WiFi/Networking issue when connected to docking station

Anonymous

Hi,

I recently bought the new Surface Pro 4 (i7, 512 GB SSD) along with the new docking station. I've experienced some of the general issues that various other people have mentioned (such as the power management/sleep issue) but I'm also seeing an issue that does not yet seem reported.

When I have the new docking station connected, if it's connected to a monitor, the network connectivity sometimes drops. I have been using it without any issues for about 2 weeks, but today I had a lot of trouble connecting to the office WiFi network. The network itself was definitely working properly as it was quick and reliable for several other users, including my own phone. Nonetheless, I rebooted the router to make sure.

Windows simply would not connect to the WiFi network (even though it has always been a saved connection). Trying to connect caused it to sometimes fail and sometimes ask for the network password (and entering it correctly would still fail - but that's another long-standing Windows bug!). Connecting to alternative networks did exactly the same; it would attempt to connect to my phone's portable hotspot, connect and disconnect in a few seconds, retry, and then stop (in a disconnected state). Intermittently it would connect to the network, but sometimes with 'No Internet' and clearly lots of DNS issues in trying to resolve google.com. It sometimes took 30-60 seconds to load google.com.

Troubleshooting steps

Tried disabling and re-enabling the WiFi adapter
Tried restarting Windows 10
Tried disabling all other network adapters (the Ethernet port from the dock and two created by VirtualBox)
Tried removing dock connection
- This is the first time the connection issues were resolved and google.com was loaded (and could be reloaded) within milliseconds
Re-attached dock and tried removing Logitech unifying receiver (the only USB device plugged in)
Tried removing monitor
- Everything back to normal, was able to browse very quickly again
Tried re-attaching monitor
- Network issues again where loading google.com would take around 20 seconds and refreshing the page would also take several seconds

Clearly there is an issue with the external display. The display is a 1080p monitor which is connected via a HDMI cable and a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. The strange part is that this problem has never come up before, though in hindsight I would say that browsing at the office has been generally a little bit slower than at home.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? I might try to get an older pre-1.4 spec HDMI cable to see if this has an effect.

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Anonymous

2016-01-24T15:20:14+00:00

I have a surface pro 4. I purchased 2 docking stations, one for work and one for home. At work the docking station is perfect and uses an Ethernet cable. At home I only have WIFI, when I plug in the docking station the WIFI no longer works, it says it is (i.e. it is connected) but won't transmit data. As soon as I unplug the docking station, wifi works perfectly again. Some reason I think it is trying to use the Ethernet adapter on the docking station. Any suggestions? I like the docking station as I can power 2 monitors and plug in several USB devices.
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Anonymous

2016-02-05T23:12:40+00:00

I have similar Setup with Surface pro 4 and Surface dock,

Same problem of no internet on WIFI connection.

Every time I disconnect the docking station cable. I do get my internet back on wifi, i.e. wifi connection is established between surface and router and internet is fine. But when I reconnect the dock, the issue is back.

I tired reporting it to Windows support guys on chat, they asked me to contact Surface support.

Link below

https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/contact-us

I will trying reaching them next week. will keep you guys posted.

Anybody tried reaching surface support on this issue?

In case any case, we all should report the issue to surface support.
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Anonymous

2016-02-06T10:16:34+00:00

Hi all

I had the same problem and found the SOLUTION.

When I plug in the Surface Dock I need to plug it in so that the wire is hanging on top (so plug the cable with the head of the cable facing down). This way the Wi-Fi works when connected to the new surface dock. If plugged differently it does not work.

This solution works for me - please try and see if it solves the problem.

Bersant
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Anonymous

2016-02-06T12:23:31+00:00

I tried this, does not help. Only thing that works is to unplug the mini displayport cable. Microsoft sent me another dock, same issue. So maybe the SP4 has a defect? Maybe driver? Frustrating that Microsoft cannot fix this.

A tech from Microsoft has requested me for a troubleshooting session, with remote access. However I will need to take a day off from work to do this.
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Anonymous

2016-02-09T09:38:27+00:00

After some Struggle contacted Microsoft support.

Some solution proposed are.

1> Windows Update for All device.

Go to settings-->Update and security-->Windowsupdate-->Advance options--> select the check box "Give me updates for other Microsoft product when i update"

2> Update WIFI driver

Do to device manage --> Network adapter--> right click "Marvell AVASTAR wireless-AC Network Controller" to Uninstall.

*Do not tick the option "delete the driver software for this device "

click OK and restart the device.

after doing above two options. it seems to work for me. but I am not 100% sure. I will test it for a week and let you know the problem is solved.

3> Last option was enable Recovery in windows and reinstall windows. (this i have not tried)
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