Can I replace or upgrade my wireless internet hardware on my laptop?

Asked by noodle_poodle (1617

) July 17th, 2012

I have had nothing but trouble with my wireless internet hardware for my Samsung R530 laptop. It works on and off but has poor signal reception. I have upgraded all the drivers, fiddled around with fixes from tech sites but have come to conclusion that the Atheros AR925 wireless network adapter is just crap. Can I replace or upgrade it? If so what should I buy and will it be easy to do myself? I have enough knowledge to open up the laptop and replace the keyboard as I had to do recently. Any advice is most welcome.

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2 Answers

Buy a USB WiFi adapter (shut-off Atheros AR925) $35 or so, or it could be the router / encryption level on the router. I have a re-occurring problem with a Cisco based router but no problem with my Netgear while using my Apple MBP laptop.

Tropical_Willie (31488

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Most laptops have replaceable wireless cards, but it will vary a lot how to get at them and how to replace them, and I’m not sure how the Samsungs work. AND the card might not be the problem—it could be the antenna too.

I like @Tropical_Willie‘s suggestion to just buy a USB WiFi adapter. They’re cheap, small, and will work without too much fuss.

If you’re up for some disassembly, look for a panel on the bottom of your computer about the side of a 3×5 index card (may be a little smaller). That’s likely where the wifi card is.

grumpyfish (6657

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