Groups | Search | Server Info | Keyboard shortcuts | Login | Register [http] [https] [nntp] [nntps]

Groups > uk.telecom.broadband > #57336 > unrolled thread

Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems

Back to article view | Back to uk.telecom.broadband

Contents

  Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-02 16:04 +0100
    Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> - 2026-06-02 15:23 +0000
      Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> - 2026-06-02 15:28 +0000
    Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2026-06-02 16:26 +0100
      Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Woody <harrogate3@ntlworld.com> - 2026-06-02 17:07 +0100
        Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Roger Mills <mills37.fslife@gmail.com> - 2026-06-03 23:34 +0100
      Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-02 18:56 +0100
        Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> - 2026-06-03 14:25 +0100
          Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems "J. P. Gilliver" <G6JPG@255soft.uk> - 2026-06-04 00:11 +0100
            Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> - 2026-06-04 03:34 +0100
              Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> - 2026-06-04 11:21 +0100
            Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2026-06-04 07:38 +0100
      Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Bob Pullen <me@privacy.net> - 2026-06-08 08:24 +0100
        Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-13 09:56 +0100
          Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> - 2026-06-13 09:34 +0000
            Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-14 11:44 +0100
              Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> - 2026-06-14 10:50 +0000
                Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-14 14:56 +0100
                  Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> - 2026-06-14 14:54 +0000
    Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-23 12:11 +0100
      Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems "J. P. Gilliver" <G6JPG@255soft.uk> - 2026-06-23 18:26 +0100
        Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-23 19:04 +0100
          Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2026-06-23 19:26 +0100
      Re: Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> - 2026-06-29 15:09 +0100

Page 1 of 2  [1] 2  Next page →

#57336 — Plusnet ==> EE brings WPA problems

Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices except 
one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions are 
operational, to my surprise.

The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for odd 
jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.

It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even using 
their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2-Personal but 
the compatibility access point that I've set up simply does not appear 
in the list of access points when the laptop scans for wifi points (only 
a few low strength ones almost certainly from nearby houses)

I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as they 
could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may well 
think that, I couldn't possibly comment).

In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
security protocols still something of a mystery.



-- 
Clive Page

[toc] | [next] | [standalone]

#57337

Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices except 
> one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions are 
> operational, to my surprise.
> 
> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for odd 
> jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.
> 
> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
> simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even using 
> their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2-Personal but 
> the compatibility access point that I've set up simply does not appear 
> in the list of access points when the laptop scans for wifi points (only 
> a few low strength ones almost certainly from nearby houses)
> 
> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as they 
> could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may well 
> think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
> 
> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
> where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
> that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
> have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
> gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
> security protocols still something of a mystery.
> 
What about trying a usb WiFi dongle such as this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/600Mbps-Adapter-Extended-Desktop-Powerful/dp/B0CPJQWNYD/ref=sr_1_13

There’s umpteen similar and they don’t cost very much. 

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57339

Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
>> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices except 
>> one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions are 
>> operational, to my surprise.
>> 
>> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
>> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for odd 
>> jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.
>> 
>> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
>> simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even using 
>> their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2-Personal but 
>> the compatibility access point that I've set up simply does not appear 
>> in the list of access points when the laptop scans for wifi points (only 
>> a few low strength ones almost certainly from nearby houses)
>> 
>> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
>> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
>> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as they 
>> could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may well 
>> think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
>> 
>> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
>> where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
>> that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
>> have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
>> gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
>> security protocols still something of a mystery.
>> 
> What about trying a usb WiFi dongle such as this
> 
> https://www.amazon.co.uk/600Mbps-Adapter-Extended-Desktop-Powerful/dp/B0CPJQWNYD/ref=sr_1_13
> 
> There’s umpteen similar and they don’t cost very much. 
> 
> 
Or this may help:

https://community.intel.com/t5/Wireless/Issues-with-Intel-R-Dual-Band-Wireless-AC-3160/m-p/1532740

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57338

Clive Page wrote:
> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices except 
> one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions are 
> operational, to my surprise.
> 
> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for odd 
> jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.
> 
> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
> simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even using 
> their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2-Personal but 
> the compatibility access point that I've set up simply does not appear 
> in the list of access points when the laptop scans for wifi points (only 
> a few low strength ones almost certainly from nearby houses)
> 
> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as they 
> could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may well 
> think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
> 
> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
> where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
> that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
> have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
> gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
> security protocols still something of a mystery.
So it's definitely a case of "not seeing" the new SSID, rather than 
seeing it, but being unable to connect?

