The laptop catches Wi-Fi only near the router (problem with Wi-Fi Antenna)

I bought an ASUS E502SA Windows 10 Yome laptop. Recently noticed that the wifi is not working in a room that never had a problem. I started looking into the problem, checking drivers etc.

I want to say that the laptop is connected to the home network, all other consumers of wi-fi signal: smartphones, iPads work from the Wi-Fi signal in this place without changes. After watching YouTube videos on this issue, I decided to open my comp and figure out what the problem is.

I have never done it myself. In short, opened the insides, found the wireless adapter and antenna, removed, took a photo (attached below).

Everything is clear to me, but where to stick the other end of the antenna I do not know (this end was tucked under the back edge of the motherboard and not attached to anything). Looked at the information on antennas I hesitated that this is correct.

Last year I gave my laptop in for repair, I had the processor replaced, no one else looked into it. Found a lot of information, but where to put this end, whether it is necessary to change the antenna I do not know. Wi-Fi works well within 3 meters, then the signal quickly fades. Most likely the matter is in the antenna. Need advice. Thanks in advance. Sorry for the question, I am a young specialist on the insides of the laptop, I try to do myself, I am 68 years old. I am from Belorussia, I am in Canada, I have to apply my brains myself.

Answer

Hello. The problem in your case is obvious. The cable that goes from the Wi-Fi module to the Wi-Fi antenna is frayed and torn. This antenna (a small plate) is usually located under the top cover of the laptop (behind the screen). Here’s roughly what the Wi-Fi antenna in a laptop looks like:

Without an antenna, the laptop (and any device) will see Wi-Fi networks only in the vicinity of the router. This is understandable, since the antenna is essentially disabled.

I see three ways to solve your problem:

You need to disassemble the laptop, find the other end of the cable that goes to the Wi-Fi antenna and sing them.
Buy and install a new Wi-Fi antenna in the laptop. Accordingly, the laptop itself also needs to be disassembled.
Disable the built-in Wi-Fi module in the settings, buy some compact USB Wi-Fi adapter and connect to the Internet with it.

Instructions that you may find useful:

wi-fi adapter for laptop. How to replace the built-in Wi-Fi module?

After connecting the cable from the Wi-Fi module and the antenna, or replacing the antenna, the laptop will catch Wi-Fi as before. Not just near the router itself.