Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160MHz Roaming between the AP in mesh network.

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Hello Team, 

We have Meraki CW9166I and CW9176I in our mesh network. Most users' laptops are Lenovo X1 and Dell XPS/MAC M2/. A Common issue is roaming from one AP to another very frequently, causing a disconnect on the internet.  

Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160MHz is common on Windows laptops. We have the same issue with MAC Laptops, too. IT has a really hard time identifying the issue. 

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

I would like to know more about your system details to fully understand where the issue truly lies. Please share the details below that may help with issue isolation:

• When did the issue start to happen?
• Do you remember if this issue happened after a new OS update or Wireless driver update?
• What wireless driver versions are currently installed?
• Is this the original adapter that came pre-installed in your system, or have you changed/installed a new adapter recently?
• Is this issue happening at home, office environment or both?
• Have you checked if this issue happens on different networks?

Additionally, I highly appreciate if you share the system configuration of one of the affected units, so I can fully check and provide you with an accurate fix. This could be possible by downloading the Intel® System Support Utility for Windows* software. When the download is complete, launch SSU.exe.

1. Scan: Check the box Everything.
2. Click Scan.
3. Review: When finished scanning, click Next.
4. Click Save.
5. Attach the SSU log file as you reply.

I will wait for your reply.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel® Customer Support Technician

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Hello Jeanette, 

The issue started a couple of months ago for all window users, and when we began a deep dive, we identified a couple of issues with Meraki and the Internal driver. After adjusting the setting, it worked fine for 48 hours, and then it started roaming between APs on the floor again. The worst part is that the client is trying to connect more than 60 Feet away to the AP. It’s not connecting near 8 Feet.  

Update the latest driver version - 23.130.1.1 

Driver description - Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX211

Office Mesh network, and it happens when it's in the mesh network. If it's a standalone AP, it's bouncing between radios. 

We made a few adjustments in the adapter settings

Roaming aggressive to medium-low 

Turn off the human presence's dedication 

Transmit power to Medium Low. 

After multiple troubleshooting sessions with Meraki, we found that 6E and 7 Wi-Fi technologies are not working as expected with Intel drivers. Looks like a compatibility issue  

With regards

Baskaran Ganesan

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

Thank you for providing these valuable insights. To further investigate the issue, could you please provide an SSU log file from any affected devices, specifically Lenovo X1 and Dell XPS systems? This will allow us to examine the actual system configuration and identify a potential root cause. You can do this by downloading the Intel® System Support Utility for Windows* software. When the download is complete, launch SSU.exe.

1. Scan: Check the box Everything.
2. Click Scan.
3. Review: When finished scanning, click Next.
4. Click Save.

Please attach the SSU log file(s) in your response. I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

I have uploaded the SSU file for Lenovo X1,  share with you shortly .

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Updated Dell XPS logs, looks like we have a huge impact close to 800 user's 

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Updated another File 

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

@JeanetteC is currently away and I'll be handling this temporarily. By the way, thank you for sharing the reports and it is highly appreciated.

For further troubleshooting, kindly consider the below steps.

1. Check AP Configuration

Ensure that the Meraki CW9166I and CW9176I access points are configured optimally for roaming. This includes:

- Signal Strength and Coverage: Verify that the signal strength is adequate across the coverage area. Weak signals can cause devices to roam unnecessarily.

- Channel Selection: Use non-overlapping channels to minimize interference. Automatic channel selection can help optimize this.

2. Device Configuration

For the laptops, please ensure that:

- Driver Updates: Ensure that the Wi-Fi drivers are up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve connectivity and roaming performance. We recommend using the drivers from the manufacturers as it is customized to be compatible with the system.

3. Firmware and Software Updates

- Ensure that the firmware on the Meraki APs is up to date.

If the same issue is observed, kindly inform us so we can conduct further investigation.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Hello Jed,

We have updated the recent driver update to my machine. Still having the same issue. AP is configured optimally in our environment. Even we have AP VERY close to 7 feet. But clients is trying connect far way that AP in 60 feet. Driver is accepting weak signal beacon. As per best practice clients should always connect to strong signal. But here is roaming between the client and radio. Looks like it causing very high impact in our environment. Let me know if need any additional information

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

We greatly appreciate the valuable information you've provided. I'll look into this issue internally and will share an update as soon as it's available.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Hi Jean, 

It looks like we have a widespread issue in our environment. Can you let me know if you need any additional input? 

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

Please be advised that we are still currently investigating the issue. Based on the SSU log files you shared, the wireless drivers are not the latest version from Intel and not sure if it is the latest ones from the system manufacturer's. I just need help with the following steps below, so we can properly isolate the issue:

For X1 Carbon 11th Gen (Type 21HM, 21HN) Laptop (ThinkPad):

Since the current driver version installed is 23.120.0.3 (not the latest from OEM and Intel), please proceed with the clean installation of the latest OEM driver version 23.110.0.5.

For Dell XPS 9320 (with current driver 23.90.0.2):

Proceed with with the clean installation of the latest OEM driver version 36.24.12162.

If the issue persists after clean installation of the latest OEM drivers (steps above), then you may try clean installation of the latest Intel driver version 23.130.1.1.

Let me know how it goes.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Hello Jean, 

I have already tried all the steps above, but they don't work out, and I'm getting the same disconnect from the internet frequently.  Looks like a Bug with Intel to handle wifi in the mesh network.  Can you escalate to the next level 

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

I'll look into this internally and will provide an update as soon as I have more information.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Baskaran_Ganesan,

Please check your email inbox, spam and/or junk folders, for the latest file I shared.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Bjb1]

Hi JeanetteC,

We are experiencing exactly the same issue in our office. We have HP Elitebooks with the same Intel 6E AX211 160 Mhz Wi-Fi card. 

We've been in contact with Meraki, who have said it's something to do with this wi-fi adapter. What can we do to fix this?

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello Bjb1,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

I understand that you are facing the same problem with your HP EliteBook with the same Intel 6E AX211 160 Mhz Wi-Fi card. However, I kindly request that you create a new thread for your case. This will allow us to focus on your specific problem and provide you with better assistance.  

Sincerely,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

 I have shared the information in email 

[Baskaran_Ganesan]

Hello Team, 

I have uploaded the event logs as requested by the support engineer.