Wi-Fi Network Card Power Management

[rjbinney]

BC_Programmer:
It seems the network card and the Power Settings just can't co-exist. This is the card that comes in Windows Surface Pro 5's. I received this from MSFT Store <6 weeks ago!


Lisa_maree:
I would not say I've isolated this to just the VPN. I only notice it when I'm on my VPN.

I only know my network has dropped because either
a) A download didn't complete or
b) My VPN connection reconnects after I sign back

And for the last four weeks, at least, all of my downloads have been through a VPN. I will double-check my VPN settings, though. Who knows if an update mucked about with its timeout settings!

What I need to do is smoke test the network. I guess I can leave the PC unattended overnight, with the VPN down, and see what the email inbound traffic looks like.

Although my computer connects to a ton of different networks (a slutty little thing, it is), I am more monogamous when it comes to unattended downloads - either my home Cable-based WiFi or a hotel WiFi (presuming it's cable-based). Obviously on hotel networks I can't plug in with an RJ45. And I won't be back on my home router (which is buried behind my stereo) until Saturday.

Will continue to report back. Thanks for the help and suggestions!

[rjbinney]

It is NOT just when I am on my VPN.

I have noticed this behavior (the network dropping when the screen goes to sleep):
1) Using my VPN at two hotels
2) Using my VPN at home
3) NOT using a VPN at home
4) NOT using my VPN on client networks

and have NOT noticed this behavior
4) Using my VPN at a third hotel

One of the hotels in #1) requires daily registration to access the network. The client network in 4) requires daily registration to access network. (Both through the web - the hotel requires individual identification, the client network is a generic guest password). My home network, obviously, does NOT require daily registration.

It's very strange.

I reconnect immediately once my screen is unlocked.

[rjbinney]

Just for added clarity, it disconnects whenever my screen display turns off  (i.e., "Turn Off the Display" in Power Settings). Regardless of whether or not VPN is on.

[patio]

Then turn off the screen power settings as well...

[rjbinney]

When I do that, Patio, my screen never shuts off (which I do want it to do), and, more importantly, it won't go to sleep when I close my lid.

There's some broken logic in my network card, and I'm trying to find a way to correct it.

It's either/or with this driver. Either I have Power Settings for the laptop, or I can keep the network connection active.

I'm hesitant to take the machine back under warranty, as it seems that this will be an endemic issue to the SP5 setup. If there's no way to hack a solution, I'm just going to have to hope that the Marvell people fix it. (But, really, when it comes to computers, who believes in "hope", anyway!!?!?)

Clearly I'm at wit's end, and have no idea what to do!

[BC_Programmer]

Apparently a lot of people have had all sorts of issue with the Surface, a lot of which revolve around the network adapter; not connecting to access points, not working correctly in various ways, random disconnects, etc. Here is a list of all the things Microsoft has done to address these serious issues that have been seen by their consumers:

... Yeah, they've done nothing as far as I can tell. It's really just people with issues and others making guesses regarding possible resolutions (kind of like this thread!).

If you have or can get a USB Wifi adapter for cheap it might be worthwhile as it could at least point the finger at the built-in wireless adapter. Though from there it's really a case of hoping those responsible for the software  in question issue some fix and it actually can get to you.

[rjbinney]

Yeah, that's about the best my Google-Fu uncovered.

What's frustrating is, I had an SP4, and, after a few growing pains (and a quick warranty replacement) was awesome for about 2.8 years. Then the battery started draining quickly - even when powered off! About 0.18 years later, I resolved to look at the new Surfaces v. MacBooks, when I noticed my screen separating from the board. On an airplane. Some quick Googling found "battery bulge" - and a quick phone call put my right to a "battery bulge" specialist. Who knew?

They said because it was over 3 years since my purchase date, I was SOL. I pointed out my initial unit was defective, and this replacement was just a hair under 3 years old - so they swapped it for this SP5. Which is fantastic - except for this network card issue.

And because the Surface folks studied Mac's model, you can't just swap out a card on the dang thing.

Since it was a freebie, when I was expecting to drop coin on a new PC, I'm willing to live with it. But it's frustrating!

Thanks for all the advice and registry hacks...