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patmac7a7's avatar
patmac7a7
Aspirant
Nov 11, 2023

Before I Install AC1200 Question

Hi, Before installing my AC1200 USB Wireless adapter, do I need to, and if so, how do I go about disabling my old intermittent original wireless adapter in my laptop? My original adapter sometimes ...
michaelkenward's avatar
michaelkenward
Guru - Experienced User
Nov 12, 2023
patmac7a7 wrote:

Before installing my AC1200 USB Wireless adapter, do I need to, and if so, how do I go about disabling my old intermittent original wireless adapter in my laptop?

 

You shouldn't have to do that. 

 

Windows (which version do you have?) should be capable of telling them apart.

plemans's avatar
plemans
Guru - Experienced User
Nov 12, 2023

You can also go in windows and right click on the adapter and "disable" it

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Nov 12, 2023
    plemans wrote:

    You can also go in windows and right click on the adapter and "disable" it

    That would be Network Adapters in Device Manager? The problem there is that patmac7a7 says:

     

    "My original adapter sometimes does not show up in Device Manager."

     

    If it isn't visible, one way to get around that might be to look for Hidden Devices in Device Manager.

     

    Then Uninstall Device. That could bring it back to life and allow Disable.

     

    Bit before going to any effort, just see what happens when it is installed.

     

    By the way, AC1200 isn't the device model. That will be something like A6150 or A6120. AC1200 is the wifi speed specification.

     

     

     

    • patmac7a7's avatar
      patmac7a7
      Aspirant
      Nov 13, 2023

      Thank you everyone for your help. It installed fine, but now I have a quick question regarding the values Under the advanced tab of the device.

       

      I'm having not so good (-75db) reception with it. Anything I can tweak the above values to increase my reception quality?

      Thanks

      • michaelkenward's avatar
        michaelkenward
        Guru - Experienced User
        Nov 13, 2023
        patmac7a7 wrote:

         

        I'm having not so good (-75db) reception with it. Anything I can tweak the above values to increase my reception quality?

         

        Not really. That is down to the wifi source, the receiver and the local topography.

         

        If you are in a separate room from the router, even the material in the walls will matter. Steel reinforced concrete is a great wifi absorber.

         

        You haven't said what the wifi source is, which matters.

         

        We now know which USB device you bought, the A6150. Given its shape and size, it isn't going to be the most capable wifi receiver on the market. It is AC1200 wireless. There are several USB adapters with better wifi specs.