Sporadic but recurring connection dropouts on an Intel 6235 wireless adapter

[idata]

Dear all,

I have the same issues of intermittent sudden connection dropouts as reported by others with the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 Wifi adapter and the Intel Proset 15.x drivers!

My system is a brandnew desktop computer with an Intel i7 3770 Quad-Core CPU, an Intel Z77 chipset, an Asrock Z77E-ITX mainboard, 16 GB of RAM, and Windows 7 64-bit.

Previously, I already encountered the issue with this adapter's predecessor, the Intel Centrino 6230 and only managed to resolve it by going back to an older driver version. If my memory is correct, the Intel Proset 14.x version range worked flawlessly, but the 15.x drivers lead to the dropouts (I always use 64-bit drivers).

These can occur randomly after 5 or after 50 minutes. The adapter suddenly disconnects and won't reconnect to the wireless network unless it is reset. The wireless router itself is fine as there are over a dozen devices from all types of brands that connect regularly to it without any problem at all.

The fact that the problem occurs on two different cards (6230 and 6235) leads me to believe that there is a driver problem.

On the 6235, going back to a 14.x driver does not seem to be an option on the table, because the device seems to be only supported by 15.x versions. I already tried going back from the recent 15.2 version to the previous 15.1.1 (after uninstalling through the device manager), but the problem still persists. Now I just went back to 15.1.0 and it's been ok so far, but i'm not very optimistic.

I have tried different changes in the driver settings but with no success. The problem persists!

I'd be thankful for a solution.

Best regards,

Steve

Edited 9/5/2014 by John S. (Intel Customer Support).

The "/message/169514# 169514 Sporadic but recurring connection dropouts on an Intel 6235 wireless adapter" thread will be locked. This thread will remain on the forum for you to reference, but no new posts will be possible on this thread.

The 17.1.0 version of Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software and Drivers has fixes for connectivity related issues with the Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235 wireless adapter. If you are still experiencing connectivity issues after installing the very latest software and drivers and you require further troubleshooting, please contact Intel Customer Support. If you prefer to ask questions, make comments, and/or receive answers on this support forum (Wireless Networking Support Community), please start a new thread or find an existing thread that matches your specific issue with your specific hardware/software.

US

• Phone: 1-916-377-7000, Monday – Friday, 07:00 to 17:00 (US Pacific Time)
• http://intelsupportchat.force.com/icslivechat Live Chat
• http://supportmail.intel.com/scripts-emf/welcome.aspx?id=1783 E-mail Support

Worldwide

http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support Intel Customer Support

[LCasc]

Totally right! I did the same and boom: solution out of the box

[EZ_]

Has anyone else noticed that Intel has published a new driver, as of May 23? Version 15.8.0 is available for download here at the https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Wireless+Networking&ProductLine=Intel%C2%AE+Wi-Fi+Products&ProductProduct=Intel%C2%AE+Centrino%C2%AE+Advanced-N+6235 Download Center. I will say that it seems to be working okay for the most part for me. I happened to buy a Netgear NeoTV Max unit to try out the WiDi. It worked for a while, then stopped working within the same day. I tried all the Troubleshooting tips, but it keeps saying that it is "Unable to send desktop to remote display." I still don't know if this is a WiDi issue with this card, or if it's Netgear's fault (my guess is that it's the former). I'm curious to hear about others' experience.

[cmacd1]

The 15.8.0 drivers don't come close for me. In fact they fail straight on reboot with the WiFi disconnects with the same error:

The description for Event ID 8000 from source NETwNe64 cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

\Device\NDMP26

Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6235

The specified resource type cannot be found in the image file

When the card works okay I don't get this error. Instead I get a success in binding the NETwNe64

As such, I will replace the WiFi card with a new one as it's not clear to me if Intel understands the problem, are working on the problem or will have a fix for the problem any time soon. I suspect the underlying problem is the card's firmware as this is the only thing that's stayed constant against all the changes in drivers - but who knows??? I'll follow on with a post on the process I went through to replace the intel card on my Samsung T700 once the card arrives. I must say this is last resort for me as opening my tablet is a big decision, but I can't see any other solution.

