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Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

darnyanke
Aspirant

AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

Greetings, I have a new ASUS G712LWS laptop that uses an Intel AX201 Companion RF Module using CNVio2. It seems to be unable to connect to the R8000P router on any radio (2.4 and the two 5.0) using anything better than the 801.11a protocol. However, the laptop does connect to my spare Netgear Nighthawk ex73200V2 in extender mode (connected to the R8000P) using 802.11ac speeds with solid throughput that exceeds what my ISP provides. My goal is to directly connect to the R8000P without need of the extender. Here is what I have tried:

 

1) This is not a distance issue. I connect at 802.11a three feet away from the router.

2) All Intel drivers are up to date. I am using Intel 22.0.0.6. I have tried rolling back to the ASUS site drivers with no change.

3) Other computers (ASUS GL703) connect to the R8000P using 802.11ac with high throughput.

4) I have swapped the AX201 card with an AC9650. Same result of 802.11a on the R8000P and 802.11ac on the ex73200V2.

5) I have swapped the AX201 card with an AC9260. Same result of 802.11a on the R8000P and 802.11ac on the ex73200V2.

6) I can connect to another router (TP-Link) to 802.11n (the capability of the router).

7) I have installed the ASUS Multiantenna Service.

😎 The R8000P is using current firmware. (V1.4.1.68_1.3.28)

9) I have tried all manner of setting changes on the R8000P, but I doubt that is the issue as other computers connect at 802.11ac speeds.

I believe the issue has something to do with the combination of the CNVio2 pathway and the R8000P router. All three cards I tried achieved 802.11ac when connecting to the ex73200V2, so I do not think it is a laptop driver issue. (The AX201/AC9650 and AC9260 cards each use different driver sets and all of them connected to the ex73200V2 at 802.11ac speeds)

 

 

It seems like there is something going on with the speed handshake between the laptop and the router.

Any thoughts on how to proceed?

Thanks!

 
Model: R8000P|Nighthawk X6S AC4000 Tri Band WiFi Router
Message 1 of 7

Accepted Solutions
darnyanke
Aspirant

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

Okay, the mystery deepens. I am now connected to the R8000P router with my AX201 card at 802.11ac speeds. What fixed it is I had to enable WMM on the router on all three radios. So my question is: what about WMM would allow 802.11ac? With WMM I was stuck at 802.11a? Seems strange to me. But, I am at full speed now.

Thanks to those who offered suggestions.

 
 
 

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Model: R8000P|Nighthawk X6S AC4000 Tri Band WiFi Router
Message 6 of 7

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plemans
Guru

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

what actual driver from intel are you using? (version number from your device manager)

I've had to fully uninstall the driver and then reinstall the one from their website to get it working before. 

do any other devices have issues?

Message 2 of 7
darnyanke
Aspirant

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

I am using the 22.20.0.3 (64bit) distribution. Accoring to Device Manager it is version 22.0.0.6. (The install package says the version for certain devices may be different.) According to the intel Drive Support Assistant I am using the latest drivers across the board. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling, repair, uninstall with deleting driver, etc.

Also, I am using the multi-antenna service v3.1.0 (with hotfix) from ASUS.

All other hardware is working perfectly.

Wifi works fine (in 802.11ac) with the WiFi extender or my old D-Link router.

 

 
 
 
 
 
Model: R8000P|Nighthawk X6S AC4000 Tri Band WiFi Router
Message 3 of 7
plemans
Guru

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

According to intel's release notes, that should have the 20.20.0.6

I'd try uninstalling the driver and install the newest version. 

Download Windows® 10 Wi-Fi Drivers for Intel® Wireless Adapters

 

Message 4 of 7
darnyanke
Aspirant

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

Hi, as noted before, the 20.20.0.6 version applies to the package. The actual AC201 driver is 22.20.0.3 is what is now installed. See the note from the Intel site below:Capture.PNG

 

Message 5 of 7
darnyanke
Aspirant

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

Okay, the mystery deepens. I am now connected to the R8000P router with my AX201 card at 802.11ac speeds. What fixed it is I had to enable WMM on the router on all three radios. So my question is: what about WMM would allow 802.11ac? With WMM I was stuck at 802.11a? Seems strange to me. But, I am at full speed now.

Thanks to those who offered suggestions.

 
 
 
Model: R8000P|Nighthawk X6S AC4000 Tri Band WiFi Router
Message 6 of 7
schumaku
Guru

Re: AX201 Limited to 802.11a with R8000P Router

The wonders of Broadcom ... but no, had to enable WMM on the R9000 (with Annapurna core and Qualcomm radios) for best results, too. Can't really answer your question - as confused as you.

Message 7 of 7
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