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    Does a B/G internal WLAN card need 2 antenna ? mine only has one ? performance is v bad.

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by gnarlyneil, Apr 16, 2009.

  1. gnarlyneil

    gnarlyneil Newbie

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    I have just bought a new laptop , its a CLEVO m670su, badged as Novatech. Initially i could not get it to work wirelessly as the signal was only viable with the laptop on top of the AP, Sent it back and they found an antenna wire was damaged .

    It's a RALink 2571 b/G USB wireless card fitted internally. There are a Main and Aux connections for antenna. It only has a connection on the Main ?

    I was under the impression that you needed 2 Antenna for decent performance? My old laptop has leads from the main and the aux on its wireless card. The performance is much better.

    Also the signl strength indicator in XP shows the signal goes from 2/5 bars to 5/5 bars or somewhere inbetween . This is pretty erratic and changes about every second or 2. Feels to me like the antenna connection is still suspect?? Any ideas?
     
    gnarlyneil, Apr 16, 2009
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  2. Tidosho

    Tidosho Newbie

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    I know this is a late reply, but it's the answer to your question. The reason your WLAN card has only one antenna attached is that one is used for the Bluetooth module. It saves on wiring running through the screen surround, as there's never really much room through the hinges for it to go, and the M670 doesn't have much room for 4 antenna cables as well as inverter and LVDS display cabling.

    Normally the WLAN only actually uses one antenna, the AUX is just for a stronger signal, and in this case they used it for the Bluetooth. Mine is the same, and I don't get any problems. I'm a PC technician, and see it on a daily basis.

    If it still remains a problem, try disconnecting the AUX antenna from the Bluetooth temporarily, and connecting it up to the WLAN card. You should notice an improvement. If you don't use the Bluetooth, leave it connected if you wish.
     
    Tidosho, Jan 14, 2010
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  3. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Some radios support MIMO technology. This technology uses 2 antennas. Only one is required for the wireless to work.

    You may want to do a scan and see if you have other wireless in there area. I suspect you maybe getting some interference from some where. May want to try a different channel.
     
    blue68f100, Jan 14, 2010
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