PCI wireless adapter barely picking up signal - need help troubleshooting

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kevdit

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Oct 26, 2014
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Hey guys! I'm having a bit of a problem with wireless connectivity with my computer and was wondering If I could get some help.

I recently made my desktop computer running Windows 8.1 and wanted some internet. I'm not in the situation where I can connect an Ethernet cable, so I purchased the TP-LINK TL-WN881ND N300 PCIe adapter card. I updated all the drivers but connectivity was extremely spotty. When my pc did pick up the signal, speedtests showed a speed of 1 mb / 1 mb. My ISP (Timewarner) allows up to 15 mb. I am using an old g router with up to 54 mbs capability.

My laptop (Asus G60 with Windows 7) is right next to my desktop and gets 5.5 mbs / 1.8 mbs. Not the fastest, but considering it's a cable internet connection and 3pm on a Sunday, this is at least doable. I've been using this laptop at the same place for 4 years and i've had no problems with internet connectivity. My router is just across the kitchen, no more than 25 ft away. The sales associate at my local electronics company suggested that I try upgraded my router. Would this really be necessary? Considering my ISP only gives me 15 mbs?

I just now picked up another PCIe adapter, the Asus PCEN-N53 Dual-Band N600. Same problem...rarely picks up my router and when it does, speedtest shows 1 mb / 1mb. I need some help determining what the problem is. Thank you!
 
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P
The adapter maybe compatible, but the modem will only go to wireless G speeds not wireless N speeds. If its wireless G

And the speed on a local network isnt the same as the speed on the internet.
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Paul NZ

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Sep 15, 2014
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Change the modem since its wireless G. To a N600 modem. If you want to use N600 adapters

Because it wont matter if you buy Wireless N300 or Wireless N600 adapters.

The modem only supports up to 54 mbs. The adapters can go higher, but will step down to the modems speed

And the adapters will only connect at wireless G not N300 or N600 speed.

The modem will be the bottleneck
 
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PCIBUSDRIVER

PCIBUSDRIVER

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Oct 22, 2014
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the Asus PCE N53 is a poor card. Reviews at newegg show this card gets minimal acceptable reception on any setup. A little bit about the Network freqs. Most people don't know that almost all household wireless devices transmit at 2.4 GHZ. cordless phones, wireless adaptors, and other household radio transmitters use this common shared frequency. in the advance options of the card as well as your network wireless access point see if you can move the devices to another range try using the 5GHz band which is less prone to interference but has less range. This may eliminate interference from simple things like baby monitors. (Note: all waireless devices must support this range if you change it on your access points)

also, if you have a transmitter next to your PC MOVE IT. A ham radio within 10 feet will bust any wireless signal regardless of frequency. Did you know a faulty florescent bulb will transmit as well? it acts like a tube and will bleed radio frequencies all over the house

A decent Router is the advantage. I still use a old modem but my wireless is king because I spent the money one time to have the full suite of quality. I will tell you that with as many devices you have connected a decent router will bring you tools and advantages that you will never forget. With simple things like controlling bandwidth to low priority devices and instant switch to movie night is the bomb! I have 11 - 22 devices connected on a 6MB connection and I cant tell you how happy I am to restrict the cell phones access speeds while I am streaming a HD movie. My last investment on a router was 10 years ago, simply put, I needed to control my internet better and I am glad I did the upgrade. Don't rely on a internet providers wireless as the best of all solutions, they want your money, that's the bottom line, they could care less about the quality of your wireless when they sell it. As I stated before, my old Modem is garbage, but it works very well connected to my wireless router. My router is the only one connected.
 
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kevdit

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Oct 26, 2014
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Thanks for your reply Paul. Could you clarify some things for me? Even though my modem will be the bottleneck, My ISP only provides up to 15mbs regardless. Also, the Asus adapter card I am using shows on the box that it is compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n.
 
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