Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (CB515-2H-31NY) has poor wi-fi connectivity on 5GHz

roborob
roborob Member Posts: 4 New User

I bought a Chromebook Plus 515 (model CB515-2H-31NY) for my wife about a year ago. She recently started complaining about slow internet speeds. Running a speed test showed slow downloads (~5Mb/s) and even slower uploads. I tried switching to a 2.4GHz only network and internet performance increased dramatically. My Chromebook Spin 713 has much better performance on 5GHz. I'm using a UniFi network with multiple access points.

Is there an issue with 5GHz wi-fi and the 515, or is it some incompatibility with my network gear?

Answers

  • Alejandro_AC
    Alejandro_AC ACE Posts: 13,654 Trailblazer

    Hi @roborob there is no problem or incompatibility, do you have Windows 11 updated?
    When you have tested the 5Ghz network on both computers, have you done it from the same point?

    Product Support - CB515-2HT | Acer United States

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  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,815 Trailblazer
    edited January 2

    Heheh, no Windows 11 updates for Chromebooks… :) I wonder if one of the antenna wires that connect to the WiFi inside the laptop isn't fully seated. To check that requires removing the bottom cover, 11 screws in total. Once the cover is removed disconnect the battery, then look at the wires from the antennas:

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  • roborob
    roborob Member Posts: 4 New User

    It's a Chromebook, so no windows drivers. I had both Chromebooks side by side and only a few feet away from an AP when I compared their performance.

    I will pop open the back and check on the antenna cables when I have a chance. If they aren't loose, I may try swapping out the wi-fi card for a different one while I have it open.

  • roborob
    roborob Member Posts: 4 New User

    It looks like @billsey was the closest to the right answer. When I went to check the antenna cables, I found that one of the connectors had broken off the network card. The "Main" connector is missing the outer ring. It was stuck in the connector on the cable end. The solder must have failed.

    I tried to swap out the network card with a different one, but ChromeOS wouldn't recognize it. Fortunately, this exact card is available for a little over $20, so I've ordered a replacement.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,815 Trailblazer
    edited January 2

    Good to know at least… I don't think I've ever seen one where the connector itself was broken, though I have seen several now where the cable had either come loose or wasn't connected in the first place. As you found though, at least it's not an expensive fix. :)

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  • Axxo
    Axxo Member, Ally Posts: 951

    Also please check below troubleshooting steps:-

    https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/how-to-fix-a-chromebook-that-wont-connect-to-wi-fi/

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    If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful.

  • roborob
    roborob Member Posts: 4 New User

    The replacement card arrived and I've installed it. Performance on 5GHz is improved from before, but I still see generally better speeds on the 2.4GHz network.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,815 Trailblazer

    Are you sure the antenna is solidly connected? No chance the odd bit of the old connector is still on the wire?

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