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    2 Laptops/Different Signal Strength....

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by denmark116, Mar 6, 2007.

  1. denmark116

    denmark116 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have two Dell laptops, a Latitude D600 and an Inspiration 6400.

    I use them both within 10' of my wireless router (DI-524 D-Link).

    The D600 has excellent signal strength with a Dell Wireless 1350 mini-pci card.

    The 6400 only gets two or three bars at the most with a INTEL PRO/WIRELESS 3945.

    I have changed the channel on the router to 1 from 6. I have updated the drivers in the INTEL PRO/WIRELESS 3945 and as an FYI I am running Vista Business on the 6400...

    Any ideas on other causes/solutions?
     
    denmark116, Mar 6, 2007
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  2. acaurora

    acaurora Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    The Dell Wireless 1350, on a quick search from Google, uses a Broadcom chipset. In comparison, I believe the order is Atheros > Broadcom > Intel, although I am not sure. It is primarily speed/range that all three of these major companies strive for. However, Atheros comes out in the top, I think.

    Have you made sure that your power savings mode is off on both laptops and that your transmit/receive power is @ 100% ? Those are the only 'free' methods I can think of to fix them. You could get another Dell 1350 for your new 6400...

    I remember about a month back when the 6400 series was launched... I could've gotten a fully loaded one for nearly $1400 with taxes, but I jumped the gun and got the T60 WS instead (and paid an arm, a leg, and 1/2 my soul with it). ;)
     
    acaurora, Mar 6, 2007
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  3. denmark116

    denmark116 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Any idea where these settings are in Vista?
     
    denmark116, Mar 6, 2007
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  4. acaurora

    acaurora Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Unfortunately I dont. I dont use Vista, but it should be in the Device Settings....
     
    acaurora, Mar 6, 2007
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  5. Seven Lima

    Seven Lima Notebook Enthusiast

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    I noticed the same difference between my 1705 and 1505. The 1705 has the Dell card and gets the full 5 bars. The 1505 with intel got only three bars. I updated the firmware for my Linksys router and now the 1505 gets four bars. Try updating your router's firmware, maybe that will help......
     
    Seven Lima, Mar 6, 2007
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  6. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    The wireless antenna that is included in each laptop is different. That could also contribute to your signal disparity.
     
    Pitabred, Mar 6, 2007
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