Wifi issues with dock

[Timcee]

I have an HP ProBook 460 16 inch G11 Notebook PC using the HP USB-C Dock G5. Both working well. Then, get a new internet provider with new modem. When my notebook is not plugged into the dock, the wifi works well, over 200 Mbps. Once plugged into the dock, the speed drops consistently below 75 Mbps. No ethernet with the dock, computer still using wifi. All updates done on Notebook and updated firmware on Dock. 

I've read about possible interference from the dock....there is slight improvement if I put distance between the devices but of course they both need to be on the desk to function. 

I've switched between 2.5Ghz and 5Ghz with no real difference. 

Any ideas to resolve this issue?

[BongChaGomez]

Hello @Timcee ,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

What you’re seeing is classic USB-C dock–induced RF interference.

• USB-C docks (especially G5) emit broadband electromagnetic noise

• That noise sits right in the 2.4 GHz and lower 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands

• When docked, the laptop’s Wi-Fi antennas (usually in the display bezel) get blasted by noise coming from:

  • The dock’s USB hub controller

  • Ethernet PHY (even if unused!)

  • Poorly shielded USB-C cable

Result:

• Wi-Fi stays connected ✅

• Signal quality (SNR) tanks ❌

• Speed collapses to ~50–80 Mbps ❌.

This is why:

✔ Wi-Fi is fast undocked
❌ Wi-Fi slows immediately when docked
✔ Ethernet not even in use.

What actually works:

✅ 1. Use Ethernet on the dock (best fix, zero compromises)

I know you said you’re not using it — but this is the intended workaround.

Once Ethernet is active:

• Wi-Fi radio is no longer the bottleneck

• RF interference becomes irrelevant

👉 If possible, this ends the problem permanently.

✅ 2. Force Wi-Fi to upper 5 GHz channels (huge improvement)

Most people miss this.

Log into your router and:

• Disable “Auto channel”

• Manually set 5 GHz channel 149 / 153 / 157 / 161

• Set channel width to 80 MHz (not 160)

Why it works:

• USB-C dock noise is worst on lower 5 GHz channels (36–64)

• Upper channels are much cleaner

This alone often restores 150–250 Mbps while docked.

✅ 3. Replace the USB-C cable (this helps more than it should)

The cable is often the biggest offender.

Use:

• Shorter cable (≤ 0.8 m)

• Passive USB-C Gen 2 (not Thunderbolt)

• Ferrite beads if possible

Avoid:

• Long / thin / unbranded cables

• Thunderbolt cables unless required

Yes — even the official HP cable can be noisy.

✅ 4. Physically move just the dock — not the laptop

Key trick:

• Keep the laptop in place

• Move the dock 30–50 cm away

• Especially away from the hinge side of the laptop

Why:

• Wi-Fi antennas are usually near the top corners of the display

• Dock noise radiates upward and sideways

A cheap USB-C extension cable works wonders here.

• You’re hitting USB-C dock RF interference

• Best fixes:

  1. Use Ethernet

  2. Force 5 GHz channel 149–161

  3. Shorter / better USB-C cable

  4. Physically separate the dock.

Hope this helps!