How to check your laptop's Wi-Fi specifications: from model to maximum speed

The internet speed on a laptop depends not only on the provider's tariff or router, but also on built-in Wi-Fi moduleOld adapters can cut speeds to 150 Mbps even when connected to a gigabit router, while modern ones Intel AX210 or Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 support up to 2400 Mbps and work in the range 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E). But how do you know which module your device has? And most importantly, which parameters are truly essential for a stable connection?

In this article we will analyze 5 reliable ways Checking Wi-Fi adapter performance: from standard Windows tools to disassembling a laptop. You'll learn how to determine chip model, supported standards (802.11ac/ax), maximum speed, frequency ranges and even number of antennas (MIMO)And at the end - a comparative table of popular modules from Intel, Broadcom And Qualcommto assess whether your adapter is slowing down modern networks.

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi module performance may be limited by drivers or BIOS settings. For example, some laptops Lenovo artificially block support 160 MHz in the range 5 GHz, even if the hardware allows it. Check the manufacturer's official specifications for up-to-date information.

Method 1: Via Windows Device Manager

The fastest method is to use the built-in tools of the operating system. It is suitable for Windows 10/11 and does not require installation of additional software. However, here you will only see basic information: model name and driver version.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Click Win + X and select "device Manager».
• 🔍 Expand the "Network adapters».
• 📋 Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or Network Adapter (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
• 🔎 Double-click on it and go to the "Additionally" - there may be parameters like Wireless Mode (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax mode) or Band (frequency ranges).

⚠️ Attention: The Device Manager often displays simplified name module (for example, "Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A"instead of a full model QCA6174A). Other methods will be required for accurate identification.

Adapter model name|Driver version (Driver tab)|Options on the Advanced tab (Wireless Mode, Band)|5 GHz band compatibility (if 802.11a/n/ac/ax is available)-->

2. Method: via command line (CMD)

The command line allows you to get detailed information about the network adapter, including hardware ID (needed to search for drivers) and supported operating modesThis method works on all versions of Windows and does not require administrator rights.

Perform in order:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Enter the command:

   netsh wlan show drivers

   Look for the lines:

   • Name — adapter model.
   • Radio type — supported ranges (802.11n = 2.4 GHz, 802.11ac/ax = 5/6 GHz).
   • Supported types - standards (for example, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac).

wmic nic where "NetEnabled='true'" get name, adaptertype, deviceid

💡 Example of transcript: If the command output contains 802.11ax, does your adapter support Wi-Fi 6 (maximum speed up to 2400 Mbps). Absence 802.11ac means that the module only works in the range 2.4 GHz and will not exceed 300–450 Mbit/s.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities

Specialized programs show full specifications Wi-Fi module, including maximum speed, number of MIMO streams and even chip temperatureLet's look at the top 3 utilities:

• 🔧 HWiNFO (free):
  • Shows the exact chip model (For example, Intel AX210NGW instead of a generalized one Intel Wi-Fi 6).
  • Displays supported frequencies And channel width (20/40/80/160 MHz).
  • Download: official website.
• 📡 WiFi Info View (from NirSoft):
  • Outputs current connection speed And the maximum possible for your adapter.
  • Shows PHY Type (For example, 802.11ax = Wi-Fi 6).
• 🛠️ AIDA64 (paid, but with a trial period):
  • Gives full specification, including the number of antennas and supported modulations (up to 1024-QAM).
  • Shows chip manufacturer (For example, Broadcom BCM4352).

📌 Critical information: In utilities like AIDA64 pay attention to the parameter Max Link SpeedIf it is below 867 Mbps, your adapter does not support it. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and is limited by the standard 802.11n (maximum 450 Mbps).

HWiNFO|AIDA64|CPU-Z|Speccy|Other|I don't use-->

4. Method: physical inspection of the module

If software methods do not produce results (for example, the drivers do not recognize the adapter), the solution remains disassemble a laptop and look at the markings on the module itself. This is relevant for older devices or laptops with white-label adapters (no brand).

How to find a Wi-Fi module:

• 🔧 Disconnect the laptop from the power supply and remove the battery (if it is removable).
• 🔨 Remove the bottom cover (usually held in place by Phillips-head screws).
• 📡 Look for a small board with two antenna wires (black and white/gray) and a connector M.2 2230 or M.2 1216.
• 🏷️ The module will have a sticker with the model (for example, BCM943602BAED or Intel 8265NGW).

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops (eg. Apple MacBook or Dell XPS) The Wi-Fi module can be soldered to the motherboardIn this case, a physical examination is useless – use software methods.

5. Method: via Linux (terminal)

If you use Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, etc.), the Wi-Fi module's specifications can be found through the terminal. This method gives the most accurate data, including supported frequencies and power saving modes.

Run the commands:

1. Find out the name of the network interface:

   iwconfig

   Look for the line with wlan0, wlp3s0 or similar.

2. Get detailed information:

   iw list | grep -A 15 "Wiphy"

   Please note the blocks:

   • Supported interface modes — operating modes (for example, station, AP).
   • Band 1/2 — supported ranges (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz).
   • HT/VHT/HE capabilities - support Wi-Fi 4/5/6.

lspci -v | grep -A 10 Network

lsusb

💡 Example output: If in the block Band 2 there is a line VHT160, does your adapter support channel width 160 MHz in the range 5 GHz — this allows you to achieve speeds of up to 1733 Mbps (subject to router compatibility).

How to decipher Wi-Fi module specifications?

Knowing the adapter model, you can find it full specifications on the manufacturer's website. But what exactly is important to the user? Let's look at the key parameters:

• 📶 Wi-Fi standard:
  • 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) - up to 450 Mbps, only 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (depending on the model).
  • 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) - up to 1733 Mbps, only 5 GHz.
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) - up to 2400 Mbps, support 2.4/5 GHz.
  • 802.11ax 6E — up to 2400 Mbps + range 6 GHz.
• 🔄 Number of streams (MIMO):
  • 1×1 — 1 antenna (max. 433 Mbps for Wi-Fi 5).
  • 2×2 — 2 antennas (max. 867 Mbps for Wi-Fi 5).
  • 3×3 or 4×4 - for high-performance adapters (e.g. Killer AX1650).
• 📊 Channel width:
  • 20 MHz — max 72 Mbps (Wi-Fi 4).
  • 40 MHz — max 150 Mbps (Wi-Fi 4) or 400 Mbps (Wi-Fi 5).
  • 80 MHz — max 867 Mbps (Wi-Fi 5).
  • 160 MHz — max 1733 Mbps (Wi-Fi 5/6).

⚠️ Attention: Even if your adapter supports 160 MHz, router and regulatory restrictions (for example, in Russia the range 5.925–6.425 GHz (Disabled for Wi-Fi 6E) may reduce actual speed. Check your router settings!

Comparison of popular Wi-Fi modules for laptops

The table below shows the specifications of the most common adapters. If your model isn't listed, find its specifications on the manufacturer's websites:

• Intel
• Qualcomm
• Broadcom

🔍 Advice: If your adapter is older than 2018 (eg. Intel 7265 or Broadcom BCM43142), it most likely does not support Wi-Fi 5/6In this case, for speeds above 300 Mbps you will need module replacement to modern (for example, Intel AX210).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi modules

iwlist wlan0 frequency