WiFi does not work 7-8 meters from access point

[pstidsen]

Hi,

I have got this new Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 computer a month ago, but I have never got internet on it in my room. My room is 7-8 meters from the access point, and the signal is very weak or not existing. My Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini have a strong signal, if it lays just next to the computer. The computer has fine signal, if it is only 3-4 meters from the access point.

I sent the computer for a repair, and they changed the WLan card, but it did not help. What to do? I think I have installed the correct driver.

- Peter

 

[popeye]

What wireless adapter does it have? What make/model access point? What band are you connecting with, 2.4 or 5 GHz?

 

[pstidsen]

Hi and thank you for your reply. I will try as best to give you the needed information

I think the network adapter is Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160 - please refer to the screenshot (netværkskort means network card or network adapter).

The access point is from TP-Link. The model name is TL-WA701ND.

I think I connect through 2.4 GHz. When I run "netsh wlan show all" in command prompt, I get that the "Radio type" is 802.11n.

 

[popeye]

First, that isn't the greatest AP, being honest. Since you have a dual-band adapter in your computer it would be good to get a dual-band Router/AP. Then you can also try the 5GHz band to see if it works better.
Here are the latest drivers for your adapter: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25196
The "De" file is the driver only, the "e" file is the entire package.

 

[pstidsen]

The download links at the webpage just gives a 404 page. Do you get the same error?

I cannot see why the AP should cause the problem - other computers and phones do not have this problem. However, I agree that the AP is cheap and therefore not the best.

 

[popeye]

Dang, Intel has the links buggered up it seems! Only saying just maybe it will perform better with better AP/Router and/or on the 5 GHz band. Only suggestions at this point. Could be the computer has a crappy antenna or wireless interface. Have you tried it at other wireless locations? Does it get a good signal at local hot spots?

You don't have any power limiting enabled on it?

 

[pstidsen]

I have installed the Wifi driver from Lenovo's website, but it is older than the driver at Intel. Should I contact Intel regarding the problem?

I have tried to connect with my smartphones Wifi hotspot, and it works fine as long as the phone is close to the computer. Right now, my phone is at the same location as the AP, and both of the Wifi connections are weak, so that should indicate a problem related to my computer. On Monday, I will be on my school and try to connect there and see how it goes. I think they run dual band.

What do you mean by "power limiting"? On the computer? Or the AP? How can I find my APs IP?

 

[popeye]

There are a number of setting which may have an effect:

 

[pstidsen]

"Transmit power" is set to "5. Highest", as I assume that will try to get the best connection. In the Power Options, I have "Maximum Performance".

 

[popeye]

Well, I'm back to what I said in the first part of post #6, sorry all I got.

 

[pstidsen]

Hi again,

Now the drivers are available for download but it did not help. I will send it in for at reparation. Maybe the Wifi antenna is broken.