Has it picked a high channel number on 2.4GHz that the laptop might not 
support (e.g. some devices can't see ch13 unless you assure them it's in 
a part of the world where its allowed)

if it's WPA2, I assume using PSK?


any choices between tkip/aes?


if the EE router has a WPS button, does pressing it help (gives you a 
short period of connecting without entering credentials)

Does it have anyway to force it between 802.11b, g, n modes or 
combinations of them?

if you can find the MAC addr of the laptop (ipconfig /all) does the AP 
show any sign of having seen the laptop, even if not connected?

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57341

On Tue 02/06/2026 16:26, Andy Burns wrote:
> Clive Page wrote:
>> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
>> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices 
>> except one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions 
>> are operational, to my surprise.
>>
>> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
>> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for 
>> odd jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.
>>
>> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
>> simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even 
>> using their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2- 
>> Personal but the compatibility access point that I've set up simply 
>> does not appear in the list of access points when the laptop scans for 
>> wifi points (only a few low strength ones almost certainly from nearby 
>> houses)
>>
>> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
>> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
>> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as 
>> they could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may 
>> well think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
>>
>> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
>> where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
>> that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
>> have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
>> gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
>> security protocols still something of a mystery.
> So it's definitely a case of "not seeing" the new SSID, rather than 
> seeing it, but being unable to connect?
> 
> Has it picked a high channel number on 2.4GHz that the laptop might not 
> support (e.g. some devices can't see ch13 unless you assure them it's in 
> a part of the world where its allowed)
> 
> if it's WPA2, I assume using PSK?
> 
> 
> any choices between tkip/aes?
> 
> 
> if the EE router has a WPS button, does pressing it help (gives you a 
> short period of connecting without entering credentials)
> 
> Does it have anyway to force it between 802.11b, g, n modes or 
> combinations of them?
> 
> if you can find the MAC addr of the laptop (ipconfig /all) does the AP 
> show any sign of having seen the laptop, even if not connected?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
Even sillier point: if the old machine uses 2.4GHz have you checked that 
the router is radiating 2.4GHz or has it been left as only 5GHz 
operating? Its spec suggests it can handle 1Gb network speed but it says 
nothing about whether 5GHz is on board.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57349

On 02/06/2026 17:07, Woody wrote:
> On Tue 02/06/2026 16:26, Andy Burns wrote:
>> Clive Page wrote:
>>> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
>>> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices 
>>> except one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions 
>>> are operational, to my surprise.
>>>
>>> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
>>> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for 
>>> odd jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB 
>>> ports.
>>>
>>> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, 
>>> but simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - 
>>> even using their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2- 
>>> Personal but the compatibility access point that I've set up simply 
>>> does not appear in the list of access points when the laptop scans 
>>> for wifi points (only a few low strength ones almost certainly from 
>>> nearby houses)
>>>
>>> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
>>> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
>>> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as 
>>> they could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may 
>>> well think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
>>>
>>> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the 
>>> area where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that 
>>> way, but that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't 
>>> expected to have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they 
>>> would be gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different 
>>> wifi security protocols still something of a mystery.
>> So it's definitely a case of "not seeing" the new SSID, rather than 
>> seeing it, but being unable to connect?
>>
>> Has it picked a high channel number on 2.4GHz that the laptop might 
>> not support (e.g. some devices can't see ch13 unless you assure them 
>> it's in a part of the world where its allowed)
>>
>> if it's WPA2, I assume using PSK?
>>
>>
>> any choices between tkip/aes?
>>
>>
>> if the EE router has a WPS button, does pressing it help (gives you a 
>> short period of connecting without entering credentials)
>>
>> Does it have anyway to force it between 802.11b, g, n modes or 
>> combinations of them?
>>
>> if you can find the MAC addr of the laptop (ipconfig /all) does the AP 
>> show any sign of having seen the laptop, even if not connected?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
> Even sillier point: if the old machine uses 2.4GHz have you checked that 
> the router is radiating 2.4GHz or has it been left as only 5GHz 
> operating? Its spec suggests it can handle 1Gb network speed but it says 
> nothing about whether 5GHz is on board.
> 

Try temporarily disabling 5GHz on the router. You may find that the 
laptop is then able to connect at 2.4Ghz - and stays connected when you 
re-enable 5GHz. I had to do that with my Plusnet dual band router to get 
things like a front-door camera to connect.
-- 
Cheers,
Roger

