V570 can not see wireless n connection

[jclairmont]

Hello, I just bought a V570 5 days ago and noticed that the wireless adapter does not find my 802.11n signal but only the 802.11g signal.  While the 2.4 GHz connection is ok, I expected to be able to connect to the faster network.  I've tried to set up the connection manually it still does not show in the available list of connections.  I've tried putting my new laptop within 2 feet of the router - no luck.

This is not a problem with my router - my work laptop (2 year old Lenovo ThinkPad) connects to my  "n" network without a problem, as does my cell phone.  I've checked the adapter settings and have the defaults set - 802.11n Channel Width for Band 2.4  set to 20 MHz and and 802.11n Mode enabled. 

What I find interesting is that when I look at the adapter settings on my work laptop, it shows a setting that my new one does NOT have - 802.11n Channel Width for Band 5.2.  Why do I not see this setting on my new laptop.  Is this a problem?  While I like the laptop, this is bugging me enough to return it if I don't find a solution soon.

Thanks for any help.

[dragnoak · Accepted solution]

To put it bluntly, if you didn't "upgrade" your Intel 1000 BGN Wireless card, in your original system configuration when buying the V570, you do not have the 5 Ghz channel. 

Quote>>

"The Intel® WiFi Link 1000 in your laptop only operates at 2.4GHz, which is the band where 802.11b and 802.11g operates. 802.11n operates in either the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band, but in the case of your wireless network connection, you only have support for the 2.4GHz band. Wireless adapters that operate in the 5GHz band support the 802.11a standard. If the adapter supports 802.11a and 802.11n, then the adapter is capable of using 802.11n in the 5GHz band.

2.4GHz = 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n

5GHz=802.11a and 802.11n

802.11n can be used in either radio band.

When an adapter lists 802.11b and/or 802.11g, then the adapter supports the 2.4 GHz band.

When an adapter lists 802.11a, then the adapter supports the 5 GHz band.

So, if an adapter says it supports 802.11b/g/n, then the adapter will only work in the 2.4 GHz band.

If an adapter says it supports 802.11a/b/g/n, then the adapter can work in either the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. The "a" is the indication that the 5GHz radio is available.

I hope I am explaining this well enough. Let me know if I am not making sense to you.

So, if you want to get an adapter that supports 802.11n on the 5GHz band, watch for both "a" and "n" support."

<<End Quote

Quoted from Mark H in another forum. Thanks Mark!

So, if you don't see an "A" listed (802.11a) for your wireless card, you only have the 2.4 Ghz band. Still, I get a 144 Mbs connection on my Y470, using the Intel 1000 BGN Wireless card, in the 2.4 Ghz band.

Cheers!

DragonRider

[jclairmont]

Thanks for the explanation - I did not know that.  All this time I thought an adapter supported the higher speed if I saw b/g/n in the spec.  My mistake.  Thanks again.

[dragnoak]

Yeah, I know it's a bummer.

I was "burned" by this issue, when I bought my Y470. I just "assumed" that a brand new laptop, would include a wireless card that supported both channels. What I found out, after I received my new system, was that almost ALL laptops coming from Lenovo, only have B/G/N 2.4 Ghz cards. If you want a card with 5Ghz "A" support, you must upgrade the card in your original configuration order. The real kicker is, if you use the Lenovo outlet web pages to buy your system, you can not upgrade most of Idea Pads wireless cards. Those type of upgrades, seem to be only "offered" on Think Pad systems.

However, you can still buy, and install, and upgraded wireless card. I'm just not sure where you can buy it, and still be under warranty. See this thread:

http://forum.lenovo.com/t5/IdeaPad-Y-U-V-and-Z-series/Upgrading-wireless-card-in-Y470/m-p/476833#M39...

You would think that Lenovo would have a "parts" outlet web site, that I could go to and order an upgraded wireless card. But it's like pulling teeth, to get any kind of "after purchase" upgrade information out of them. I guess they're too busy selling their systems, instead of making sure they get "brand loyalty" such as IBM once did.

Still, I'm very happy with my Y470. And as I've said, I get a 144 Mbs connection using the OEM wireless card. I had to fiddle with my connection settings on the card, and also on my E3200 router, to achieve the 144, but I've gotten good range on the 802.11N, 2.4 Ghz connection. After all, isn't that what it's all about, anyway?

DragonRider