Dual Band Wireless Adaptor Options

[brooksza]

Hi,

I recently purchased a dual band wireless router. I initially set it up to use Smartconnect which broadcasts 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz under the same name and uses the best option. This seemed to cause problems for my wireless adaptor because, as I learned, this laptop cannot connect to 5Ghz. Once I turned that feature off and connected my laptop to the dedicated 2.4, the problem seems solved. 

Is it possible to upgrade my wireless adaptor to one that can take advantage of my 5Ghz or other routers that may be using a Smartconnect style broadcast?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, there is one dual band wifi card that you can install in your notebook and that is this one...

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

This card works with only one antenna.

The only place I have been able to find this model is on eBay.

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

Here is the link to the service manual where you can find the wifi card removal and replacement procedure...

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06146792

[brooksza]

Great, thanks for the quick help. Just to confirm, this is the right piece? https://www.ebay.com/itm/L17365-005-RTL8821CE-HP-Wireless-Bluetooth-card-HP-15-DA0032WM-F6-8/1637000...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, if that is the one you are interested in, that will work.

I do see cheaper ones for sale such as this one...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-15-DB-Laptop-15-6-Laptop-Wifi-Wireless-Bluetooth-Card-L17365-005-U98H132...

[brooksza]

I saw that one as well. That is labeled 15.6inch but my laptop is the 14inch version. That won't give me any problems will it?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

No, they use that card in hundreds of different model notebooks, and even desktop PC's.

It just needs to be that part number.

[brooksza]

Excellent. Thank you!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Please post back and let us know how the wifi card upgrade went.