Solution for issues connecting wifi or wireless using Ralink adapter

[stephentx]

One more quick question regarding my router.  My dual band router was setup with two networks - network1 and network2-5g.  I have always auto connected to network1 even with the old laptop.  I have never figured out how to connect to the 'faster' network2-5g.  I have never seen it listed as an available network on my new or old computer.  I have someone else in the house that has always connected to the second network called network2-5g.  Just curious and thought maybe I should try connecting to the second network but for some reason it doesn't show up as available.

[AxshunJaxun]

Actually the RT5390 is only going to be capable of the 2.4GHz N setting which is 145Mbps. In my last response, I was guessing that your router was probably set by default to the fastest setting. I would suggest trying 54Mbps which is the G setting. Sorry I know that was a little confusing. 

I can speak for your computer with the RT5390 in it with certainty. It is only capable of 2.4GHz. Here is Ralink's specifications page. That's why it can't see the other network which I'm guessing is probably 5GHz. The other computer in the house that can see the 5GHz network probably has a more advanced wireless card in it. If you could let me know the brand and model of that wireless card, I could confirm that for you. 🙂

[stephentx]

I think I understand...

So the other laptop is an HP 6530b and the network adapter is Intel (R) WiFi Link 5100 AGN.

I did a custom build on my new all-in-one and guessing I should have selected a better network adapter if it was available.

[AxshunJaxun]

Ok I see. Yes the Intel 5100 is a dual band card. It will see both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.

I'm very familiar with the 6530b. I have one of those too 🙂

[stephentx]

Good Morning, Axshun

For some reason I don't seem to lose my connection as often but it is still happening.  It happened again late yesterday.  Originally it was happening several times a day.  So I'm thinking of just getting a new router as Yankee suggested or even a range extender/repeater so I can have a stronger signal close to my office.  I was also thinking it might be good to have a better wireless adapter that can see my second 5g network.   Would you know where I can find suggestions for a better wireless adapter that would work with my Envy 20-d030 all-in-one?

Update:

Here's some additional info.  I noticed I'm getting a Windows alert regarding my Ralink adapter.  The message is an alert to download updates for Ralink wifi adapter.

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There was a problem with Ralink 802.11n wifi adapter that caused it to stop working correctly.  Your PC might be missing updates that can help improve its stability and security.  Go online to check for and install important and recommended updates.

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As I've mentioned before I seem to have the latest drivers for the adapter.  An i've previously run the windows update several times to make sure I have all current updates.  I'm not sure why I would get this message.

[Yankee_In_TX]

Another test would be to buy a USB wifi card and see if your issues go away.

IMHO the Ralink is just not a quality card and it makes me frustrated that they put it in so many models.

[AxshunJaxun]

A USB wireless adapter may be the less expensive, less invasive route, especially since you have an All-in-one that isn't mobile like a laptop is. 

I'd say if you happened to have a spare internal wireless card that you knew was a 2Tx2R, you may try  that one but I'm not sure if it would work with your motherboard and chipset. Otherwise, it would be just trial and error to find another card that would work and I wouldn't want you to spend that money, to just have to return it if it doesn't work. Depending on return policies (restocking fees) and shipping costs, that could get expensive fast.

Re:  Update:  I'm not sure why you would get that error message either. I think that Stop Error is unrelated to the connection drops you were getting before the speed change. If you've still got 5.0.25.0, that is the latest one. This is the site I get the Ralink drivers from and it goes back and forth between 5.0.23.0 and 5.0.25.0. I'm interested to see if that Stop Error reoccurs or if it was just a one-time thing. 

[stephentx]

Yankee/Axshun - thanks for the additional suggestion of using a usb wireless adapter.

I decided to start with a range extender but will probably also try a new router with the usb adapter too.  I got the extender setup yesterday.  The performance seems to be improving but I'm sure it would be even better with a new router too.  Here are the latest speed test results.

Ping: 31 ms

Down:  16.93 mbps

Up:  .98 mbps

[AxshunJaxun]

I've got one other theory that I haven't been able to test yet, if you'd be willing to try it:

Disabling N mode within the computer's wireless driver and changing it from Mixed mode to G Only mode.

1. Windows key + X

2. Device Manager

3. Expand Network Adapters

4. Double-click on Ralink wireless 

5. Advanced tab

6. From the list on the left select '802.11n Mode'. 

7. In the Value field (on the right), select 'Disabled'. 

8. Select 'Wireless Mode' and select '802.11g' for the value. 

9. Click OK and check speed on with www.speedtest.net.

Like I said, I haven't been able to try this yet so I don't know if it will work or not, but I'd love to hear the results if you get a chance to try it 🙂

[stephentx]

I was just about to post another update and saw your (axshun) suggestion on disabling the n mode.  I can try it but wanted to post an update on what I'm seeing today.

The dual band extender was setup late yesterday so I left my computer on all night.  This morning everything seemed to be OK and I didn't lose my wireless connection.  I've been working so far all day without any interruption in service.  I'm being caution but things seem to be improving now that I have a stronger signal.  I was originally being disconnected from my wireless network up to several times per day.  I would agree with Yankee's assessment that the Ralink hardware is not such a good quality.