Surface Pro 3 - Windows 10 - WiFi (slow or limited connectivity )

I've asked umpteen times for a list of routers and have not gotten a reply. And yes, it is only the Surface 3/Pro 3/Surface Pro 4/Surface Book with the Marvel wireless AC chip that has this issue (and other devices work just fine).

IMO, Microsoft does not properly test drivers. Or worse, they release with these known issues.

I've just gone and bought one of these...

http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/cat-11\_TL-WN823N.html

it was under £10 and is now sat in my USB port, doing its thing and getting me the full 55-60Mbps I expect, through my TP-Link Router. So a couple of things.

Yes it works on Win10. Yes its plug and play. Yes its small and neat and as you've suggested, could be carried anyway in case of unforseen wifi issues elsewhere. But unfortunately, no, one shouldnt have to buy one of these, especially for what was until a few months ago, the flagship ipad competitor. However, I have found that generally life really is too short to get mad or stressed. So this time I've sorted the problem and its history. In some point in the future, my Surface will be as useful as my old 386 workstation (remember those) that gathers dust in my loft and we will all laugh about this episode.

But, one thing. If anyone does have a way in to MS (not techies or shop staff - I mean REALLY in - to those who matter) please make them well aware of this rediculous issue, so that users may not get patronised by 'resetting' or 'refreshing' or any other dumb solutions because its 'not recognised' and that in the future MS may produce something ready for market.

There, rant over.

J

A couple of things - Wireless 2.4GHz (b/g/n) shares the same channels as Bluetooth. This isn't a Microsoft thing, it's a consequence of how these protocols were established. You can search for information that explains this. You MIGHT get some relief by configuring your TG788vn for a specific channel/change the channel, etc. You WILL have better performance if you got yourself a newer 802.11ac router and configured it as an access point, connect it to your router and connect to the 5GHz SSID.

You mentioned a similar issue in this discussion thread http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/surfpro3-surfhardware/surface-pro-3-problems-with-wifi-and-bluetooth-how/fff9e3dc-f12c-4231-93f6-4ffb948d54d9

I know you don't want to hear a suggestion to spend money/buy a different router, but in this case, Bluetooth vs 2.4GHz WiFi isn't just a problem with the Surface. Lot's of other things that operate in the 2.4GHz band cause issues with 2.4GHz WiFi - older cordless phones, microwaves, etc.

Dear Barb, thanks for replying.

I am fully aware that 2.4 GHz Wifi and bluetooth frequencies tend to interfere and that this is not a Microsoft problem - it has to do with the way the protocols were formed way back as you point out correctly. However, I have other PC equipment where use of the Bluetooth together with Wifi does not pose any problems, i.e. still operating on b/g/n and using Bluetooth.

Changing the Wifi channels does not resolve problems (have tried every channel from 1-13 [EU]). Usually I use 1, 6 or 11 to minimize interference with other Wifi networks. There are no cordless phones or microwaves or other gear operating within this spectrum in the vicinity.

My conclusion is that Marvell AVASTAR really is poor performing chip that should be avoided at any costs.