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57343

On 02/06/2026 16:26, Andy Burns wrote:
> Clive Page wrote:
>> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
>> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices 
>> except one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions 
>> are operational, to my surprise.
>>
>> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
>> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for 
>> odd jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.
>>
>> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
>> simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even 
>> using their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak 
>> WPA2-Personal but the compatibility access point that I've set up 
>> simply does not appear in the list of access points when the laptop 
>> scans for wifi points (only a few low strength ones almost certainly 
>> from nearby houses)
>>
>> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
>> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
>> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as 
>> they could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may 
>> well think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
>>
>> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
>> where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
>> that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
>> have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
>> gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
>> security protocols still something of a mystery.
> So it's definitely a case of "not seeing" the new SSID, rather than 
> seeing it, but being unable to connect?
> 
> Has it picked a high channel number on 2.4GHz that the laptop might not 
> support (e.g. some devices can't see ch13 unless you assure them it's in 
> a part of the world where its allowed)
> 
> if it's WPA2, I assume using PSK?
> 
> 
> any choices between tkip/aes?
> 
> 
> if the EE router has a WPS button, does pressing it help (gives you a 
> short period of connecting without entering credentials)
> 
> Does it have anyway to force it between 802.11b, g, n modes or 
> combinations of them?
> 
> if you can find the MAC addr of the laptop (ipconfig /all) does the AP 
> show any sign of having seen the laptop, even if not connected?
> 
Thanks for those suggestions - router doesn't have any useful options of 
that kind but I can see that it's broadcasting on 2.4 as well as 5 GHz. 
It does have a WPS button but that doesn't help.

I think I'll follow up the suggestion made earlier of getting a wifi6 
dongle.  There have been some reports that this solves the problem and 
the cost is pretty small.



-- 
Clive Page

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57348

Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
> Thanks for those suggestions - router doesn't have any useful options of 
> that kind but I can see that it's broadcasting on 2.4 as well as 5 GHz. 
> It does have a WPS button but that doesn't help.
> 
> I think I'll follow up the suggestion made earlier of getting a wifi6 
> dongle.  There have been some reports that this solves the problem and 
> the cost is pretty small.

According to:
https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/lenovo_z41-70_z51-70_ideapad_500_14_15_hmm_201507.pdf

it takes an M.2 wifi card internally.  The installed wifi card (if the
picture is to be believed) looks like an A+E key.

You can swap this out for a new wifi card - this is neater and will likely
get better reception than a dongle as it uses the laptop's own antennas in
the screen.

I recommend Intel as they're typically more stable than Broadcom or
Qualcomm.  You should avoid CNVIO devices as I don't think your motherboard
supports them.  But something like an Intel AX200 or AX210 is a good bet for
wifi 6.  The BE200 supports wifi 7 but I hear it doesn't work on AMD systems
(the Z51 seemingly comes in AMD and Intel versions and not sure what you
have).

Replacement is typically just unscrewing the bottom of the laptop, pulling
out the battery connector, removing one screw and two antenna cables from
the old card, replacing the card with the new one, screwing it down,
reattaching the antenna cables, replugging the battery and screwing the
bottom back on.  The PDF above page 53 gives instructions.

AX210s can be picked up on ebay for about £20 and AX200s from £10 (I'd avoid
the 'from China' sellers, and avoid AX201s as they're CNVIO).

Theo

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57351

On 2026/6/3 14:25:52, Theo wrote:
> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>> Thanks for those suggestions - router doesn't have any useful options of 
>> that kind but I can see that it's broadcasting on 2.4 as well as 5 GHz. 
>> It does have a WPS button but that doesn't help.
>>
>> I think I'll follow up the suggestion made earlier of getting a wifi6 
>> dongle.  There have been some reports that this solves the problem and 
>> the cost is pretty small.
> 
> According to:
> https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/lenovo_z41-70_z51-70_ideapad_500_14_15_hmm_201507.pdf
> 
> it takes an M.2 wifi card internally.  The installed wifi card (if the
> picture is to be believed) looks like an A+E key.
> 
> You can swap this out for a new wifi card - this is neater and will likely
> get better reception than a dongle as it uses the laptop's own antennas in
> the screen.
> 
> I recommend Intel as they're typically more stable than Broadcom or
> Qualcomm.  You should avoid CNVIO devices as I don't think your motherboard
> supports them.  But something like an Intel AX200 or AX210 is a good bet for
> wifi 6.  The BE200 supports wifi 7 but I hear it doesn't work on AMD systems
> (the Z51 seemingly comes in AMD and Intel versions and not sure what you
> have).
> 
> Replacement is typically just unscrewing the bottom of the laptop, pulling
> out the battery connector, removing one screw and two antenna cables from
> the old card, replacing the card with the new one, screwing it down,
> reattaching the antenna cables, replugging the battery and screwing the
> bottom back on.  The PDF above page 53 gives instructions.
> 
> AX210s can be picked up on ebay for about £20 and AX200s from £10 (I'd avoid
> the 'from China' sellers, and avoid AX201s as they're CNVIO).
> 
> Theo

That hardware replacement sounds easy enough, and I've seen such cards
(though never tried changing ones - are the aerial connections just
push-on?); but aren't you likely to need a new (or at least different)
driver (which may not be available for the OS in question, or at least
the very devil to get working)?
-- 
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Veni, Vidi, Video (I came, I saw, I'll watch it again later)
- Mik from S+AS Limited (mik@saslimited.demon.co.uk), 1998

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57353

First attempt at a reply appears to have been swallowed by a black hole, 
apologies if this repost is a duplicate for some ...

