card to the Intel?


If possible, is it difficult?

 

i'd like to have the intel wifilink 5100... this one Dell 1510 is a little bit weird... the x64 driver doesn't work that good in vista x64, and the driver for ubuntu isn't ready yet...
where could i buy the intel card?

 

anyone? do you have any info on the Intel WifiLink?

 

You can try these people. You are in Columbia, so that makes it a bit harder!

http://www.priceguidenetwork.com/intel-wifi-link-5300-mc-533an_mmwg-tray-100pk-533an_mmwg.html

 

I'm able to reach the max 270Mbps using the Dell 1510. Connecting wirelessly to a Linksys WRT160N router flashed with DD-WRT firmware.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/comp...efaq/task,answer/Itemid,214/catid,99/aid,109/

I can attest to the above statement that using same manufacturer chipsets in both the WLAN(1510) and AP(WRT160N), in this case both Broadcom, I can attain better throughput then when I was using a Intel 4965 WLAN in a diff notebook.

Maybe it was the Intel WLAN card or the notebook and its particular antenna but the Studio1735 w/1510 card is working much better for me.

Also, if the Intel WLAN is that much superior to Broadcom then why do no major router Manufacturers use any Intel wireless chips in their router products? D-link, Linksys, ect. will use either Broadcom/Atheros or others like Ralink but no Intel....hmmmmm .

 

What was the maximum speed you were getting before you flashed your Linksys WRT160N router with the DD-WRT? Would it have been 160Mbps?

Were you having any issues at all between your Linksys WRT160N and your Studio 1735 with the Dell 1510 card, such as speed or connectivity issues? Thanks.

 

Yeah, I'm interested in knowing this as well. I'd imagine this will involve unscrewing the bottom plate of the Studio laptop since the half mini-card doesn't sit in the PCMCIA slot.

If so, anybody know if this would void the warranty from Dell? Thanks.

 

I don't care about the new processors on the updated "Centrino 2" Studio 15, but I must admit that I'd love to have the Intel 5100AGN wireless card that is included on those models...instead of the Dell 1510-N.

 

The two cards are interchangable in the Studio 15...both are half-cards.

In my opinion, a big benefit of the Dell cards is the wireless utility that comes with it. You can get lots of useful info with that regarding AP's, etc.

Intel has no utility and all you get is the (non)wonderful Windows Wireless Networks screen.

 

I'm basing my opinion on a the Dell wireless-N card that was in my work-issued Latitude D630. I'm thinking it was the 1505-N card. My personal notebook has an Intel 4965AGN card and it had double the range and faster trasnfer speeds than the D630. And the D630 lost connectivity at least once every few hours (for a few seconds up to several minutes).

I haven't had any substantial issues with the 1510-N card, but I'm taking out my anger on it's little brother 1505-N! Then again, I've not used the Intel 5100AGN either!

 

I use the Linksys WRT-160N with absolutely no problems. I set the password once and every time I power up my studio I am connected. I love Linksys. I had trouble with pretty much every other wireless router I tried.

 

What speed do you connect at? <100mbps, 150mbps, or >200mpbs??

 

Not sure honestly. What is the best way to verify that?

 

I have this card and the Linksys 160 N.
I get 270 in the same room and around 130 on the next floor. Great numbers.

I do get a drop once in a while but it is the Wireless 1510 card. The router is solid. When I run the Dell Wireless utility and run a diag the wireless card will re-establish the connection.

I did use a Intel 5100 and didn't get the same speed and range because it only has 1 antenna. The Dell 1510 has 2. The Intel 5300 has 3 antenna. The Linksys 160 N Router only has two antenna as well.

 

I just got the CM100 Linksys Cable Modem and paired it with the WRT160N Router. I'm getting 270 when I first connect but it never seems to hold steady, it drops as low as 243. Are there any advanced wireless settings I should set on the adapter properties and/or on the router to keep it steadier? I have to have it "mixed" since the lappy is the only N device in the household. TIA

 

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45422

Ended flashing DD-WRT firmware to resolve many issues I was having with the stock Linksys firmware on my WRT160N now able to connect at full 270Mbps running mixed mode as well with latest firmware SVN revision 11482M NEWD Eko dated 1/19/09

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT300N_series#WRT160N

BTW: If your WRT160N router s/n begins with CSE11, it would be a version2 and not compatible with DD-WRT. Don't try to flash with DD-WRT if this is the case as it would brick your router!

 

I looked at the WRT160N. Has 10/100Mbit ports in the switch. Why are you worried about not getting a full 270Mbit link, when anything you have attached to the WRT160N is 100Mbit MAX anyways? (I'm using listed speeds, knowing full well that your true transfer rate is always less due to other factors). I'd say as long as your connection speed is above 100, you should be happy!

