WiFi/Networking issue when connected to docking station

Anonymous
2015-12-16T10:29:24+00:00

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.

Surface | Surface Pro | Power and battery

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-27T08:39:12+00:00

    Nice discovery!!

    I've never tried to switch desktop between sceen 1 and 2.... I've always used the screen 2 as primary display...

    If this is confirmed, than the problem isn't "hardware" like interferences or bandwith .. but only a stupid software issue

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-26T21:46:15+00:00

    Hello,

    I've a similar issue and I can give you more information on "when" bug happen : 

    When I have docker (station) connected to my laptop, bug my external screen/monitor connected directly into my surface through mini-display(port), I'll never have this bug, even if my desktop is displayed on screen 1 (computer) or 2 (external screen) and everything is working fine.

    So when I connect my external screen (monitor) to my docker ports instead, the bug will happen if I set the display mode to screen 2 (internet is not working anymore) and if I set back the configuration to display desktop on my screen 1 (surface screen), internet will work again.

    I hope it'll help you to fix this ********g bug.

    Thank you.

    Boris

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-23T17:05:16+00:00

    Thank you very much your advice has helped me a lot. I have made a video based on the advice you have given me so hopefully anyone else who is trying to get this resolved can. I have also referenced your advice there. Anyways thank you so much.  https://youtu.be/QVgMpm0EVuM

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-23T02:42:37+00:00

    Had the same problem and found the solution.

    Please read : https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/itpro/surface/surface-diagnostic-toolkit?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

    I downloaded  the Surface_Diagnostic_Toolkit from : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=46703

    I ran it and the tool identified that my surface needed some updates, which is actually weird because I run the automatic/standard Windows 10 update procedure.

    After the updates my Wifi/Internet connection and dockingstation problems where finally solved.

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-09-14T11:25:38+00:00

    I have just developed this exact same problem in the last 2 days after it working reasonable well on the dock for a few months. The way you plug in the dock connection seems to work sometimes but not all the time. Also loosing connection tot he dock itself after a period of time (time varies). The light goes out on the connector which is attached to the Surface and then the main monitor drops out and says no signal. 

    Its time for Microsoft to fix this problem be it a fix for the docking station or the Surface4.

    My company move to Surface as our preferred device with 75% of the company now on them with the remainder planned to move as equipment needs update. This will not be happening unless Microsoft admit something is wrong and get it sorted.

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