Build in second wlan antenna

[Phil_Smith]

Hello all together,

some time ago I replaced the wlan module of my notebook to a "Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 combination WLAN module", but only one antenna is laid inside the notebook.

Thus, so far the new wlan module's second connector stayed empty and I'm still experiencing a rather poor connectivity.

I'm wondering whether it is easily possible to buy a second antenna and place it inside the notebook.

Does anyone have experience regarding my laptop model?

And can someone point me to an antenna that will have the right connection, length, etc?

Thank you for any potential help!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The antenna kit you need is listed in chapter 3 of the service manual.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05087748

Why not do the easier thing and replace the Intel card with this one?  It was designed to work with only one antenna...

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported)
HP part # L17365-005

Unfortunately, the card has been on back order for months on the HP parts store, but there are several for sale on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=L17365-005&_sacat=0&_sop=15

The 8821CE will have the same throughput on the as the Intel card you installed, but the Bluetooth will work too.

The only thing I don't know is if that model wifi card works with Linux.

It works fine with W10.

[Phil_Smith]

Hi there again,

I found out, after replacing the wlan module to the one you suggested,

that the antenna cable is completely broken.

In the service manual you sent, I found two variants of antenna replacements and I'm wondering which one to take:

https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/Search_Results.aspx?mscssid=11DEA0D7D55C4D13A2C9A34A8C2B0888&SearchIn=P...

https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/Search_Results.aspx?mscssid=11DEA0D7D55C4D13A2C9A34A8C2B0888&SearchIn=P...

Can you clear up the meaning of "single" and "dual" in this context?

I think I understand that both are just one antenna.

Is it that "dual" is capable or advisable for both frequencies 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz, or does this mean something else?

Thank you for your support!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The antenna kits listed in the service manual...

(6) Antenna (includes wireless antenna cable and transceiver)

Single 854985-001:   Is for the original wifi adapter your PC came with or the Realtek 8821 CE AC wifi adapter I recommended

Dual    854986-001:  Is for the Intel 3168 AC wifi adapter, 3165 AC wifi adapter, or the Intel 7265 wifi adapter (which is not listed).

Now if you have to replace the antenna anyway, you may want to buy the dual kit because you win either way.

You can use the main antenna for the RTL8188CE wifi card and just insulate the other antenna terminal from hitting any metal parts on the motherboard, or you can reinstall your Intel 3168 AC card, and connect the second antenna to it.

That way the Bluetooth will work on the 3168 with two antenna cables.

The Realtek 8188CE's wifi and Bluetooth both work off the single antenna cable.

[Phil_Smith]

Thanks!

Last question:

Which setup do you assume to work better?

The Realtek RTL8821CE card with one antenna or the Intel 3168 AC with two?

Thank you very much!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The Intel 3168 AC card you bought is better than the RTL8188CE card I recommended--even though they have the same performance specs.

The main reason is because Intel has better driver support (at least for Windows).

But on single antenna configurations, the RTL8188CE card works without any modifications to the antenna system, so that is the perfect choice for those who do not want to do a complete disassembly of the notebook to add a second antenna cable.

In your situation, with a broken antenna cable, you have no choice but to completely take the notebook apart, including the display panel area to properly run the new antenna.  Since the notebook will be apart anyway, you may as well take the extra 5 minutes to route the second antenna.

[Phil_Smith]

Thanks again!

Okay the one before was not the last question as it seems : )

Unfortunately it seems like the main connector of the Intel card got hurt while disassembling it... Really have no idea how I managed to do that...

Well, as it stands - do you think it it worth it to buy another wifi card with 2 antenna connections, and if so, which one would be the best one available that is still compatible with the notebook model?

Are the ones you listed all that are compatible?

Thanks for all your help!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

You can install one of the supported Intel wifi cards listed in the service manual.

I am guessing that if the Intel 3165 works, then the Intel 7265 should also work.

This part number...

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11ac 2 × 2 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter   HP part # 793840-005.

The above card would have twice the throughput of the 3165 or 3168.

If you don't want to take the gamble, then get another one of the 3168's.  That is the updated 3165.

[Phil_Smith]

Thanks! 🙂

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Be careful not to break any more parts.  😊

Please post back and let us know how everything went, and what wifi card you ended up installing.