[Jose_H_Intel1]

Has anyone tried using a fixed (not auto) wireless channel setting from the router or access point?

The following article provides an explanation on non overlapping channels:

http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-031509.htm http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-031509.htm

The application below may help you choose the best channel:

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/ http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

NOTE: These links are being offered for your convenience and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Intel of the content, products, or services offered there.

[KKlov]

I have been running with a fixed (not automatic) and optimized channel on my access point (channel 1) for a couple of weeks now with some improved results. Not nearly as good as the non-Intel branded card (0% drops with different brand than Intel, with Intel 0-3% drops).

I have been running on Wireless_15.6.1_e64 last couple of weeks. Today I updated to Wireless_15.8.0_e64 (BTW, Intel driver update utility does not recognize that 15.8.0 is the newest driver which is why I had to find it manually).

Looks like there are some more choices on driver tab with this newer version if somebody wants to mess around with the settings.

OT?:

I would also like to mention that when WiDi connection drop out without properly disconnect first it won't reconnect without stopping the service "IntelCpHeciSvc.exe" (which is why I have made the following script: taskkill /f /im IntelCpHeciSvc.exe

Sometimes it's not enough to do this (mostly when I had 2-3 disconnects or more without properly disconnect from WiDi suftware) and I have to reboot my computer. When I type ipconfig /all I get several virtual connections which seems to be the problem? (should only be one?). Anyways, that's a minor problem as soon as the driver problem is getting fixed.

Please keep looking further into this Intel. I had hopes to buy a Asus based WiDi supported motherboard for my next stationary computer, but I will not invest lots of money on a smaller based motherboard just to get disappointed because of bad drivers/software. I also hope for the next generation will have some regular sized mthboards with WiDi support.

[cmacd1]

Thanks joe_intel

I fix my channels at home anyhow and with the 14. drivers I get a stable N connection. This is not to say this is the fix as I don't know but that's what I get on both a Linksys (now branded Cisco) AP and a 3COM (now supported by HP) router/firewall/AP. Note on 15. drivers channel fixing makes no difference. I get drops and the failure event logs pretty much as soon as the card tries to connect so I don't see sporadic drops inasmuch I get instant drops that cycle every 30 seconds or so. In work, when the TP Link AP is busy serving other wireless clients I get drops on the 14. and 15. regardless. I don't know if it is fixed channel or auto. When its workload drops at the end of the day I get more stability on the 14. drivers but again if I try a large download it drops - even on the 14 Windows drivers. My guess is the firmware was upgraded during the install of later drivers and this is affecting the 14. drivers as well as the 15. (but that's a pure guess as I never used the original 14. drivers on the TP LINK AP before later upgrades).

I can't change the channels on the TP Link AP in work nor channels on WiFi hotspots around the city so your workaround, if indeed this is a workaround, is not much good for me. I need stable drivers period.

Joe, can you confirm if this issue is in intel's 'must resolve ASAP' basket or not? I am about to rip my Samsung tablet apart to replace the card with another maker's card but will hang on a week or two if intel is genuinely acknowledging the driver issue and working to fix it.

On WiDi I have not tried it so can't comment on it's stability.

C-

[idata]

"Has anyone tried using a fixed (not auto) wireless channel setting from the router or access point?" lol (;

My Windows 8 Zenbook is working since 3 months now btw. without any kind of drops, disconnects, high ping or lag with Microsoft driver 14.8.8.75 in 5GHz HT-mode ^_^

[cmacd1]

Not sure how to check, but what firmware level is your card, bud?

I am running the same driver as you say (thanks again for helping me get there) but seem to get a differing experience? So I can only think the firmware is different (unless I have other stuff going on)?

C-

[idata]

You mean the firmware/revision of the 6235 card in my Zenbook? I dont know any tool which can tell you, mostly some Intel dev tool. Windows says PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_088E&REV_24 but I dont know if that also tells for real what kind of revision the card has, but mostly revision 24 (or 2.4/.24).

My router is a Netgear WNDR3800 with OpenWRT btw, but it also worked with a TP-Link TL-WR1043ND.

[cmacd1]

Thanks - ill take a look at mine and report back. Where did you get the info from, bud?

