Ask HN: How to Fix Unstable and Slow wifi on Linux Mint?

[garashovb]

Hi there. I have a pretty old HP laptop which is running Linux Mint currently. When joining the home wifi network is quite slow. I went through similar issues on some random linux (also mint) forums and tried everything. It got a bit better after disabling features like PowerManagement and Ipv6. However, still I cannot get more than 15 download speed while from the same distance my other device shows 60-70.

Question: As a last shoot I decided to either upgrade physical network interface card or easier to buy a usb wifi network adapter and use it. Do you guys thing it would help me to solve issue ? Buying physical network interface card might be tricky as I am not sure which spec should be to "fit". Thanks.

Note: Os kernel is up to date, no solution there.

[fallowkevin]

To be clear just on linux? How old is "pretty old"? Are you connecting to 2.4ghz or 5ghz?

A USB is probably better, but maybe try something from a physical store so you can return it if no luck. Try getting something with an antenna, and try to stick to 2.4ghz if continuing to have issues 5 is flakier.

(Also be sure the channel you're on isn't polluted with many other networks on the same one, this can clear up issues.)

[FlyingAvatar]

If the physical WiFi card can be replaced with one with a well supported chipset, I would go that route. I would first confirm that the one you have is poorly supported, which seems likely.

[toast0]

Run a cable, if it's a pretty old laptop, it probably sits in one place cause the battery will go from 100% to 90% in a couple minutes, and then poop out before it hits 80%.