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March 24th, 2026 23:27
Can I (Should I) Try To Increase My Dell Inspiron 5379 Speed?
I have a Dell Inspiron 5379 laptop computer. I upgraded it from Windows 10 to Windows 11 a year ago. I typically connect to my T-Mobile 5G Gateway (G5AR) via Cat-6 through a USB port with a UGreen CM266 USB multifunction adapter.
I would like to get faster speeds. The attached photo is fairly typical speeds.
My Apple iPhone typically gets faster speeds on Wi-Fi connected to the T-Mobile 5G Gateway (G5AR) at the same time and in the same location.
How can I increase my speed on the Inspiron 5379?
I have read about swapping out the Wi-Fi adapter. Is it worthwhile to do that and use wifi instead of network cable?
Needless to say, it is an 8 year old computer. Maybe it isn't worth putting any more time or money into it.
ejn63
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March 25th, 2026 00:02
If it's the network speed you're looking to increase and the system has the standard DW1820 card, it's capable of higher speed than that already.
If it's the system you need to speed up, the network boost isn't going to do anything for that.
Jim1348
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March 25th, 2026 00:06
Thank you for the reply.
Do you have any thoughts on why it isn't faster?
Should I try a different length of network cable or a different USB to Ethernet adapter?
ejn63
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March 25th, 2026 00:09
Take the hub out of the picture -- does the adapter work faster when directly connected to the system?
Jim1348
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March 25th, 2026 00:19
@ejn63 No, it isn't any faster.
Kflash08
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March 25th, 2026 16:59
Do you know which WiFi adapter you have installed in your computer? (See here)
If you have the DW1820, download speeds are not going to be much higher than what's shown in your screenshot. Maybe around 600 mbps, assuming that you are very close to the access point with no obstructions or interference.
Before you attempt to upgrade the wireless adapter, make sure that you have 2 antenna leads going to it, then look for an appropriate 2x2 adapter, preferably one with a Dell P/N on it. If you only have one antenna lead (1x1) going to the adapter, you will be limited to an adapter with speeds of up to 433 mbps.
Jim1348
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March 25th, 2026 17:34
It does have a Qualcomm QCA61x4A (DW1820).