I don't understand why manufacturers put 10/100Mbit switches in a wireless device capable of 270-300Mbit! Unless, of course, you're only transferring files to/from another wireless computer, but then the overhead/interference/other factors with wifi is such that your speed is never as high as it claims.

I stick with N-routers that have switches with GIGABIT ports.

 

Yes, I needed a router super quick, my other unit died suddenly after 2.5 years. Seems to be the linksys shelf life for their products. Anyhow Best Buy was out of the Linksys Gigaport router and it would have cost me 179.00 bucks to buy if it was in stock....ouch. None the less, I just downloaded the new driver for the 1510 mini n card and pow, 300 steady, very nice and fast. I am pleased with these wireless speeds.

 

OK, solved my networking troubles, the 310n was so hot I was afraid it would start a fire, even fully ventillated on a rack. Took the Linksys back and picked up the D-Link DIR-825 at the Circuit City close out for $119 bucks. Best deal ever...this router is not for the weak hearted but I've got 300 steady on 5ghz band and even the wireless g clients are getting a big boost. No drops and the advanced settings are more than most casual users would need. Very sweet. I can understand why this model is getting some bad reviews though, it's just a bit too complicated for the casual user to tweak. But once set up correctly it's by far the best router I've tried in the last few weeks.

 

D-Link is OK i guess but not DD-WRT compatible...WRT160N has been flawless since I dumped the stale Linksys firmware and flashed DD-WRT firmware w/OpenVPN!

 

Yes, I had the WRT160n for a few days and had DNS problems with it. I found out I had to go back a firmware version and use open. But aside from it's one problem it was the second best router I've tried in the past 2 weeks. No heat issues and very easy to setup. I'd recommend it to anyone as soon as they fix the firmware. But, you'd be surprised with the D-Link, they have really improved their product since the last one I threw in the trash can several years ago.

 

FWIW, Amazon.com has the DIR-825, brand new, for $129.99, no tax. That's about the same as the $119 deal at CC if you count sales tax...and, Amazon will allow you to return it, unlike the CC sale...

 

I'm thinking about swapping out the 1510 for the new Intel 5300 N. My wireless G Intel 2200 BG Pro seems to do better than the Dell 1510 N, and that's on an Inspiron 6000 with Vista HP. Has anyone tried this in the 1535 and is it an aftermarket option for the Studio?

 

I own wireless N router with gigabit port (WRT310N), and I totally agree with you that somewhat it's pointless for wireless N router to have only fast ethernet port.

But... There is a case where using this kind of router still gives a merit. For instance here in Japan 100 Mbps VDSL or FTTH subscription is common to home users. Hooking a wireless G to this connection means limiting the internet bandwith as G only allows up to 54Mbps. Thus wireless N will allow the full potential of the subscription bandwith, though the LAN port only 10/100.

 

Do you guys notice that the Dell card's signal strength is a lot weaker compared to others?

 

Don't know about signal strength comparison as in how far the cards could detect signal, but since I've changed my wireless card in Studio 17 from Dell Wireless-N 1510 to Intel WiFi Link 5300, I notice wireless speed fluctuates more between 130 to 270Mbps. While the Dell card tends to have steadier speed of 270Mbps (I use WRT310N with wide 40MHz channel enabled).

 

.[ ] I MADE A GREAT DISCOVERY IF ANYONE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THERE 1510 WIRELESS CARD I FOUND THE SOLUTION. THE DRIVERS FOR THIS LAPTOP THE M1340 ON THIS CARD ARE BAD. IT LOOSES CONNECTION AND THE SPEED FLUCATES. THE CARD IS A BROADCOM CARD WITH THE 4322 CHIPSET (I just looked at the studio 15 and 17 also uses that card.)THE DRIVER IS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND ON THE WEB EXECPT FOR HP AND IT'S THE SAME DRIVER. HOWEVER I FOUND A SECRETE DELL HAS A DESKTOP WITH NVIDIA CHIPSET AND USES THE SAME CARD WITH THE SAME CHIPSET (4322) IT'S FOR THE STUDIO 1909 DESKTOP THE DRIVER VERSON IS 5.10 79.7 9 A24-1 i've been holding steady at 130 mbps which is N draft (the 1515 I think can do 300) (that card you get with the best buy laptop which was my first) BUT i CAN HONESTLY SAY I AM FUCTIONAL NOW.



http://support.dell.com/support/dow...mID=STUDIO1909&hidos=WLH&hidlang=en&TabIndex=