Laptop struggles with uprated wireless speed

Jolly_Roger

We recently upgraded our Virgin Media cable wireless service from 10MB to 30MB. Curiously, while the ethernet-connected PC obtains 30MB all the time, the laptops average around 10MMB, even when connecting right next to the hub.
However, while an older HP laptop running XP has no problem connecting via the wireless hub, a much newer Samsung running Windows 7 has developed real problems even finding common pages such as Google and it may take several attempts before a page can be downloaded in its entirety. This uses mainly Google Chrome, but IE also has problems. Another laptop also running Windows 7 is also having sporadic problems and that uses Opera. Previously, when using the 10MB wireless router (not the new hub), the two Windows 7 computers ran perfectly. Any idea of what we can tweak to improve reception on the two newer computers? Plus, why on earth is the older laptop, which mostly uses Firefox, but has no problem with IE either performing better?

debitcardmayhem

First check you should run is cable from router to Samsung see if it improves. Then you know it is a wireless problem.

kwikbreaks

There is a known issue with the Superhub and Atheros WiFi. The solution is to install the latest drivers.

http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/Up-to-50Mb-broadband/Super-Hub-FAQ-Updated-25-02-11/m-p/247111#M28798

Atheros Wireless Card Issues

If you have Atheros based wireless adapter and cannot connect to the Hub then try the following.

The issue is due to a lack of updates to the Atheros cards : The Drivers can be downloaded from multiple sources to resolve this - Most people will need the 7.6 or 7.7 drivers to resolve the issue.

1) Windows Update

The Atheros Drivers are only marked as an OPTIONAL update in windows update so you need to manually download this by going to update.microsoft.com.

2) Download Drivers From Manufacturers Website

If the Windows update option does not work OR is not available for you then you will need to visit the manufacturers website for your PC/Laptop and search for your model number. Manufacturers regularly have links to the latest available drivers for you device so download and install the latest Wireless drivers.

Here is a list of popular Manufacturers Support site links :

ACER: http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/downloads.html **
ASUS: http://support.asus.com/
SONY: http://esupport.sony.com/
TOSHIBA: http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/home.jsp?nav=download
HP: http://welcome.hp.com/country/uk/en/support.html
LENOVO: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/homeLenovo.do?country=uk
COMPAQ: http://www.compaq.com/country/uk/en/

** Some ACER models only have the 7.3 version of the Atheros driver available for them. If this is the case you will need to refer them to the vendor or to try the generic drivers for there card from Atheros.

It is worth your while reading all of that FAQ post.