Weak WIFI Signal

[Rascal_]

Hi, am currently using a HP Pavilion g6 2307tx but getting really weak wifi signals in my room. Only able to get about 2-3 bars every time while my other laptop can go up to full bars. 

Any help/solution would be greatly appreciated! 

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the HP Forum, Rascal.

Discussion on the Subject of Signal Strength

Bars by themselves can be somewhat meaningless, UNLESS you can interpret the definition of what each "bar" indicates.

Signals are affected by the type of router you have - routers are NOT equal.

• The less expensive router might lack the support necessary for the best performance of the wireless card in your computer.

Example: An older router that only supports 802.11g is not going to provide faster than 54Mbps -- even if you have the best card you can buy in your computer.

• The opposite can be true as well - a good router cannot provide better service than the computer's wireless can support.

Example:  If the card in your computer is 802.11g, then even if you have a Router capable of speeds upwards of 300Mbps, you are only going to get 54Mbps.

The speed and range are limited by the weakest link in the chain.

• 802.11n is faster than the "g", but it too can be slowed down by walls, metal furniture, and other obstructions.

• Moving your equipment, even a few inches, might make the difference to a 802.11g router

AND

• The same might be true for an 802.11n router that has a weak (underpowered) antenna

• Antennas in routers are NOT equal.  Weak antennas in fancy routers can still equal a whimpy router.  You want a router with a 5db to 7db antenna (or better if they make such by the time you read this).

Assuming you purchased the biggest, baddest, best wireless available for your computer, then you may need to upgrade your router.

Bars Vs. Signal Strength

Bars might indicate how well things are moving along, or they may cloud the issue -- depends on the "bars":  who is generating the bars, how sensitive are the bars, and can you tell much from a bar anyway?

You might use another measurement:  Signal strength as measured in percentages, detection, and type:

WirelessNetView v1.50 - Wireless Network Monitoring Tool

WirelessNetView works on Windows 7 and Windows 8 -- there are some issues with XP:  read the review by the author.

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You can try updating / reinstalling your Wireless driver.  Might help - might be a waste of time.  If you have already done, this doing it again and again won't help -- so I won't recommend it.

Reading:

Notebooks - Troubleshoot Internet or E-mail Connection on a Wireless Network with Windows 7

Windows 8 Stops Responding or Becomes Very Slow After Connecting to the Internet

Reference:

Description 802.11n 802.11a 802.11g

Approved Date	Est June 2010	2001	2003
Frequency Band	2.4GHz	5.0 GHz	2.4GHz
Speed	100-200Mbps	Up to 54 Mbps*	Up to 54 Mbps
Estimated 128Mbps	Estimated 128Mbps	27 Mbps	20-25 Mbps
Range 1	230ft range	60 ft range	100 ft range
Modulation Technique	multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and Channel-bonding/40 MHz	Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)	Spread Spectrum (DSSS/PBCC)
Interference Issues		Less interference than 802.11b or g	Increased interference (portable phones, microwaves, ovens, etc.)
Product Maturity	Official Specification to be finalized in June 2010		Official specification finalized in June 2003
Distance Between Access Points		Approx. every 50 ft	Depends on configuration
Biggest Advantage	Highest speed and range	Higher speed	Higher speed coupled with 802.11b compatibility

 Help, Suggestions, and Examples:

Settings to Improve Wireless Connectivity

Sections, various, including:

• Wifi Power Management
• Notebook wireless balks or won’t stay connected when running on battery

When you see a Post that helps you,

Inspires you, provides fresh insight,

Or teaches you something new,

Click the "Thumbs Up" on that Post.

Fixed / Answered? Click that post Accept as Solution to help others find Answers.

[cowboy1127]

I tried everything and then i took the bottom plate off and voila the wire to wifi card had broken.Dont know why or how but i just soldererd it and now it seems fine.hope this helps you out.

[Nubiwan]

Seen a few of these posts weak wifi signal and not many resolutions.  Try this.  I called an old wise Tech from my old job.  He told me it usually means the power needs boosting on wifi.  To change laptop power settings from HP recommended to High performance.  I did it and, so far, it has worked for me.  Try it.  Might chew up battery cycles, but better than the alternative.  I have mine plugged in anyway.

[cowboy1127]

i had the same problem on my hp all it was was a broken antenna terminal ..just take off the bottom cover and it will expose the wifi card make sure both terminals are connected only one on mine was.So i soldered it back in place and voila no more weak signal.I dont know how the wire broke inside of the computer but this is the solution..

[SHANTELL500]

I had this same problem after wiping and setting my hp stream laptop back to manufactory settings. The wifi strength was full bars before I did so I knew my wireless router was not the problem. Changing the power performance settings to high performance worked like a charm. Thank you so much

[ddntynawsmith]

Watch this video.

I found solution from that video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xb0lLYWZOI

[boss1732]

Bro your solution worked perfectly!!