ArcherC8 wrote

Can any other devices see the WIFI network? Try deleting (forget) the network on the PC and reestablish it as it is a common problem when the router is changed especially when the same SSID was used. Are you able to connect to the internet via Ethernet thru the router?

Yes, all others can see it. Works fine over Ethernet with a cable (the laptop has an RJ45 jack).

I don't get any "Managed saved networks" or such option in wireless settings. But even if that had been an issue, the new SSID is different; and even the brand new guest networks cannot be seen. Somehow the AX6000 and the laptop are not communicating with each other.

Consolamentum wrote

 I had no issues seeing the SSIDs on the laptop with the old Nighthawk R7000 router, and I see all the neighbours' SSIDs.

@Consolamentum 

This one sentence IS NOT clear to me?

Are you stating with the Netgear router you saw all SSID's and even neighbor's OR are you stating with the AX6000 you see nothing? Not even neighbor's?

If 'nothing', the problem would be the PC I'd think? If you see the neighbor's SSID's, the router. There is a 'button' that will 'turn-off' the Wifi SSID's, even if set on in the f/w. Check to see if this is the case? Also what is the color of the LED on to, Orange? Then the Wifi button is off.

You can also try Acrylic on W10, and see if that shows any SSID's (https://www.acrylicwifi.com/en/downloads-free-license-wifi-wireless-network-software-tools/download-wifi-scanner-windows/) and if it doesn't, clearly your PC is the problem.

IrvSp wrote

 

Consolamentum wrote

 I had no issues seeing the SSIDs on the laptop with the old Nighthawk R7000 router, and I see all the neighbours' SSIDs.

@Consolamentum 

 

This one sentence IS NOT clear to me?

 

Are you stating with the Netgear router you saw all SSID's and even neighbor's OR are you stating with the AX6000 you see nothing? Not even neighbor's?

 

If 'nothing', the problem would be the PC I'd think? If you see the neighbor's SSID's, the router. There is a 'button' that will 'turn-off' the Wifi SSID's, even if set on in the f/w. Check to see if this is the case? Also what is the color of the LED on to, Orange? Then the Wifi button is off.

 

You can also try Acrylic on W10, and see if that shows any SSID's (https://www.acrylicwifi.com/en/downloads-free-license-wifi-wireless-network-software-tools/download-wifi-scanner-windows/) and if it doesn't, clearly your PC is the problem.

@IrvSp 

Thanks for the reply. Sorry I wasn't clear enough.

With the old router (Netgear R7000): I could see all SSIDs on the laptop (ours and the neighbours').

With the new router (AX6000): I see only the neighbours' SSIDs on the laptop, not ours.

Otherwise, all SSIDs appear on our other devices.

I tried the Acrylic software already and it doesn't show our SSIDs on the laptop either.

Consolamentum wrote

 

With the new router (AX6000): I see only the neighbours' SSIDs on the laptop, not ours.

Otherwise, all SSIDs appear on our other devices.

 

I tried the Acrylic software already and it doesn't show our SSIDs on the laptop either.

@Consolamentum 

I'm thinking two things here,

• Security difference
• SSID frequency difference that that Laptop can't handle.

@Consolamentum 

At this point I seem to think the problem is in the h/w on the LAPTOP.

First, open DEVICE MANAGER ( use the Windows Key + R and enter devmgmt.msc) and look at the NETWORK card. Does it have any error when you double click on it? No, what I'd try is RIGHT MOUSE button on the device and UNINSTALL the device. The once that is done, click on ACTION in the menu bar and SCAN FOR HARDWARE CHANGES. They SHOULD reinstall the device.

Now test and see if it works.

This would be the same as removing the device from the LAPTOP if it isn't inside the case.

Another thought... The R7000 is AC speed. The AX6000 is AX. Of course this is for the 5Ghz SSID, but that could be a clue here. Some 'older' AX network adapters DO NOT work with all AX routers. Wonder if this is playing into it? First thing I'd do about this as be sure you have the LATEST driver for the adapter, see the Dell site, https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/inspiron-15-5559-laptop/drivers.

Supposedly this is a Intel 3160/3165/7260/7265 WiFi Driver and the last one is V 21.10.1.1488, A07 from 1/22/2020.

Now Dell sometimes makes changes to match its h/w in drivers, sometimes they do NOT publish the latest, either because the product is no longer sold, has been replaced with an newer version, or has not fully tested the latest release. Might want t check INTEL's site to see if they have a later version too.

Alternatively, while still in DEVICE MANAGER, and you've opened the device, click on the ADVANCED tab, and towards the bottom you'll find WIRELESS MODE. Use the PULLDOWN on the right (probably showing AUTO) and SELECT one that DOESN'T include AX, save and disconnect/reconnect and see if that works.

IrvSp wrote

@Consolamentum 

 

At this point I seem to think the problem is in the h/w on the LAPTOP.

 

First, open DEVICE MANAGER ( use the Windows Key + R and enter devmgmt.msc) and look at the NETWORK card. Does it have any error when you double click on it? No, what I'd try is RIGHT MOUSE button on the device and UNINSTALL the device. The once that is done, click on ACTION in the menu bar and SCAN FOR HARDWARE CHANGES. They SHOULD reinstall the device.

 

Now test and see if it works.

 

This would be the same as removing the device from the LAPTOP if it isn't inside the case.

 

Another thought... The R7000 is AC speed. The AX6000 is AX. Of course this is for the 5Ghz SSID, but that could be a clue here. Some 'older' AX network adapters DO NOT work with all AX routers. Wonder if this is playing into it? First thing I'd do about this as be sure you have the LATEST driver for the adapter, see the Dell site, https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/inspiron-15-5559-laptop/drivers.

 

Supposedly this is a Intel 3160/3165/7260/7265 WiFi Driver and the last one is V 21.10.1.1488, A07 from 1/22/2020.

 

Now Dell sometimes makes changes to match its h/w in drivers, sometimes they do NOT publish the latest, either because the product is no longer sold, has been replaced with an newer version, or has not fully tested the latest release. Might want t check INTEL's site to see if they have a later version too.

 

Alternatively, while still in DEVICE MANAGER, and you've opened the device, click on the ADVANCED tab, and towards the bottom you'll find WIRELESS MODE. Use the PULLDOWN on the right (probably showing AUTO) and SELECT one that DOESN'T include AX, save and disconnect/reconnect and see if that works.

@IrvSp 

Awesome, thanks for all the tips.

I will give it a try.

If nothing works... Might be time to upgrade to a Wifi 6 adapter on the Dell.

I shall report back

@Consolamentum 

According to the Dell Spec's the WiFi adapter is NOT AX. If you get an AX you'd need to disable the Wifi built-in on the montherboard.

I guess you could disable AX speed on the router and see what happens too?