Surface Pro 3 Slow WiFi - 72Mbps Max (driver)

On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:49:06 +0000, SurfacePro3User wrote:

>>As I wrote above, we purchased a Surface Pro 3 (i7-256GB) in the first couple of days of August, but unfortunately the Wifi device inside the tablet seems to be seriously malfunctioning to this day and after this week's firmware update.

>>

>>While the hourly resets have stopped, the connection is running at extremely slow transfer rates -- sometimes much slower even than the slow "speed" described in the "Wi-Fi Status" window.

>>

>>Compared to other laptops and devices in the same location the Surface Pro 3 is very slow. For example, the Surface Pro 3 shows 24.0Mbps, but the laptop (a 2005 Dell Vostro) was experiencing no issues and was running at 130 Mbps.

>>

>>Our test network was a Verizon FiOS setup using the Actiontec MI424WR-GEN3I router in 802.11n only mode.

You've probably read all the complaints about slow speeds with the 2.4GHz band

in this thread.

There's really been no definitive comment from Microsoft on this issue, only

references to a better user experience with the latest September updates.

If it were me, I'd be livid, but I'd bite the bullet and get a really good ASUS

or Netgear 802.11ac router and run it in Access Point mode and attach it to a

port on the Verizon router. I'd specify separate SSIDs for 5 and 2.4GHz and

connect my SP3 to the new 5 GHz SSID.

the MI424WR-GEN3I is ancient in router years. Verizon will sell you a better

FIOS router for $75-$100 but you are better off with your own device.

I DO realize that the issue is with the SP3. But absent a fix from Microsoft and

the lack of specific comments on this specific issue from Microsoft, I'd

probably spend the money. This isn't a real answer to the lack of

attention/fixes, but it is the only thing I can suggest.

I can personally vouch for the Netgear R7000 and the ASUS RT-AC68U. There are

some cheaper routers that can be run in AP mode that may work ok, but I don't

have personal experience with them.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Barb

Windows Entertainment and Connected Home MVP

My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

Please mark as answered if this answers your question

This doesn't really help for people who want to use their Surface at work, trips, or anywhere else besides home. I personally refuse to even mess around with settings on my router. This thing should be working without me making changes  because all other devices are working well.

I didn't see any replies from Microsoft in the regards to the latest firmware yet. Is another update on the way or Microsoft is considering this issue fixed?

On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:43:54 +0000, DextsarII wrote:

>>This doesn't really help for people who want to use their Surface at work, trips, or anywhere else besides home. I personally refuse to even mess around with settings on my router. This thing should be working without me making changes  because all other devices are working well.

>>

>>

Yes, I understand, and I'm not willing to travel outside MY home with my SP3

because of this issue. But for people who primarily use at home, this IS an

option. And it is one of two options right now. Alternatively you could purchase a mini

wireless USB adapter - see

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mini+usb+wireless+802.11ac+adapter&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amini+usb+wireless+802.11ac+adapter

or a lesser expensive "N" version.

My reply to the person with the Verizon router suggesting a newer router was

because that Actiontec is so old.

But again, I absolutely agree that no one should need to spend money, change

settings and that Microsoft should have fixed this before launching the product.

>>

>>I didn't see any replies from Microsoft in the regards to the latest firmware yet. Is another update on the way or Microsoft is considering this issue fixed?

I have no idea. MVP's/CM's don't work for Microsoft. We are volunteers. I have

no communications with the Surface team. We keep asking everyone we possibly can

at Microsoft about this. Answers and information just aren't forthcoming.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Barb

Windows Entertainment and Connected Home MVP

My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

Please mark as answered if this answers your question

>>I didn't see any replies from Microsoft in the regards to the latest firmware yet. Is another update on the way or Microsoft is considering this issue fixed?

I have no idea. MVP's/CM's don't work for Microsoft. We are volunteers. I have

no communications with the Surface team. We keep asking everyone we possibly can

at Microsoft about this. Answers and information just aren't forthcoming.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Barb

Windows Entertainment and Connected Home MVP

My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

Please mark as answered if this answers your question

This comment wasn't directly directed to you.

Something tells me that SP4 might be out by the time they fix WiFi on SP3 ;-)

The latest update made it worse for me.  can't believe this is microsoft's top of the line flagship.  it's like buying a ferrari that tops out at 60mph.  That's fast enough for most use, but I suppose most of us here are above average users.

The latest update made it worse for me.  can't believe this is microsoft's top of the line flagship.  it's like buying a ferrari that tops out at 60mph.  That's fast enough for most use, but I suppose most of us here are above average users.

Which version of Surface do you have (i7 or i5) and what type of router? Mine definitely improved. I am on i7, "N" router.