C-

[JLitt4]

I'm not sure the firmware question is applicable. For instance in Linux the firmware is loaded onto the card every time the device is initialized - so I seriously doubt your card is being tied to a version of the firmware not associated with the driver. The "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_088E&REV_24" string is a PCI device ID and has nothing at all to do with the firmware.

[idata]

Blub? He asked for firmware, which is nonsense, because you cant update the firmware of that Intel card in my knowledge for Windows (same driver same firmware), so the only interesting information here is rev build, which is 24 of my card. Also the linux firmware would be the same for the one included with the Windows drivers, because it's a proprietary driver.

[cmacd1]

Thanks for the update. I was not sure if the card could be flashed. On review my PCI/VEN is slightly different although the REV_24 is the same:

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_088E&SUBSYS_40608086&REV_24

So maybe this is not the problem. Just feeling around in the dark a bit there. Again it seems driver related all the way, I suppose.

I know one thing - Fixing channels on APs is not much of a fix over all.

C-

[OSmit1]

Hi

Im having this problem with my Samsung 9 Series Np900x3d, and was wondering if there has been a fix?

I've tried: Updating all software to the latest software, turning off Bluetooth, changing the preferred band to 2.4GHz, and after downloading inSSIDer 3 this band was confirmed as the appropriate one, changing the roaming aggressiveness to high and changing the wireless adapter power save mode to maximum performance when on battery. (All suggestions that i have read). None of which have worked!

Any ideas?

(edit: goes sporadically but very common when watching videos, listening to radio, most streams)

ironically goes when trying to make this edit....

[idata]

@ olig111 use Microsoft driver 14.8.8.75................ and no I will not go into detail.

[cmacd1]

Klumshc went through this with me, dude, so don't blame the guy for not repeating. Read back the last two pages 34 & 35 of this thread to see how to regress your WiFi card drivers to the original windows drivers. 14.8.8.75. They're not perfect for me but in the most part they're stable - or more stable than any driver released by Intel since. Notice some of the work arounds such turn n off if you have problems an maybe get a USB WiFi transceiver until a new driver that actually works for WiFi and widi comes along assuming Intel is going to fix this mess. Other option is pull out the card and replace. Details on that option also further back in the thread to this point. That's my plan. I'll hold on to the Intel card and may put back into my tablet once a fix is done as I plan to use the widi at some point... if possible.

Good luck, bro.

C-

[GBlix]

Over the last few days, I've tried all the drivers and settings suggested in the 35 pages of this thread (to date), from 14.8.8.75 to the most recent update from Intel. The driver that's working best for me is 15.3.1.2 (which was apparently released for Win7 64-bit, but works in Win8 64-bit) with bluetooth and 802.11n disabled, and wireless mode as 802.11g. Based on comments here and elsewhere about the 6235 adapter, it appears that there is no one solution that fits all hardware-software combinations. What works best for me ("works" = 1-3 hrs of unbroken internet access at 802.11g speed) with my gear and OS (Samsung Series 5 Ultra 14 notebook, Win8 64-bit, DIR-655 router) may not work for you. My "solution" is temporary. I see no reason why I should accept less performance and reliability from my newest computer than my family is getting from the other four computers, PCs and Macs alike, in our household. I will be replacing the 6235 with an adapter from one of Intel's competitors.

[AHier]

Downloading this driver worked (both WiFi and WiDi now work correctly):

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/NP900X4C-A01US http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/NP900X4C-A01US

Scroll down to Wireless LAN 15.0.0.75 (Win7 64bit), click ZIP, download the ZIP file.

Extract the file

Select the driver INF file from within device manager (update driver)

Run setup.

-Alex

[cmacd1]

When I go to the page above there is no link to download drivers from Samsung.

Samsung don't seem to offer a drivers page, for the 700T pad at least. They do it all from the Software Update application which is naff, and the drivers offered are the broken ones 15.6.1.20. I assume the download you're talking about is for other models of Samsung tin.

C-

[PM5]

Hi, click on the See All Downloads link near the picture, then you will see all drivers.

[TBela]

I still have speed and connectivity issues while using the 15.0.0.75 from the Samsung site with my Chronos 7

*Running Windows 7 x64