Wifi disconnecting everytime in Predator Helios Neo 16. Should I replace the Wi-Fi card?

Hi, I’ve had this laptop, a Predator Helios Neo 16, since December 2023. Recently, I switched to a new local Wi-Fi provider with a 65 Mbps plan (I know, it’s not great). The router is about 20-25 meters away from my laptop, and I use a Xiaomi Wi-Fi extender. The issue is, my laptop keeps disconnecting whenever I’m playing games, browsing, or doing anything online. I just want to know, is my wifi card possibly broken, or is it just my network that's bad? Even when I use the laptop close to the router, it still disconnects. I was thinking about opening the bottom cover to clean or check the Wi-Fi card, but there’s a warranty sticker on it. Should I replace the Wi-Fi card, or just leave it and try using a new Wi-Fi extender or maybe a dedicated access point?

By the way, I always keep the Wi-Fi adapter updated via device manager.
Thanks!

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

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Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726118/wifi-disconnecting-everytime-in-predator-helios-neo-16-should-i-replace-the-wi-fi-card

Hi, I live on a remote farm in the Philippines and have the PHP16-71, I use a mobile router, the 4G link is great, never have disconnects but I keep the router maximum 5 meters from the laptop and the router signal can drop significantly when working inside. I recommend not using an extender and try a different room. IMO 90% of Wi-Fi networking problems are caused by routers and ISPs, I have two pre-paid internet providers and routers, sometimes have to switch ISP when one is bad. 😉

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726118/wifi-disconnecting-everytime-in-predator-helios-neo-16-should-i-replace-the-wi-fi-card

I'm using the 2023 Predator Helios Neo PHN16-71 with the Killer AX1650i Wi-Fi/BT with the 160MHz Wireless Network Adapter (201NGW) card and I have never ever had any disconnection and/or obstruction signal issues, but my WLAN router is connected to the NBN modem and its about 12m away in an enclosed cupboard with plasterboard stud walls and its running perfectly at 5.0GHz, even though its enclosed.

I suggest that you read this comprehensive guide here, but basically and be aware that the 2.4Ghz band can be stretched further than the 5.0Ghz band, with a potential reach of 46m indoors. While the 5.0Ghz band can only reach half of that distance and like at max 23m, before the 5.0GHz signal is affected or intermittently disconnects.

With your router being 20-25m that could be the issue with the 5.0Ghz signal, as this is even worse if its obstructed by brick or concrete walls. This is because 5.0Ghz bands are more susceptible to obstructions and appliance interference, so by the time this reaches the living room or balcony, the signal can be patchy at best and potentially drop out.

What can obstruct or impact a Wi-Fi signal?

The distance between your modem-router and the device trying to use the WI-FI can obviously impact the signal but that’s not the only thing that can impede how well your Wi-Fi performs. Good luck and hope this helps you out further.

The most common things that WI-FI signal can be impacted by include:

Walls and obstructions: These can block the signal and prevent Wi-Fi from reaching certain parts of the house, especially if the router is placed near a wall. To avoid this, ensure your router is in a fairly unobstructed part of the home and in a position as central as possible.
Weather: Electrical storms can interfere with the electromagnetic signals that Wi-Fi emits and this can wreak havoc on wireless networks. Using Wi-Fi outside, such as in your backyard, is also going to impact the strength of your signal.
Appliances: Similar to weather, appliances can affect the Wi-Fi signal too. An example of an appliance that would interfere with the range of the Wi-Fi would be a microwave because it emits a radio signal. To reduce this impact, it’s best to keep your modem-router away from appliances.
Antennas and direction: The direction of your device can also impact how much of a range your Wi-Fi signal has, but a directional antenna can help reduce this.

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