On 2026-06-04 00:11, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
> On 2026/6/3 14:25:52, Theo wrote:
>> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>>> Thanks for those suggestions - router doesn't have any useful options of
>>> that kind but I can see that it's broadcasting on 2.4 as well as 5 GHz.
>>> It does have a WPS button but that doesn't help.
>>>
>>> I think I'll follow up the suggestion made earlier of getting a wifi6
>>> dongle.  There have been some reports that this solves the problem and
>>> the cost is pretty small.
>>
>> According to:
>> https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/lenovo_z41-70_z51-70_ideapad_500_14_15_hmm_201507.pdf
>>
>> it takes an M.2 wifi card internally.  The installed wifi card (if the
>> picture is to be believed) looks like an A+E key.
>>
>> You can swap this out for a new wifi card - this is neater and will likely
>> get better reception than a dongle as it uses the laptop's own antennas in
>> the screen.
>>
>> I recommend Intel as they're typically more stable than Broadcom or
>> Qualcomm.  You should avoid CNVIO devices as I don't think your motherboard
>> supports them.  But something like an Intel AX200 or AX210 is a good bet for
>> wifi 6.  The BE200 supports wifi 7 but I hear it doesn't work on AMD systems
>> (the Z51 seemingly comes in AMD and Intel versions and not sure what you
>> have).
>>
>> Replacement is typically just unscrewing the bottom of the laptop, pulling
>> out the battery connector, removing one screw and two antenna cables from
>> the old card, replacing the card with the new one, screwing it down,
>> reattaching the antenna cables, replugging the battery and screwing the
>> bottom back on.  The PDF above page 53 gives instructions.
>>
>> AX210s can be picked up on ebay for about £20 and AX200s from £10 (I'd avoid
>> the 'from China' sellers, and avoid AX201s as they're CNVIO).
> 
> That hardware replacement sounds easy enough, and I've seen such cards
> (though never tried changing ones - are the aerial connections just
> push-on?); but aren't you likely to need a new (or at least different)
> driver (which may not be available for the OS in question, or at least
> the very devil to get working)?

I tried this some years ago with a mobile card in a Dell Precision 
M4300, and never got the card to work.  A replacement WiFi card probably 
will be somewhat different and hopefully easier, nevertheless the OP may 
care to note what I wrote at the time about attempting to install a 
mobile card:

"""

First, was the laptop built for the UK, the US, or elsewhere, and are 
you still in the same country?  Don't buy a card built for a laptop from 
another country  -  IME, just doesn't work.

Second, ensure you can get Dell drivers for it, that is genuine Dell 
from the Dell site.  Even though they are buying in external hardware 
from OEM chip firms such as Sierra, Dell and some other manufacturers 
implement their own hardware IDs, and other drivers, even from the OEM 
manufacturer, may not work as expected.

Third, ensure that the PCB connector fitting is the same.  The laptop 
PCB probably expects a Mini PCI-E Express, while some modern cards have 
M2 fittings  -  confusingly described as M.2 PCIe but this is not the 
same, worse there are several variants in the M2 standard with the 
number and positions of the gaps in the connectors being different. Get 
it wrong, and you'll end up having to buy an adaptor cradle.

Fourth, ensure that the aerial connections are the same.  This is an 
equally confusing area, as the fittings are very small, and those that I 
would call male and female respectively, based on their actual shape, 
are often referred to by the opposite terms in much, perhaps most, of 
the product technical literature.  Even worse, there are at least two 
different sizes in use, and the difference between them is not obvious 
unless and until you see them side by side under a magnifying glass, 
it's impossible just from photos, and the actual fitting size may not 
even be included in technical product data.

The aerials in the lid of a Precision M4300 are IPX U.FL while those on, 
say, a Sierra EM73xx are MHF4.

The connections are so small that even if you are certain that you have 
the right ones, I would advise wearing watchmaker-style magnifying 
glasses to make the connections, otherwise you could end up damaging one 
or other or both.

Even if you get all this right, it still may not work.

A minefield, stay clear.

"""


-- 

Fake news kills!

I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website: 
www.macfh.co.uk

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57356

Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
> 
> I tried this some years ago with a mobile card in a Dell Precision 
> M4300, and never got the card to work.  A replacement WiFi card probably 
> will be somewhat different and hopefully easier, nevertheless the OP may 
> care to note what I wrote at the time about attempting to install a 
> mobile card:

WWAN is indeed quite different from wifi:

> First, was the laptop built for the UK, the US, or elsewhere, and are 
> you still in the same country?  Don't buy a card built for a laptop from 
> another country  -  IME, just doesn't work.

