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    Potential software fix for wifi issues (especially Series 9 NP900X & Broadcam network adapters)

    Discussion in 'Samsung' started by deadpook, Jul 5, 2013.

  1. deadpook

    deadpook Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, yeah, necroposting I get it. Better to get the information out there to everyone who has this problem.

    Just got an NP900X1N, overall impressions: Eh, it's decent. Thickness, battery, screen, heat, all leave areas for improvement (they're alright, 7-8/10). Speakers are surprisingly loud & nice, as is the SSD. Keyboard, ports, build quality are all adequate. Must use two hands to open the lid. I can see how it would be impressive when it came out (I couldn't afford it at the time), currently it's a decent portable machine & I'm happy with it.


    The wifi was downright embarrassing however. Initially the laptop was seeing ~0.67-1.0Mbps download and ~0.50Mbps upload (speedtest).


    My solution (NP900X1B-A01US) [requires a basic familiarity with computers]:

    0) Create a restore point.

    1) Use Aida (google Aida hardware) to find out what model wireless network adapter your model has. Aida // Devices / PCI devices (e.g. Broadcom BCM43225)

    2) If you have a Broadcom BCM43225 I will share my path to adequacy/satisfactory performance:
    -First tried updating drivers through windows, no change.
    -Second tried changing settings (power modes, wifi settings, bluetooth settings, etc.), no change.
    -Third looked for driver updates online. Broadcom seems to focus on selling their hardware to companies like Samsung and letting others worry about driver updates/product support. I didn't find any recent drivers through either company, but I did find:

    Lenovo link to vers. 5.60.18.41 which took speeds from 0.67-1.0Mbps to ~3.3Mbps download

    Adequate for basic browsing, but still not satisfied. So I found Third party link to vers. 5.100.249.2 which brought speeds up to levels comparable to the other devices on the network ~5.1Mbps. I don't have access to faster networks at the moment unfortunately, but that's enough to stream HD without problem.


    If you are experiencing wifi problems but have a different wireless network adapter or different model Series 9 just plug the wireless network adapter model number into google along with "driver" or "driver updates". I came across my solution after a few evenings of trolling for "BCM43XX driver windows 7" and similar. I was preparing to buy a new Intel wifi adapter but reviewers of that solution are mixed at best and this is $30-$100 less.


    If you appreciated my help I like hamburgers.
     
    deadpook, Jul 5, 2013
    #1