// , Where may I begin my search for an 802.11ac Wireless Card for a Dell XPS L512x that has Linux compatibility?

NathanBasanese · 06-26-2016, 03:22 PM

// , Hi, there!

I'm a bit new to the forum.

Still, I've had good responses to my questions here, so far.

Anyway, a while back, I bought the Dell XPS L512x (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-...k.80033.0.html), but its wireless card has... issues.

I would like to upgrade my L521x laptop to a wireless card compatible with the 802.11ac standard.

A quick web search gave me some of the following, of varying usefulness:

1. XPS 15 L502X - Want to Upgrade Wifi Card - http://en.community.dell.com/support...518/t/19634450
2. Intel dual-band AC 7260 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti6jqFJDgYg
3. Dell XPS 15 L521x Product Support - http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/...-l521x/manuals

I have asked about a USB Dongle Linux for compatibility with 5GHz 802.11ac, or at least 5GHz Wireless N compatibility, here:

What USB Dongles for 802.11ac don't suck to install? (https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...ll-4175581716/)

The shortened version of my results for `lspci` when run in `zsh` on my laptop follow:

Code:

% lspci                
00:01.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Xeon E3-1200 v2/3rd Gen Core processor PCI Express Root Port (rev 09)
00:14.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family USB xHCI Host Controller (rev 04)
00:1a.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller #2 (rev 04)
00:1c.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 1 (rev c4)
00:1c.2 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 3 (rev c4)
00:1c.3 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 4 (rev c4)
00:1d.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller #1 (rev 04)
07:00.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller (rev 07)
08:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation Centrino Advanced-N 6235 (rev 24)
09:00.0 Unassigned class [ff00]: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTS5209 PCI Express Card Reader (rev 01)

Well, thanks for reading (or at least noticing) this!

Have you any thoughts on my efforts, here?

How can I improve this question?

I currently use the "Ubuntu" distribution, mostly because of how common it is and the ease with which I can help others adopt a Linux distribution when using it.

business_kid · 06-28-2016, 01:23 AM

I shouldn't have to look up the review to fund your WiFi card . . .

You can get USB plugins that do WiFi and stay under 100mA. They're cheap. I imagine the WiFi support will be worthwhile once it comes in Linux.

NathanBasanese · 07-08-2016, 10:23 PM

// , No need to condescend, "business_kid".

I have already bought three of those USB plugins suggested, and none support wireless AC without compiling and installing kernel modules.

I've looked for, and found many reviews. The point of sites like this is to go _beyond_ the obvious, and see what people, not just bloggers or publishers, are really thinking.

business_kid · 07-09-2016, 01:11 AM

The main task accomplished in these forums is helping newbies & neophytes to get going. This is not a software development site. I will gladly assist strangers to the depth of my knowledge and experience. You I gather wantsupport for hardware that either is not written or not implemented. You don't get that by going deeper. Good luck in your search. I usually check that stuff before I buy these days. I have made that mistake too.

NathanBasanese · 07-30-2016, 01:49 PM

// , I don't think my expectation that people actually read some of what I post before responding to it is too much to ask.

Anyway, does anyone know where I might find an internal 802.11ac Wireless Card for a Dell XPS L512x, if one exists?

Emerson · 07-30-2016, 02:00 PM

I see several on Amazon, didn't check other sites. You have chosen not to reveal your location, can you buy from internet stores from your country of residence?

ardvark71 · 07-30-2016, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NathanBasanese

Anyway, does anyone know where I might find an internal 802.11ac Wireless Card for a Dell XPS L512x, if one exists?

Hi...

There is the Intel 7260HMWG here but I think the critical thing here would be to contact Dell and see if this or any any other card would be compatible with your laptop. Here's why.

Regards...

business_kid · 07-31-2016, 02:25 AM

There's also USB WiFi devices sold for cheap on eBay. Get one that advertises using under 100 mA because the usb port current limit is 100 mA.