Wifi cards are international - they get told their 'regulatory domain' as
part of setup which tells them which bands to use, but there is no
difference in network standards like there is with GSM v CDMA v
NTT v China-whatever like there used to be with mobiles.

> Second, ensure you can get Dell drivers for it, that is genuine Dell 
> from the Dell site.  Even though they are buying in external hardware 
> from OEM chip firms such as Sierra, Dell and some other manufacturers 
> implement their own hardware IDs, and other drivers, even from the OEM 
> manufacturer, may not work as expected.

If the card has previously shipped in a laptop, then Windows should find
drivers for it, as if you had reinstalled Windows on that laptop.  Just
give the machine ethernet so it can talk to Windows update.  You don't need
a 'driver CD' like the bad old days.

If the machine doesn't also have its own ethernet, or the ethernet itself
has driver problems, a USB ethernet dongle is a useful thing to have on hand
to get you out of that particular hole.  It is indeed useful to have the
drivers for that on a USB stick, but USB ethernet is a standard and Windows
probably won't need them.

> Third, ensure that the PCB connector fitting is the same.  The laptop 
> PCB probably expects a Mini PCI-E Express, while some modern cards have 
> M2 fittings  -  confusingly described as M.2 PCIe but this is not the 
> same, worse there are several variants in the M2 standard with the 
> number and positions of the gaps in the connectors being different. Get 
> it wrong, and you'll end up having to buy an adaptor cradle.

I specifically pointed out M.2 A+E keying, which is what the OP's laptop has
and roughly any laptop made in the last 10 years has.

> Fourth, ensure that the aerial connections are the same.  This is an 
> equally confusing area, as the fittings are very small, and those that I 
> would call male and female respectively, based on their actual shape, 
> are often referred to by the opposite terms in much, perhaps most, of 
> the product technical literature.  Even worse, there are at least two 
> different sizes in use, and the difference between them is not obvious 
> unless and until you see them side by side under a magnifying glass, 
> it's impossible just from photos, and the actual fitting size may not 
> even be included in technical product data.

I think the antenna connections are standardised for wifi nowadays.

Some card and machines have 2 antennas, some 3.  Connect them to antenna
inputs 1,2,3 in order - if you don't have a socket for the last antenna just
wrap it in electrical tape and tuck it out of the way.

> The connections are so small that even if you are certain that you have 
> the right ones, I would advise wearing watchmaker-style magnifying 
> glasses to make the connections, otherwise you could end up damaging one 
> or other or both.

They are indeed tiny - I recommend tweezers and perhaps using your phone
camera on macro mode as a microscope to be able to see where you are aiming. 

(I'd also recommend taking antistatic precautions if you're going to be
touching sensitive antenna inputs with metal tweezers - just keeping an
earthed metal electrical appliance on your table and touching it regularly
is probably good enough if you don't have a proper wrist strap)

I did one wifi card replacement blind by feel recently, and it did indeed
take several goes to get it right.

> Even if you get all this right, it still may not work.
> 
> A minefield, stay clear.

Not really, I've done quite a number over the years.

Theo

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57355

"J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

> That hardware replacement sounds easy enough, and I've seen such cards
> (though never tried changing ones - are the aerial connections just
> push-on?); 

yes, do take care attaching the aerials, the connectors are tiny.

> but aren't you likely to need a new (or at least different)
> driver (which may not be available for the OS in question, or at least
> the very devil to get working)?

If as (Theo suggested) you use an intel card, windows will know what 
driver to use, as long as Clive temporarily connects an ethernet cable, 
it will just go off and get it, even for Win10.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57386

