Elitebook 6570w WiFi issue

[bbildman]

Hi, just upgraded my internet service with Spectrum from 50Mbps to 200Mbps. Using a TPLink TC-W7960 cable modem/router combo. My laptop is the Elitebook 6570w, Windows 64, it uses the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN adapter. 

The WiFi speed only gets to MAYBE 70 Mbps, called Spectrum and verified that the service is indeed rated at 200 MBPS, checked with an Ethernet cable, and I get 225 Mbps. Spectrum told me the problem is with the WiFi portion of the cable modem, and because I own the modem, I needed to call TPLink, which I did, they told me how to change channels and bandwidth, and nothing seems to change the WiFi speed. One the the techs told me to look at the Wireless Connection Status of my modem (Control Panel/Network and Sharing Center/Change Adapter settings), it shows 144 Mbs. He said the issue is with the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN adapter (he said it should be higher), and not the modem.

I reinstalled the driver for the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN to no avail.

So my question is, does that 144 Mbps indicate a problem with the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN card, and if so, how to I fix this. Is the problem with my modem or my laptop network settings. I have access to the router and can change everything in their settings, nothig seems to work.

Any advice that can help me before I either buy a new router/modem or have Spectrum send a technician 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

That card would have a maximum throughput of 150 MBPS on the 2.4 GHz wifi band, but it should have a 450 MBPS throughput on the 5.0 GHz wifi band.   You should be getting close to the 200 MBPS download speed on the 5.0 GHz wifi band.

Here are the specs on that model wifi adapter...

https://ark.intel.com/products/59474/Intel-Centrino-Ultimate-N-6300-Dual-Band

Intel no longer provides support for the 6300.

I think this is the latest W7 driver that HP has for it.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp79501-80000/sp79830.exe

The ethernet adapter should be connecting at 1 GB/S, so if you are getting a 225 MBPS download speed, you are doing real good there.

[bbildman]

Thanks Paul for the input.

So...let me ask you a question, it seems that the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN CAN run at 5Ghz, if that is so, then if I had a cable modem that indeed has a dual band 2.4/5.0 Ghz, then I should be able to see a speed of close to 200 Mbps. The TPLink TC-W7960 only has 2.4 (when I log in to the modem's web settings, it shows only 2.4Ghz)...and I would rather get another cable modem that is 5.0Ghz, than pay Spectrum $5 a month for who knows how many years to rent a router.

Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I didn't realize you only had a single band modem/router.

That's your problem then.

Spectrum made me upgrade my cable modem (at no charge), when I signed up for the 200 MB internet service, and I already had a Linksys dual band AC router.  I don't pay any additional charge for the modem.

Couldn't you visit your local spectrum office, get a new modem and buy your own router?

Eventually it will pay for itself after 2 or 3 years.

Of course Spectrum will not support a setup like mine, but I have never had any issues with it in the 15+ years I have been with Charter/Spectrum.

If I needed to have Spectrum troubleshoot an internet issue, I would have to disconnect my router from the modem and direct wire a laptop to the modem.

Without a dual band router, you won't come close to the 200 MB speeds you are paying for on the wireless.

[bbildman]

Yeah, took me a day and a half to realize my 2.4Ghz modem couldn't come close to the 200 Mbps I now have. And your solution is probably what I wll do, SPectrum will send me a modem, no charge or monthly fee, nd I will buy an inexpensive router.

Thanks for your input

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.