Only one antenna in WLAN module

[dwhaley720]

Hello,

I plan on upgrading my WLAN driver for my laptop, so I opened up the service door and saw my WLAN module only had one antenna connected to a terminal, the other terminal is missing an antenna. Is this normal for my laptop model? Will I need two antennas for my new driver to work? I ordered the new driver online and don't know if it'll come with antennas.

The current driver is: Realtek RTL8188EE 802.11 bgn Wi-Fi adapter

The driver I'm upgrading to is: Ralink RT3290LE 802.11 bgn 1×1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 combo adapter

Thanks in advance

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Yes, unfortunately, it is normal with many HP notebooks that have single band wlan cards, and while it is not listed, you probably should have ordered the

Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi + BT4.0 Combo Adapter	HP part # 792610-005

That card also only needs one antenna like the 8188EE

I don't believe the Ralink 3290 is going to work that well with only one antenna.

You will not be getting an extra antenna to go with the card.

Adding a 2nd antenna would require complete disassembly of the notebook, including the display panel area, in order to properly route the antenna.

So if the RT3290 doesn't work to your liking, try the Realtek bluetooth card.

[dwhaley720]

Okay thankyou, I'll plan on returning the Ralink.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[dwhaley720]

Does this match the driver you showed me?: 20200570 RTL8723BE 1x1BN+BT4.0 PCIE M.2 WLAN Wireless Card

I keep finding ones that look like it, but have a slightly different model number or something. I'm just trying to make sure I get the correct one so that I dont wait a week for an incompatible driver to be delivered, haha.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I don't believe you want the M2 adapter. 

You want the same form factor as the 8188EE card you have and, I think that is the HMC (Half MIni Card) form factor.

The HP part # I posted should be the HMC form factor.

[dwhaley720]

Having some trouble finding it, I found one with the same features but with the model number 792610-001, is that also not compatible? I'm not sure if it's HMC

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I see too many conflicts with the part # I posted.

Some show a HMC and some show the M2 form factor.

I looked up an older part number and see if this one looks like the 8188 you have in there now.

This is the HMC form factor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-13-C010NR-Wireless-WiFi-Card-753077-001-Tested-/262796132751?hash=item3d2...

This is the cheapest one I could find.  Used but tested and working.

[dwhaley720]

Yeah it looks like it. So this one should work with my laptop then?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes, if it looks like it, then that is the one you need.

Take a look at this picture, and this is the one that I don't think your PC has...This is the M2 form factor.

This was the from the part number you posted.