On 02/06/2026 16:26, Andy Burns wrote:
> Clive Page wrote:
>> Well we have now completed our forced move from Plusnet to EE.  It's 
>> taken me all morning to set things up but all finally all devices 
>> except one appear to be working.  Even the phone and two extensions 
>> are operational, to my surprise.
>>
>> The exception is a Lenovo Z51 laptop.  It's quite old, still running 
>> Win10 and not upgradeable, but we still use it from time to time for 
>> odd jobs, e.g. because it has a memory card reader and lots of USB ports.
>>
>> It has been happily connecting via wifi to the old Plusnet router, but 
>> simply fails to see any wifi access point on the new EE hub - even 
>> using their compatibility mode.  They both appear to speak WPA2- 
>> Personal but the compatibility access point that I've set up simply 
>> does not appear in the list of access points when the laptop scans for 
>> wifi points (only a few low strength ones almost certainly from nearby 
>> houses)
>>
>> I've spent an hour on the phone to EE tech support who eventually 
>> admitted that there were other former Plusnet customers with very 
>> similar problems.  They were quite knowledgeable and as helpful as 
>> they could be without actually solving the problem at all.  (You may 
>> well think that, I couldn't possibly comment).
>>
>> In principle I could rig an Ethernet cable from the EE hub to the area 
>> where I most often use the old laptop, as it works fine that way, but 
>> that's an awkward bit of domestic rewiring that I hadn't expected to 
>> have to do.  But if anyone has any other suggestions they would be 
>> gratefully accepted.   I find the large number of different wifi 
>> security protocols still something of a mystery.
> So it's definitely a case of "not seeing" the new SSID, rather than 
> seeing it, but being unable to connect?
> 
> Has it picked a high channel number on 2.4GHz that the laptop might not 
> support (e.g. some devices can't see ch13 unless you assure them it's in 
> a part of the world where its allowed)
> 
> if it's WPA2, I assume using PSK?
> 
> any choices between tkip/aes?
> 
> if the EE router has a WPS button, does pressing it help (gives you a 
> short period of connecting without entering credentials)
> 
> Does it have anyway to force it between 802.11b, g, n modes or 
> combinations of them?
> 
> if you can find the MAC addr of the laptop (ipconfig /all) does the AP 
> show any sign of having seen the laptop, even if not connected?

I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek 
ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using AX/WiFi 6.

That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having 
compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still 
uses WiFi 6.

The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.

-- 
Bob Pullen

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57394

On 08/06/2026 08:24, Bob Pullen wrote:
[snip]
> 
> I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek 
> ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using 
> AX/WiFi 6.
> 
> That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having 
> compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still 
> uses WiFi 6.
> 
> The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.
> 
My wifi6 dongle arrived yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it can 
see the new EE home hub.  The speed is rather poor, about 10 Mb/s up and 
down but that's almost certainly the limit of the USB port.

I have seen numerous complaints in both Plusnet and EE forums of older 
equipment not connecting to these new-fangled EE home hubs, so it is 
surprising that EE's helpdesk staff are so clueless.  A least a couple 
of us report spending an hour or more on the phone to them without 
getting any practical suggestions for resolving the issue.  They seem to 
be pleasant helpful people on the helpdesk, just not capable of giving 
sensible advice in this situation.


-- 
Clive Page

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57395

Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
> On 08/06/2026 08:24, Bob Pullen wrote:
> [snip]
>> 
>> I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek 
>> ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using 
>> AX/WiFi 6.
>> 
>> That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having 
>> compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still 
>> uses WiFi 6.
>> 
>> The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.
>> 
> My wifi6 dongle arrived yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it can 
> see the new EE home hub.  The speed is rather poor, about 10 Mb/s up and 
> down but that's almost certainly the limit of the USB port.
> 
> I have seen numerous complaints in both Plusnet and EE forums of older 
> equipment not connecting to these new-fangled EE home hubs, so it is 
> surprising that EE's helpdesk staff are so clueless.  A least a couple 
> of us report spending an hour or more on the phone to them without 
> getting any practical suggestions for resolving the issue.  They seem to 
> be pleasant helpful people on the helpdesk, just not capable of giving 
> sensible advice in this situation.
> 
> 

The curse of the low cost helpdesk. People who understand technical issues
are a) expensive and b) don’t want a job on a helpdesk talking to the great
British public. 

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57396

On 13/06/2026 10:34, Tweed wrote:
> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>> On 08/06/2026 08:24, Bob Pullen wrote:
>> [snip]
>>>
>>> I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek
>>> ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using
>>> AX/WiFi 6.
>>>
>>> That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having
>>> compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still
>>> uses WiFi 6.
>>>
>>> The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.
>>>
>> My wifi6 dongle arrived yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it can
>> see the new EE home hub.  The speed is rather poor, about 10 Mb/s up and
>> down but that's almost certainly the limit of the USB port.
>>
>> I have seen numerous complaints in both Plusnet and EE forums of older
>> equipment not connecting to these new-fangled EE home hubs, so it is
>> surprising that EE's helpdesk staff are so clueless.  A least a couple
>> of us report spending an hour or more on the phone to them without
>> getting any practical suggestions for resolving the issue.  They seem to
>> be pleasant helpful people on the helpdesk, just not capable of giving
>> sensible advice in this situation.
>>
>>
> 
> The curse of the low cost helpdesk. People who understand technical issues
> are a) expensive and b) don’t want a job on a helpdesk talking to the great
> British public.
> 
Yes, I realise that.  But these helpdesk people have lots of scripts 
written for them, supposedly covering just about all the 
questions/problems (sorry "issues") that their customers have.  These 
scripts can be written by the genuine experts even the ones who have no 
intention of doing helpdesk work.

