e6410 wifi doesn't connect when docked

Hi I´ve got the sam problem with 2 diffrent E6410 on my company, Its very anoying for the users when they can´t use ther dockingstations to acces there normal displays and keybords.

When they undock the wifi works terriffic, but as soon as they dock they have no wifi connection. Tested changing docks, but it won´t help. Removing harware in device manager and re instaling it won´t work. It´s a BIG problem for us.

So if anyone has a clue, please hel us!

\Henrik

I have the same problem on my Inspiron E6250.  I just saw a post which suggested that the docking station blocks the WIFI antennas.  Does anyone know if this is true, and what workarounds are available.  I suppose an external USB WIFI adapter on the docking station would be an option, but that seems really pretty drastic.  

I have an Latitude E5520 and a Latitude E6400.

When I dock them, I am using the E-Port Plus Docking Station and the wireless works flawless.

EDIT:  just FYI, the E6250 is a Latitude and not an Inspiron.

I have an Latitude E5520 and a Latitude E6400. When I dock them, I am using the E-Port Plus Docking Station and the wireless works flawless. EDIT:  just FYI, the E6250 is a Latitude and not an Inspiron.

You are correct, It is a Latitude. I am new to the Dell world and not totally famiiar with all the various models and families. 

Update on my WIFI issue:  I have discovered that it isn't the dock that causes the problem, but shutting the lid.  Apparently the WIFI antenna in located in the screen bezel and closing the lid drastically reduces its sensitivity.  So it seems there are two options: a) run with the lid open, or b) get a USB WIFI adapter and use it when docked instead of the built-in adapter. 

I have an Latitude E5520 and a Latitude E6400. When I dock them, I am using the E-Port Plus Docking Station and the wireless works flawless. EDIT:  just FYI, the E6250 is a Latitude and not an Inspiron.

You are correct, It is a Latitude. I am new to the Dell world and not totally famiiar with all the various models and families. 

Update on my WIFI issue:  I have discovered that it isn't the dock that causes the problem, but shutting the lid.  Apparently the WIFI antenna in located in the screen bezel and closing the lid drastically reduces its sensitivity.  So it seems there are two options: a) run with the lid open, or b) get a USB WIFI adapter and use it when docked instead of the built-in adapter. 

emansfield,

I do not have my lid open at all.  As a matter of fact, I have a monitor stand (see link) that I use all the time.

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

My lid is always closed when it is docked.  At work, the wireless router is not near my desk at all and I sit in a cubical and I still get a good connection.

I use this same setup at work and at home.

Here is the manual for the e port plus docking station.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/acc/eapr/en/ug/EPortPlusUG0D.pdf

Bay Wolf is wrong on this thread and not very helpful.

Just because you don't experience the issue doesn't make the issue less real for those who do.  Perhaps you aren't a power user and don't understand the needs some have for high throughput.  

At any rate, the antenna in the lid is a known issue and huge problems with Dell laptops.  

See here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/676683-strange-problem-wifi-getting-weak-after-closing-lid-while.html

I have a Dell Latitude E6430 with the same issue.  If I crack open the lid in the docking station...presto, download speeds of up to 36Mbps, which I expect with my home connection (for work).  Close the lid, and the connection drops to nearly nothing.  1 to 2 Mbps at most.

Disappointing that Dell knows this is an issue, and continues to manufacture laptops with such a flaw.  I've ordered a USB wife adapter from monoprice, and will see if that helps.