Inspiron n5110 with Win 7 Home dropping wifi connection frequently

[santas22]

The Inspiron n5110 laptop keeps dropping wifi connection frequently (there is a yellow "I" on the connected icon that comes up but able to disconnect and connect immediately). I am running another win7 vaio laptop that has no issues. Also running 2 ipads with no issues on the WiFi Network (dlink dir605L). The inspiron when connected to a different WiFi network had no issues. Help.

 

[Saurabh A]

Hi santas22,

Please try the following steps:

Remove all 'wireless profiles' manually:
- Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Manage Wireless Networks > Right click to remove all wireless networks listed (Windows will detect the networks automatically and will allow you to establish connectivity again; use the 'network security key' if using a secured connection)

If the issue persists, please share details of the wireless card installed in your notebook. To find that information, click 'Start' > Type 'devmgmt.msc' (without quotations) in the 'search text-box' > Tap 'Enter' to open 'Device Manager' page > Expand the category 'Network Adapters' > Capture and share details of the wireless devices listed underneath this category.

Do reply with the findings. I'll take it forward from there.

 

[santas22]

The problem persists after removing all the networks.

Here is what is listed under Network Adapters
Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
Bluetooth Device (RFCOMM Protocol TDI)
Intel (R) Centrino (R) Wireless N 1030
Microsoft Virtual Wi-Fi Miniport Adapter
Microsoft Virtual Wi-Fi Miniport Adapter#2
Realtek PCIee FE Family Controller

Please advise

 

[Saurabh A]

Hi santas22,

Thank you for the response. Please try the following steps and share results:

1. Power Settings:
Click 'Start' > Type 'Power Options' > Go to 'Dell Power Plan' > 'Change advanced Power Settings' > Go to 'Wireless adapter settings/power saving mode/on battery > Set it to 'Maximum Performance' > Save Settings

2. Set CAM (continuously aware mode) using network control panel applet:
Power save polling (PSP) may cause connection issues with access points/specific routers. PSP mode is a feature that provides extended battery life for laptop computers. The mode requires coordination between the AP/router and the Wi-Fi adapter. Some routers fail to implement the feature correctly or completely.

You may try the following work around to see if that helps.
Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Double-click Network Connections > Right-click the wireless connection and click Properties > Click Configure > Click the Advanced tab > Select Transmit Power, change Value to 5 (Highest) > Recheck performance.
Note: If the slider is already at Highest / Maximum Performance, move the slider to another setting and then back to Highest / Maximum Performance.

3. If the issue persists, try disabling the 'Bluetooth' from 'Device Manager' and check results. Click 'Start' > Control Panel > Device Manager > Expand 'Network Adapters' > Right click and disable 'Bluetooth Adapter'.

If the above steps work for you, please check with the router manufacturer for any firmware update.

4. If the issue persists, try changing the 'Security Type' in the router. For testing purpose, you may disable the security to see if that makes any difference. You may refer to the router's user manual for detailed steps: http://www.dlink.com/-/media/Consumer_Products/DIR/DIR%20605L/Manual/DIR-605L_Manual_US.pdf

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings. I will take it forward from there.

 

[chev65]

Yes I believe that Saurabh A is correct and apparently there are certain Intel NIC's that do not work well with the default firmware of the DIR-605L so updating the firmware on this router may help, the link to the latest firmware for this router is in the link. Not sure about which revision here.

Download D-Link DIR-605L (rev.A) Router Firmware 1.14 for Windows 9X, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2K, Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP 64 bit, Windows 2008, Windows Vista 64 bit, Windows 7, Windows 7 64 bit, Windows 8, Windows

Updating all drivers on the Inspiron N5110 may also help.
Drivers & Downloads | Dell US