Solution for issues connecting wifi or wireless using Ralink adapter

[AxshunJaxun]

@Zanuvar Thanks so much for your comment. I have seen some models have success with those versions 21, 23 and 25. I'm not sure why all of them don't succeed but I'm glad you got those updates and it seems to be resolved for you 🙂

[stephentx]

Here's an update on the issues with my new Envy all-in-one.

Speed Tests

I ran the speed test on my new Envy 20-d030 xt a couple more times without changing anything and seemed to get better results.  The numbers below are on the gound level of the house which is the same as the router but probably 45'-50' away from the router.

New PC:  Ping 30ms, Upload 7.41, download .98

Old HP laptop:  40ms, Upload 15.72, download .87

These numbers are in the same room as the router about 3' away.

New PC:  Ping .15ms, Upload 20.30, download 1.00

Old HP laptop:  .40ms, Upload 23.42, download .97

Ralink drivers

As I mentioned in my original post I believe I have the latest drivers (4/12/13  5.0.25.0) for my Ralink 5390R adapter.

Wireless Router

My router (Netgear N600 dual band) is fairly new and purchased/setup about 6 months ago.  I have not tried to run the network as an N network yet.  To be honest, I've been researching how to do this over the weekend and I haven't figured it out yet.  I searched for Netgear documentation and looked at my router settings.  I can't find any options to specify setting the network as N.  The model number is 'N600' but the box shows it is b/g/n 2.4ghz so I'm guessing it's not just an N router.  not sure...

System Restore

I haven't tried a system restore.  My new Envy is a couple weeks old and this issue started right out of the box when I turned it on.  I had not installed anything or made changes the first couple of days while I was backing up my HP pavilion laptop data.  This issue (and others) started while it sat on my desk for a couple days it its original condition.

There is clearly a stronger signal when either (new/old) computer is in the same room as the router.  I never lost connection to the network with my old laptop though.  Shouldn't the new Envy work even if the signal is weaker several rooms away from the router?  not sure what to do but I have a few more days to decide if i'll return it back to HP.

[Yankee_In_TX]

It sonds like you are having the same issue I did - the Ralink wifi card does not do a good job at picking up a good signal when you're farther away from the router.

Not sure about running an 'n.'  Haven't researched that (as to how/when it broadcasts and your laptop picks up the n signal).

Not sure about your financial situation, BUT I got this Belkin because it advertised extra internal antenna = stronger signal broadcast strength.  Maybe grab a router that advertises a greater signal broadcast strentgh and see if that helps?  If not return it?

http://www.belkin.com/us/F9K1103-Belkin/p/P-F9K1103?q=::categoryPath:/Web/WSNT/WSNTWLS/WSNTWLSRTR

[stephentx]

Thanks Yankee...

The Belkin is about the same price I paid for the Netgear but it looks like it's a step up from mine.  I purchased the Netgear N600 because it advertised:

 -Dual band - twice the bandwidth

-high performance

-'best range' for medium-large homes

I guess it's hard to say exactly what distance is covered by 'best range'...haha.  I guess I could try buying the Belkin or maybe work in the same room as the router as a test.  The router is in a closet though.   If the signal is my issue could I also buy an extender/repeater to boost the signal throughout the rest of the house?  I forgot to mention I other change I made on Saturday.  I turned off the setting 'Allow computer to turn off this device to save power' for:

Device Manager/Network Adapters/Ralink RT5390R/Properties/Power Management

I didn't really use my computer on Sunday so hoping to also monitor it today to see if that might make a difference too.  If I continue to have the problem I guess I'll consider buying a new/better router if that's the only solution.  Maybe HP should consider using hardware that isn't so sensitive.  My old HP Pavilion worked well and I never had issues.  ohh well..

I appreciate everyone's help...

[AxshunJaxun]

@stephentx On the Router Setup Page, do you see an option for Mode: G only? Most routers be default are set for Mixed mode. If you don't see N only, you can try G only. It's worth a shot.

[stephentx]

Axshun -

I've looked at the router configuration utility a couple time now.  I can't find any setting that looks like it will let me select a/g/n or any type of mode for the router.  I think i've looked at all the options but don't see anything...not sure if i've missed it or my router doesn't allow me to select a, g or n.

[AxshunJaxun]

Actually there are online emulators that allow me to see what you see on the router setup page. What model is your router? The model number may look something like WNDR3400 or WNDR3700.

Here is the WNDR3400's manual. On page 2-5 (27 on the scroll bar), there is a picture (shown below) of the Wireless Settings tab from the Router Setup Page. It shows the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz options. Within those options you can change the mode. The Mode, traditionally, is A/B/G/N but recently they have changed it to the specific speed (145Mbps, 300 Mbps). This is where you could try making some changes to see if you get better results. Let me know your router's model number and I'll see what I can find out 🙂

 

[stephentx]

Axshun -

Thanks!  I have the WNDR3400 model and I do remember seeing something similar to the picture you included.  I was looking for something that specifically said 'A, B, G or N' as an option to select as opposed to the actual speed as you mentioned too.  So what is the actual speed of N if that was an option I should try?  

[AxshunJaxun]

Ok your wireless card, the RT5390 is 1Tx1R and it is 2.4GHz. The highest it will receive is 150Mbps. What options do you have in the top Mode drop-down menu in the 2.4 GHz section?

You may have up to 3 options.

B ~ 11Mbps

G ~ 54Mbps

N ~ 150Mbps (145Mbps as the screenshot of the manual shows)

Depending on how the router is currently set, I would try the one that is nearest 54Mbps, first. That should be G. You could try all 3 of those settings or any other that may be available in the drop-down menu. 

[stephentx]

Axshun -

These are the options I have in the top section for 2.4ghz.   If I understand correctly as you suggested - Mine is currently set to the closest setting to 54.  So should my next test be to use the higher setting of 300?  Thanks for taking the time to help!!

Up to 54 mbps

Up to 145 mbps (current setting)

Up to 300 mbps