Notebook USB WiFi Antenna

Berton said:

I've worked on a number of Notebooks over the years and when the quoted situation occurs it means the antenna wires are in the lid itself and with it open is better aimed toward the Wireless Router. Probable best improvement would be like something here:
5 Best Best wifi usb antenna of 2022 - Top-Rated Reviews & Deals

Yes, that's the case with my HP notebook.

With a good WiFi signal, reception is good with it open. It's unreliable when closed.

But, with a weak WiFi signal or interfering signals, reception is spotty and unreliable.

I'm looking for a quick fix or improvement when I'm out of other options at the moment.

Since I've never tried these devices, I didn't know if they offer any advantage over the integrated antenna.

USB WiFi 6 Wireless Adapter for PC, QGOO AX1800 USB 3.0 WiFi Dongle Dual Band 5Ghz/2.4Ghz High Gain Dual 5dBi Antennas 802.11ax MU-MIMO Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop Laptop Windows 11/10/7

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I'll give this one a try to see if it's better than the one HP installs.

It's rated number 1 best seller on Amazon, and the marketing description seems to indicate all the latest specs, WiFi 6. 802.11ax/ac/a/b/g/n. Dual high gain antennas, etc... So, it seems to cover all the bases if true.

I've got a WiFi analyzer installed, so I should be able to visually verify any increase in performance.

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Berton said:

I didn't think? to mention, the opening of the Notebook lid may be straining the connection to the Wireless adapter on the motherboard. There's usually 2 wires that are mounted on either side of the display panel. What I saw with a Search for the Notebook in My Computer shows it converts to a Tablet, if that is correct there's extra strain on the connections from the motherboard to that lid. Is the Touchscreen working properly?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/hp...7/8zjzv4bgn0l4

Yes, the Touchscreen works properly. I never this notebook in tablet or touch screen mode. I just use it like a notebook. Everything works fine. It's a nice computer. With a normal WiFi signal, it works fine as well. I don't think it's designed to pick up WiFi with the lid closed because the integrated WiFi antenna is in the screen top area. So, If I want to use the HP Dock with dual 4K monitors, I've still got to keep the notebook's screen in the open or up position. I've also got a wireless keyboard so I don't need the notebook's keyboard to use it. I'd like to just close the screen to save space, but then I have WiFi reception issues. That's why I'm looking at these external WiFi adapter devices to bypass the need to keep the notebook's screen open.

Berton said:

Have you checked into the actions performed when the lid is closed, the power settings involved? The same may happen to the USB ports. If merely wanting the LCD panel to be dark there usually is an Fn key plus another F key that toggles between the LCD, an external monitor or both at the same time, on the Vostro I'm on now it's the Fn plus F8 that does it.

When the PC is on and the lid closed, everything appears to work fine. The problem with the WiFi reception due to weak access point signal in lid closed position appears to be the position of the integrated WiFi antenna. With a strong access point signal, it's probably not an issue. This HP notebook can operate in tablet mode which is just the lid closed in the opposite direction. It's probably not worth the cost to have some integrated device not work with the lid closed, but work with the lid in tablet mode.

I bought the USB WiFi 6 adapter from Amazon. I checked its status and Amazon dropped the price 20%. So, I cancelled and reordered.

My HP notebook supports WiFi 6, 802.11ax dual-band. It looks like the new standard now is WiFi 6E which is a tri-band. So, when I build a new desktop and buy a Verizon FIOS router, I'll go for the ones with the WiFi 6E.