Notebook wifi download speed

[Rog629]

I have a notebook model 28P03UA#ABA running windows 11.  The network adapter is Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac.  I have spectrum internet coming in with a recently updated Spectrum router that is capable of 500 mbps.  I get this speed when the notebook is connected by ethernet.  However, when I connect by wifi the laptop receives a little more than 200 mbps even if the notebook is physically close to the router.  I don't think it's the signal because my iphone 11 receives wifi speed of 500 mbps anywhere in my home.  I don't need better speed for the laptop at home because I have the ethernet connection, but when away from home I would like to receive more than 200 mbps if on a network that pushes more speed.  Is there a hardware upgrade for the laptop that would accomplish this?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The problem you will have upgrading the Wi-Fi card, is that there aren't any better Wi-Fi cards that work with only one antenna wire like the RTL8821CE does.

You would have to order the dual antenna kit listed in chapter 3 of the service manual, completely disassemble the notebook including the display panel to properly run the missing second antenna to install a better card.

If you want to go through all that work for better Wi-Fi speeds, you should be able to upgrade to this model Wi-Fi card:

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 ax 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.0 MU-MIMO M.2 2230 non-vPro   HP part # L35282-005

You can find the above model Wi-Fi card on eBay.  Search by the HP part number, not the model of the Wi-Fi card.

Below is the link to the service manual.

HP 17 Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

[Rog629]

Thank you, Paul!  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.