Question Older Intel wifi adapter won't stay connected

[zigzag03]

An older i5 based Lenovo sff machine with a half height Intel Dual Band AC7260 adapter refuses to stay connected. Constantly have to let the troubleshooter "reset" the adapter. Sometimes only a reboot will restore the connection, which may or may not drop again within a minute. All software/drivers/bios updated to most recent available. Router is a TP-Link wifi 6 and signal is fair to good. Using a high mounted dual stick external antenna and a range booster is installed nearby. Is this adapter just not new enough to play nice with the 6 router?

 

[Tech Junky]

Or tis just dying from old age.

You should be able to swap it for an ax200/210 though for about $25. The key would be looking at it to make sure you get the right connector. IIRC the 7260 is a mini pci connector. If in doubt just snap a pic of it and we can identify it.

 

[zigzag03]

Thank you. I was thinking just a USB version and disabling the internal card. It's a cheap enough investment either way to try.

 

[Tech Junky]

USB is a band aid. I wouldn't do it for a long term solution. Replacing the card inside isn't that big of a surgery to perform. It's all screws and a couple of antenna leads. Takes about 5 minutes if you're slow and a couple if you're not. The other thing about USB is eventually you'll forget it's hanging off the side and snap the adapter off the side and/or damage the USB port. You could use the magnet option for quick disconnect but, then sometimes it will just fall off and you'll be disconnected.

 

[JackMDS]

Since your Wireless Router is WIFI 6 you might get better Wireless performance from WIFI 6 USB.

But.. Nano size Wireless USB does not have real Antenna, so it will be good only for a computer that is few feet away from the Router.

Otherwise this type of USB Wireless can do better. Example https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-XDO-Wireless-Computer-AX1800Mbps/dp/B0BKS18R4G/

 

[mxnerd]

Laptop/SFF's internal antenna should be much longer than USB wifi adapter's antenna

 

[JackMDS]

Laptop/SFF's internal antenna should be much longer than USB wifi adapter's antenna

Long and short are just words. Each Frequency range has its own Optimal Length.

One of the most important variables of any Wireless transmission is SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio). Some Laptops are Electronicaly very noisy inside and actually reduce the efficiency of the Transmission.

 

[Tech Junky]

@JackMDS

Having went through some antenna research for something totally different there are lengths that match/overlap frequencies and perform wells for multiple bands. Laptops tend to use PCB antennas vs wires on the lid. Usually around the screen hinge/backplate. Most laptops have 2 but some older ones have 3.

SNR is key but also placement makes a difference. If you really want distance you have to get a bit creative and rewire things with longer leads up behind the screen panel. The other issue with this is some laptops have metal behind the panel for rigidity.

A big issue with this is some people think a higher db means more distance and it just narrows the cone for receiving the signal. 3-5 db is optimal for in home use.

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah it is Sad, but most regular users are Not Really Electronic savvy and thus many of the discussion on the Internet stems from the info on the product page of Amazon and the like and the industry ADs that are designed to take advantage of the lack of real knowledge of computer’s components and design.

 

[Tech Junky]

Coming here or other forums is the first step and the best step.