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.

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[idata]

Same issue with hp 2570p model and Windows 8. New driver doesn't fix this problem!

[idata]

I think I spoke too soon. Last night after about 3 hours the WiFi dropped. I couldn't get it to reconnect with disabling and re-enabling the network adapter. When I changed it back to wireless G mode it connected straight away.

Looks like the latest drivers don't fix the issue.

Also this thread is being monitored as the messages have to be 'approved' now.

..........so Intel are watching the thread and not doing anything to help

[idata]

Same problem here... Asus UX31a Touch. I just use the generic MS stack for the time being... but speed is restricted (nowhere near 300 mbps). Kind of shocked by the silence of the OEMs and Intel, as this seems to be affecting quite a few high-end laptops across a spectrum of manufactures.

[idata]

Workaround for Windows 8: I installed the 15.3.1.2 Version (Windows 7 x64) and since the the problem has gone.

[idata]

Are you getting full throughput on N (300mbps) with win7 x64 drivers?

[idata]

Yea, I think you are right about the approving. I posted a minute ago and haven't seen it appear.

[idata]

Samsung 7 Series NP700G7C-T01CA running Windows 8

Just bought it and had similar symptoms when connecting both to my home router (an SMC Docsys 3.0 provided by my ISP) and now with my new pocket router for when I travel at hotels (A Dlink DAP-1350).

Exact same issue with both of these routers. Full signal strength, connects right away but get "limited connectivity" warning icon and no internet functionality. Meanwhile my iPhone and Nexus 7 tablet are connecting no problem.

I have just discovered that in my case it is DIRECTLY related to 802.11N functionality. The minute I right click my wireless adapter in device manager-->properties-->advanced, and disable 802.11N mode and reconnect to the Dlink, it works immediately and consistently. The minute I flip 802.11N mode back to enabled, reconnect to the router, I get the exclamation instantly with the dreaded "limited connectivity" again.

I have also updated to the latest drivers via Samsungs SWUpdater and also tried the Win7X64 drivers mentioned previously with a link. Exact same behavior no matter what drivers are in there. If I switch N off again, it works instantly.

Love this laptop but unacceptable that a $1400 machine can't connect with wireless N. I called Samsung tech support tonight but after explaining this issue technically I was getting the silent, crickets in the background, response. They said their "specialist" will call me back in the morning. Now that I know precisely where my problem is, and that this thread exists clearly showing a substantial following, I will hammer them until they either offer me a new wifi adapter, a new laptop (equivalent or better), and keep reproducing the problem (if it does) until they acknowledge this is a prevalent problem.

I've heard others mention some "killer" wifi adapter but also read that it doesn't have WiDi so I won't make that swap as that's not what I paid for unfortunately.

Report back if you more of you are finding that disabling N mode yields the same result.

[idata]

Hey Airbuz,

I can only connect on G Mode and tried everything in this thread with no luck.

Don't expect to hear from Intel....even though this is their forums

[idata]

Thank you all for your posts,

We are aware of the connection and speed issues you are having using OEM systems (Original Equipment Manufacturer systems). We are currently working with OEMs, investigating to if there is a known issue with the integrations and/or pin pointing the root cause. We will keep you updated.

[idata]

**Breaks into happy dance!!**

[idata]

With all due respect, and I am sure we all appreciate knowing that you are aware and investigating this issue, blaming OEMs (otherwise, why the emphasis on OEM) for what seems to be a specific issue with the intel implementation is a little disheartening.

[idata]

Thank you Nathalie for responding and acknowledging the thread.

There is a definite problem across different makes and models. I'm quite happy to beta test drivers/software to help try to resolve this.

[idata]

Finally a reply from Intel ........

Im not sure if it helps but i have several screen shots of various problem messages that i have had since i got this laptop (in July 2012), whether it helps you im not sure, but feel free to message me and i'll instantly forward these over

[idata]

Just registered to join my voice to the others.

Having the same issues with a Samsung Series 9, model NP900X4D. Tested both Windows 7 and 8, Microsoft and Intel drivers, 802.11n mode off, power management off, and a couple more suggestions and can't get it to work.

The wifi signal is at max but the dropouts and timeouts are constant. Can't get a single webpage to load. Other computers/smartphones in the same network have no issues.

It's a shame to Samsung and Intel that we're forced to buy a cheap wifi usb adapter to get things to work as they should. Not feeling the premium Ultrabook experience promised by all the marketing at all.

[idata]

Thanks Natalie! At last someone from Intel replied!

Well, guys I found a "REMEDY" for the Wi-fi to stop dropping connection and having Limited Connectivity. Bear in mind that this is "NOT a SOLUTION"

We will wait for the Intel to Fix this.

Well the remedy that I found is to set your Wifi card to only connect on Wireless g and also you must configure your router to send only b/g connections.

Have fun with G Connection XD

Hope Natalie will inform us if there we would New Driver Update to fix this prob

Thank you guys..

[idata]

Thanks for the reply Natalie, atleast we know that Intel are reading this thread!

however i am concerned on your emphasis on OEM's. this problem is evident in machines manufactured by the likes of;

Samsung

Sony

Dell (alienware no less)

HP

Asus

These companies are proffesional high end suppliers and would have integrated Intel's card into their systems from information and application notes supplied from Intel!!!

If it was only one OEM or a particular system I could possibly believe that an OEM had made a "schoolboy error" or had not interpreted or applied the application notes correctly???

To try and blame atleast 5 of the worlds top OEM's for an issue of which the only common denominator of fault is the intel 6235 wireless card, to me shows not only a lack of support from Intel but also a lack of responsibility!!!!

If this issue is not addressed and fixed quickly i shall very quickly be refusing to use or integrate any intel products both personally and professionally

[idata]

Has anyone got any workarounds? Forcing 802.11g doesn't fix the issue for me.

[idata]

Only workaround that worked for me and has been working for a couple of days was to fully re-install Windows 8 and leave it with all the Microsoft provided drivers. Only installed Samsung drivers for the touchpad, to enable the multitouch features. Every other driver, be it wifi, bluetooth, graphics or whatever I just left as it is.

It's been working like this for some days and being connected in 802.11n, with 144Mbps connection speed. No issues so far. Hope it continues like this

[idata]

Anyone know how to download Microsoft drivers without doing a reinstall? A

[idata]

I'm having the same issue and have for some time on a brand new SONY VAIO SVS151290X Win8 64-Bit

Followed the suggestions here to reinstall/update drivers and no joy.

Interesting thing when I ran the troubleshooter:

But then there's this from the Device Manager...

Does that make a difference?

[idata]

Has anyone had any luck using the Windows 7 drivers?