dv7-4020: Can't see 'n' network: NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band

[Neeto]

Hi,

I'm having problems seeing my 'n' (5GHz) network on my dv7, I can see and connect to the 2.4GHz no problem.

The router is NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band , firmware version V1.0.0.17_1.0.17, which is the latest.

I've found a few links that perhaps indicate that there is a problem with the Atheeros chipset that I believe is ued in the dv7-4020. 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/486988-atheros-ar9285-n-mode-2.html

Thanks,

Neeto

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Neeto:

Your notebook probably only has a single band (2.4 GHz) WLAN card, which is the norm.

If you go to your device manager and under the network adapters section, post the full model # of the wireless card listed there, I will confirm what I suspect is your problem.

Paul

[Neeto]

Title in Device Manager: 

Atheros AR9285 802.11b/gn Wife Adaptor

Under "Advenced" is a setting "AdHoc 11n" - which is set to "Disabled"

Driver Version: 9.2.0.444

Device description: Atheros AR9285 802.11b/gn Wife Adaptor

Thanks,

Neeto

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Neeto:

Below is the link to the specs on your wireless card.

http://www.qca.qualcomm.com/technology/technology.php?nav1=47&product=79

As I suspected it is only capable of receiving and transmitting data on the 2.4 GHz band.

Regards,

Paul

[Neeto]

Well that's disappointing.

I'd say that boarders on mis-representation in the marketing on the dv7 laptop since 'n' is generally understood in the market place to by 5GHz, not just some "part" of the 'n' standard.

Not much I can do about it.

Thanks,

Neeto

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

If you live in the USA or Canada...

If your notebook's current wireless card is not a combo wireless/bluetooth card, and you want to install a dual band card which is relatively easy to do, according to the service manual, you can get the Broadcom 4322 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN adapter, HP Part # 582564-001.

Below is the link to the service manual. See Chapter 3, page 25 for more info.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02666747.pdf

Chapter 4 provides instructions on removal and replacement procedures.

This card can be had cheaply on eBay in used but tested and working condition.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=See-All-Categories&_from=R40&_nkw=582564-001&_sop=15&_clu=2&_f...

Or you can get it new from HP at the link below. Just enter the part number in the box.  $38.00 new.

http://h20141.www2.hp.com/Hpparts/Cart.aspx?mscssid=2CFDC98698B84EEAB6A4E2FCD7FEBB6E

One observation...I don't like that when you click on the part number on the HP part store, it does not show your model notebook as supported, but the service manual says it is, so you can take your chances if having a dual band card is important to you.

If you look at some of the eBay listings, they do show your model is compatible with this part #.

You have to get the HP card with the part number on it that is listed in the service manual, or it definitely won't work. That is for sure.

Paul

[Neeto]

Thanks for the info.

Unfortunately I'm in Australia, but perhaps this approach of retrofitting a dual band card can be done here.

It's worth investigating.

Regards,

Neeto

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Neeto:

I think is it fine that you live in Australia, but unfortunate you can't use the card I posted. 

However, if you look at the manual, the card you need when you live "down under" is the same card with part #

582564-002.

Look for it on eBay by querying by the part number only, or you can order it from HP in Australia at the link below.

http://h20141.www2.hp.com/Hpparts/Cart.aspx?mscssid=7138927814C647C2A8C40687BC3A111E

All the other provisions of my previous post apply.

Best Regards,

Paul

[Neeto]

Thanks I've found and ordered the part - but might take 2-3 weeks to get here!

I'll check in once I got it & fitted it.

Thanks for your help,

Neeto

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Neeto.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Regards,

Paul