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tipstir
join:2004-11-14
Boca Raton, FL

4 edits

tipstir

Member

Project RE-CON1 - DIR-655 Replacing Mini-PCI WNPU

I had ordered this for HP laptop, but it doesn't recognize the Mini-PCI Adapter 300Mbps by TP-LINK.



So I thought I remember seeing that DIR-655 uses Mini-PCI which it does. So I open it up and found this:



I found that the PC board is DIR-855 and DGL-4500 design.



Install with TP-LINK 300Mbps Mini-PCI WNPU



Working with Card installed (Close-up)

Now turns into DIR-825, (in theory NPU still the same 275MHz and not the 350MHz NPU in 825) This card doesn't have 3 connectors I only needed 2 connectors for the laptop. I've tested the signal on the laptop it's actual better it's coming in a -49dB instead of the prior which was -54dB the lower the number the better.

Firmware 1.21B11_beta02
A3 Hardware
DIR-655

Extra USB2.0 4-port Hub
TP-LINK Wireless N 2T2R MIMO instead of 3T3R MIMO
20dB Max Wireless Transmit Power
taytong888
join:2005-06-20
Nepean, ON

taytong888

Member

Congratulations for turning your DIR-655 into a DIR-855!
How did you install or insert the TP LINK 300 Mbps Mini PCI?
More details,please! Thank you.


tipstir
join:2004-11-14
Boca Raton, FL

4 edits

tipstir

Member

Just like installing laptop memory or laptop MiniPCI Intel Pro card for 10/100/1000 or modem. Really not that complex. 2x the case off the DIR-655 is the tricky part. It has 2x screws under the black rubber feet. Some models have the screws. I use plastic tools so I don't scratch up the plastic you dealing with. My wireless errors have gone so the MiniPCI that was in there was defective. I have it working as Wireless N Access Point again. I have to run more test, I'll do that tomorrow..
taytong888
join:2005-06-20
Nepean, ON

taytong888

Member

Just wondering what makes the TP LINK TL-WN861N Mini PCI adapter works in place of the DLink Mini PCI. What are the similarities? Can one hope to "replicate" the miracle in DIR-615 and DIR-625 routers?

Smallnetbuilder July 9/07 review article indicates that DIR-655 has Mini PCI radio uses Atheros AR-5416 baseband chip.

tipstir
join:2004-11-14
Boca Raton, FL

2 edits

tipstir

Member

They both do.. TP-LINK (D_LINK) almost sounds the same doesn't. Funny thing I was working with the wireless N throughout day yesterday no problems with the 3 N wireless N. Today bang again Wireless Up and Wireless Now, so that lend me to believe it's something bad on the PCB or Firmware.

Today I had gone over to a friends house and help him install DD-WRT on to his Linksys WRT310N that has gig ports. His wife was getting Wireless Up and Down on it. Now the wireless shows 130mbps max is 260mbps, 300MHz Broad com WNPU and 32MB of RAM. 70mW for signal strength for the wireless. Wireless is stronger than before. I think the problems we have with the DIR-655 is hardware and firmware is flaky.

I would buy a TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND/TLWR1043N Wireless N/Gig/3R3T/USB Router when it's available.