Boost Atheros WLAN reception performance / Transmit power

Is there a way to increase the reception quality of an Atheros AR9285 WLAN module?

Unfortunately it does not have any options such as "Transmit Power" which one can change.

Is there a way to modify drivers or software that can boost the reception performance?

 

There are modified drivers that exist that allow extended settings such as transmit power for Atheros chipset based wifi adapters, give these a try:

ATHEROS MODIFIED DRIVERS 9.1.0.100 x86/x64 | Open CD

 

Thank you! I was looking for something exactly like it! It didn't really help, but if it can't, nothing would. Transmit Power is 100%. Is there any other option that would increase the range?

 

This chipset is somewhat known for its inability or flakiness when it comes to holding a connection, even with moderate to good signal strength. I've replaced the mini PCIe cards in several notebooks because of this to other brands (broadcom usually). Unfortunately there doesnt seem to be a lot of workaround with this, even with modified drivers.

Those modified drivers linked above are for all Atheros chipsets, thus some extended options aren't available to all cards, but I'm not sure why yours is now giving less options and blank dropdown boxes.

Here is a link to the history and versions of modified drivers available for Atheros cards. Start with the newest one, 9.2.xxxx and if that doesnt work, go down to the 8.x version and give that a shot. I hope that can help you. I will say however that I ended up just replacing a lot of Atheros based chipsets in both desktops and laptops.

Latest Atheros modded Driver for Windws 7, Vista and WinXP - LaptopVideo2Go Forums

 

Oh I actually corrected my post - options are there now (after restart). Read my last post. Sorry

This card is in a nEtbook. Do you think it is still a separate card which is replaceable or is it soldered to the MB?

 

I know it's not what you want to hear but seems most of those Atheros chipsets (especially the 928x) are subpar performers which is why customers had me swap out many of them. It isn't dual band so you can't use the clearer 5ghz channel either. Go to your router settings and see if you have an option for transmit power. Some routers have the option to change this, and by default they usually are on medium strength. Also you can try changing the channel on your router to find the one that is most clear. What router are you using? I see you're located in Europe, thus I'm not sure what channels you use there (In the US it is 1 through 11).

edit: most netbooks have replaceable half height miniPCIe cards. What model is your netbook?

 

It's not a Router I am having problem with or actually it is, but not mine Have no access to it, can't change any settings there.

The Netbook is Samsung N150. Where can I check or could you tell me if it is swappable - wouldn't want to open it only to find out it is not...

 

Service manual is here. It is in italian but you really only need to look at the pictures. It's a half height mini PCIe card so you can definitely swap it out.

Are you leeching someone's internet, Gracy?

Samsung N150 (N150 Corby giallo): guida al disassemblaggio - Netbook Italia - Asus Eee PC, Acer Aspire One, MSI Wind e altri netbook

 

Wow thank you very much!! Those pics are very valuable!! Thank you! +1 Reputation.

 

Any suggestions for suitable replacements for half-height mini cards?

 

If you don't have an HP/Lenovo then Intel.

 

Intel Ultimate N 6300 - best there is

 

Does anyone know what the size of the WLAN card in Lenovo T61 and Lenovo T400 is?

 

Try looking up the manual of the respective models, in which should be stated the model of the wlan card in them. Afterwards you can look up replacement ones.

 

Finding out the model is easy - no need of a manual, device manager is accessible ! Finding out the size is what I am interested in! Some cards come in both sizes.

 

They both use full sized cards. You can put the half size cards in, but you'll have to use an $8 adapter.

 

Thanks. I'd be more interested in putting a full-sized card in a half-sized slot, as I have one lying around...

 

If you were thinking about using the full length miniPCIe in the N150, it wouldnt work because the metal heatsink support is physically in the way. Otherwise if there actually was space, you could have rigged the card in there and hold it down using electrical tape, since you wouldnt be able to use the half height mounting screw. It works but is ugly. You can get an Intel5100 agn half height on ebay cheaply ($10 USD) and they work very well (dual band support also).

 

Oh, I'll check for that. I looked for Intel 6200 but it is 25-30 euros and I'm not sure the problem I am having is worth 30 bucks solution...

 

Well Intel has some of the best wireless cards out there, so it is worth it. See if you can just pick up a Intel Wifi Link 5100/5300 AGN, they are like 10-15 on fleabay.

 

I meant that I only have a problem on 1 of the networks I use and I also have a USB WLAN stick with antenna lying around that I can use. No problems with the rest of the networks. That's why I don't want to invest much into this

But will check those models, 10-15 sounds better
What are the downsides of those models compared to 6200?

 

A 5300 is hands down better than a 6200. The 6200 is just a refresh of the 5100 and the 6300 is just a refresh of the 5300. Neither of the refreshes brought a whole lot to the table, just some tweaks here and there. I can't tell the difference between my 5300 and 6300, though each of those blow my Atheros wireless A/G card that came with my Dell out of the water. Ok, maybe not that drastic of a difference, but a noticeable one nonetheless.

 

I alas, have a Compaq. I guess I'm up the creek without a BIOS mod eh?

 

Either that or you just pay the premium for an "HP" card.

 

Atheros makes great wifi cards.

Just this one is bad

the 9285. I have two laptops (in my sig) each with an atheros card and the ones in the acer works great and gets several bars more from the same source.

The 9285 has weird drop off problems that sometimes disapear.

 

Wait what? I just Ebay'd HP Intel 5100 and it was like 14.99 + free shipping...nearly the same price as a non-branded Intel 5100...maybe you pay through the nose for a 6xxx Intel Wifi card as they aren't really worth the price premium.

 

Eww, but who wants a 5100?