I have my main router one floor below me and I can't get, at my laptop, more than 30 Mbps. I'm looking for alternatives to boost my reception on both the 2.4 and 5.0 MHz bands. Recommendations, please?
Also, since I have a built-in network card, if I plug a USB card in, how do I shut off the internal card?
Hey Nisko,
You can disable the internal card/adapter in Device Manger > Network Adapters > Right click on the internal card/adapter and Disable Device.
Nisko:
What kind of wireless 802.11ac device can your target machine accomomdate? USB only or PCIe? With the former, I've had recent good luck with a $25 TrendNET TEW-805UB. With the latter, I installed an ASUS PCE-AC56 $60 and got my son's upstairs PC to a consistent 400-450 Mbps wireless connnection with the primary wireless hub about 15-20 feet away (on the first floor). The TrendNET device maxed out at 90 Mbps even under the best of conditions.
HTH,
--Ed--
Last edited by EdTittel; 03 Jun 2018 at 15:42. Reason: Add URLs
Hi Ed! My PC is a laptop Dell workstation - and the network card is inside. I just had a SUPER COX Cable senior tech spend two full days at my house. He tried five different brand new routers - all with dismal results. That's the short version of the story. So I'm looking for another solution: a network card with an AC designation. But, it has to be a USB3 version - can't put it inside my laptop and I hate to have something clumsy to carry around.
Nisko:
According to the MC6800 Owner's Manual you can remove & replace the wireless LAN interface yourself. It might just be a matter of replacing that unit with something new or better. In the meantime, is it an option for you to switch to wired networking instead? I have to believe your unit also includes an RJ-45 jack. All this said, I'm sorry to say I can't identify the spec for the PCIe express wireless LAN interface in your MC6800. But if you follow the instructions in the manual it appears to be pretty easy to access (and replace, if necessary).
HTH,
--Ed--
PS: looks like this might be it: Dell Refurbished: Wireless 1505 802.11 Draft n WLAN Mini-Card | Dell United States
I'm wrong (or rather, the Dell parts search on their website turned up a suprious reference. According to this helpful review on NoteobookCheck.net, it's actually a Dell 1550 802.11ac device with built-in Bluetooth. You do also have an Intel I217-LM GbE wired Ethernet port as well. You can buy the 1550 on eBay for $20 plus shipping.
Ed, I could change to a wired connection - but with a lot of trouble. I am capable of changing out the network card - but the stock card is designated AGN. I note that the one you found on Ebay is designated AC. That might be the route I willl take.
Nisko:
According to the MC6800 Owner's Manual you can remove & replace the wireless LAN interface yourself. It might just be a matter of replacing that unit with something new or better. In the meantime, is it an option for you to switch to wired networking instead? I have to believe your unit also includes an RJ-45 jack. All this said, I'm sorry to say I can't identify the spec for the PCIe express wireless LAN interface in your MC6800. But if you follow the instructions in the manual it appears to be pretty easy to access (and replace, if necessary). "Suprious?" I had to look that one up! Thanks again for a well researched reply. Guess I don't have a list of all the resources you have, i.e., NetbookCheck.net. I''ll look that one up.
HTH,
--Ed--
PS: looks like this might be it: Dell Refurbished: Wireless 1505 802.11 Draft n WLAN Mini-Card | Dell United States
I'm wrong (or rather, the Dell parts search on their website turned up a suprious reference. According to this helpful review on NoteobookCheck.net, it's actually a Dell 1550 802.11ac device with built-in Bluetooth. You do also have an Intel I217-LM GbE wired Ethernet port as well. You can buy the 1550 on eBay for $20 plus shipping.
Yes, you want to get the Dell 1550 PCIe Wireless LAN card. It is indeed 802.11ac and should be your best option.
HTH,
--Ed--
Hi Ed! I looked up the Dell 1550 PCIe Wireless LAN card on eBay but I'm not sure which one to get because the descriptions aren't "Dell 1550 PCIe Wireless LAN card." Would you mind sending me the eBay image (screenshot) of what I should get? Thanks.
What about a WiFi extender instead? Something like this:
Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender
Boosts the WiFi signal upstairs and also has gigabit ethernet ports that you could plug the laptop into.
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