I *know* that lots of the customers like me who have recently been 
forced to switch from Plusnet to EE are having these problems - so what 
I'm really asking is why does no suitable script exist.

-- 
Clive Page

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57397

Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
> On 13/06/2026 10:34, Tweed wrote:
>> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>>> On 08/06/2026 08:24, Bob Pullen wrote:
>>> [snip]
>>>> 
>>>> I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek
>>>> ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using
>>>> AX/WiFi 6.
>>>> 
>>>> That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having
>>>> compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still
>>>> uses WiFi 6.
>>>> 
>>>> The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.
>>>> 
>>> My wifi6 dongle arrived yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it can
>>> see the new EE home hub.  The speed is rather poor, about 10 Mb/s up and
>>> down but that's almost certainly the limit of the USB port.
>>> 
>>> I have seen numerous complaints in both Plusnet and EE forums of older
>>> equipment not connecting to these new-fangled EE home hubs, so it is
>>> surprising that EE's helpdesk staff are so clueless.  A least a couple
>>> of us report spending an hour or more on the phone to them without
>>> getting any practical suggestions for resolving the issue.  They seem to
>>> be pleasant helpful people on the helpdesk, just not capable of giving
>>> sensible advice in this situation.
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> The curse of the low cost helpdesk. People who understand technical issues
>> are a) expensive and b) don’t want a job on a helpdesk talking to the great
>> British public.
>> 
> Yes, I realise that.  But these helpdesk people have lots of scripts 
> written for them, supposedly covering just about all the 
> questions/problems (sorry "issues") that their customers have.  These 
> scripts can be written by the genuine experts even the ones who have no 
> intention of doing helpdesk work.
> 
> I *know* that lots of the customers like me who have recently been 
> forced to switch from Plusnet to EE are having these problems - so what 
> I'm really asking is why does no suitable script exist.
> 

I suppose they don’t really want to admit that the new router they more or
less forced upon their customers isn’t up to the job. Might leave them open
for complaints. Easier to leave their mainly non technical customers in a
sea of confusion.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57398

On 14/06/2026 11:50, Tweed wrote:
> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>> On 13/06/2026 10:34, Tweed wrote:
>>> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>>>> On 08/06/2026 08:24, Bob Pullen wrote:
>>>> [snip]
>>>>>
>>>>> I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek
>>>>> ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using
>>>>> AX/WiFi 6.
>>>>>
>>>>> That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having
>>>>> compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still
>>>>> uses WiFi 6.
>>>>>
>>>>> The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.
>>>>>
>>>> My wifi6 dongle arrived yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it can
>>>> see the new EE home hub.  The speed is rather poor, about 10 Mb/s up and
>>>> down but that's almost certainly the limit of the USB port.
>>>>
>>>> I have seen numerous complaints in both Plusnet and EE forums of older
>>>> equipment not connecting to these new-fangled EE home hubs, so it is
>>>> surprising that EE's helpdesk staff are so clueless.  A least a couple
>>>> of us report spending an hour or more on the phone to them without
>>>> getting any practical suggestions for resolving the issue.  They seem to
>>>> be pleasant helpful people on the helpdesk, just not capable of giving
>>>> sensible advice in this situation.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> The curse of the low cost helpdesk. People who understand technical issues
>>> are a) expensive and b) don’t want a job on a helpdesk talking to the great
>>> British public.
>>>
>> Yes, I realise that.  But these helpdesk people have lots of scripts
>> written for them, supposedly covering just about all the
>> questions/problems (sorry "issues") that their customers have.  These
>> scripts can be written by the genuine experts even the ones who have no
>> intention of doing helpdesk work.
>>
>> I *know* that lots of the customers like me who have recently been
>> forced to switch from Plusnet to EE are having these problems - so what
>> I'm really asking is why does no suitable script exist.
>>
> 
> I suppose they don’t really want to admit that the new router they more or
> less forced upon their customers isn’t up to the job. Might leave them open
> for complaints. Easier to leave their mainly non technical customers in a
> sea of confusion.
> 
Yes, that is possible.  But it must be costing them a lot.   I have no 
idea how much it costs a company like EE which has UK staffed helpdesks, 
but I can guess that each hour must be costing them the equivalent of a 
month or twos broadband rental to people like me.  They could have given 
me sensible advice in a minute or two and even bought me a Wifi6 dongle 
as well much more cheaply.   Perhaps their management doesn't know that?

In that context, I have to say that my experience was that the whole 
Plusnet to EE migration could have been handled much more smoothly.  I 
got lots of unnecessary messages, most of them containing false or 
out-of-date information.  So I'm happy to conclude that their management 
isn't really all that good.


-- 
Clive Page

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57399

Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
> On 14/06/2026 11:50, Tweed wrote:
>> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>>> On 13/06/2026 10:34, Tweed wrote:
>>>> Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:
>>>>> On 08/06/2026 08:24, Bob Pullen wrote:
>>>>> [snip]
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I've seen this before with some older WiFi NIC's, typically Realtek
>>>>>> ones, where they outright fail to detect SSIDs broadcasting using
>>>>>> AX/WiFi 6.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> That's a problem with the newer EE kit because, despite having
>>>>>> compatibility modes that use 'lesser' encryption mechanisms, it still
>>>>>> uses WiFi 6.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> The replacement card/dongle route is a sensible approach.
>>>>>> 
>>>>> My wifi6 dongle arrived yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it can
>>>>> see the new EE home hub.  The speed is rather poor, about 10 Mb/s up and
>>>>> down but that's almost certainly the limit of the USB port.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have seen numerous complaints in both Plusnet and EE forums of older
>>>>> equipment not connecting to these new-fangled EE home hubs, so it is
>>>>> surprising that EE's helpdesk staff are so clueless.  A least a couple
>>>>> of us report spending an hour or more on the phone to them without
>>>>> getting any practical suggestions for resolving the issue.  They seem to
>>>>> be pleasant helpful people on the helpdesk, just not capable of giving
>>>>> sensible advice in this situation.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> The curse of the low cost helpdesk. People who understand technical issues
>>>> are a) expensive and b) don’t want a job on a helpdesk talking to the great
>>>> British public.
>>>> 
>>> Yes, I realise that.  But these helpdesk people have lots of scripts
>>> written for them, supposedly covering just about all the
>>> questions/problems (sorry "issues") that their customers have.  These
>>> scripts can be written by the genuine experts even the ones who have no
>>> intention of doing helpdesk work.
>>> 
>>> I *know* that lots of the customers like me who have recently been
>>> forced to switch from Plusnet to EE are having these problems - so what
>>> I'm really asking is why does no suitable script exist.
>>> 
>> 
>> I suppose they don’t really want to admit that the new router they more or
>> less forced upon their customers isn’t up to the job. Might leave them open
>> for complaints. Easier to leave their mainly non technical customers in a
>> sea of confusion.
>> 
> Yes, that is possible.  But it must be costing them a lot.   I have no 
> idea how much it costs a company like EE which has UK staffed helpdesks, 
> but I can guess that each hour must be costing them the equivalent of a 
> month or twos broadband rental to people like me.  They could have given 
> me sensible advice in a minute or two and even bought me a Wifi6 dongle 
> as well much more cheaply.   Perhaps their management doesn't know that?
> 
> In that context, I have to say that my experience was that the whole 
> Plusnet to EE migration could have been handled much more smoothly.  I 
> got lots of unnecessary messages, most of them containing false or 
> out-of-date information.  So I'm happy to conclude that their management 
> isn't really all that good.
> 
Is there any mass market ISP that is any different? It’s one reason I stick
with e likes of A&A and IDNet. In fact to widen things, is there any large
organisation that doesn’t operate in a sea of confusion? And if you think
the private sector is better than the public, my own experiences say not. 

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#57433

Just to report, in case it amuses anyone else.

Plusnet just sent me a bill for 99 pence to be collected by 
direct-debit.  It isn't enough to fuss about, I guess, but it annoyed me 
enough that I phoned them up.  It took 52 minutes talking to their 
helpline and billing service but finally they told me that it was 
because the Plusnet service continued for a few hours on the 
transfer-to-EE day and this meant a charge for another full day's worth 
of broadband. I objected that EE had a contract starting on the day 
after the Plusnet one finished and that there was supposed to be 
seamless transfer.  In fact we had no service at all for a few hours so 
they should owe me something.  After passing my complaint a level or two 
up the chain I got them to agree a refund.

Plusnet say that they can't do this by cancelling the direct-debit (not 
due for several more days) or by making a bank transfer, but only by 
sending me through the post a cheque for £0-99.   You couldn't make it up.

Annoyed by this I then contacted EE to claim for the cost of getting a 
Wifi6 dongle for the elderly laptop which wouldn't work with their new 
router (or home hub as they persist in calling it) because it didn't 
support Wifi6.  Eventually I got them to agree to refund me the cost of 
the dongle, a whole £3-69.  I was expecting to get another cheque, but 
EE claim they can do this by applying a credit to my next bill.

I guess that's progress and perhaps why cheque-based Plusnet are 
gradually being abandoned as a brand by BT.


-- 
Clive Page

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

Page 1 of 2  [1] 2  Next page →

Back to top | Article view | uk.telecom.broadband

csiph-web