Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Can I install my own WiFi module?

by Jul 11, 2018 5:43AM PDT

I own an older Samsung Smart tv model # PN51E6500. I'm having internet connectivity issues, I was told I need to replace the Wi-Fi module and would cost me just over $300.00  (Canadian) to replace it. I watched a YouTube video on replacement and it looks fairly simple to do myself. Few questions, where can II buy the part? I've searched but can't find one.  And is it just a matter of unplugging the old module and plugging iin the new one or is there more to it than that? The video made it look simple but the video was not for my specific model. Thanks

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Answer
Yes and no.
by Forum moderator Jul 11, 2018 6:50AM PDT

If you want to DIY repair of course you can. If you can't find the module, then no but why do this at all?

There are far better solutions with external Roku sticks along with those from Amazon that will give you better WiFi range and a smarter TV than what I've seen on Samsungs.

Also, you may be having OTHER THAN A WIFI MODULE issue. Samsungs are notorious for range issues. You must test this at 20 and less feet to the router.

- Collapse -
Roku stick
by Dagren40 Jul 11, 2018 6:04PM PDT

I don't have direct access to the router as I'm only renting but my internet is included. So would a Roku stick work in my case?

- Collapse -
Answer
If you want to upgrade.
by Forum moderator Jul 11, 2018 8:04AM PDT

1. Go get a Roku or Amazon Fire stick. The WiFi is almost always superior to what's in Smart TVs today.
2. If you just need a better WiFi, shop for an WiFi to Ethernet client device. These boxes have WiFi and 1 to 4 Ethernet ports and again work far better than what we see in Smart TVs.

-> My advice is to get the Roku or Amazon Fire. Should be about the price of that WiFi part.

- Collapse -
Roku/Fire stick
by Dagren40 Jul 11, 2018 6:09PM PDT

I don't have direct access to the router as I'm only renting but internet is included. So would Roku or Fire stick work in my case?

- Collapse -
Nodding intensifies.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 11, 2018 6:17PM PDT

This tells me you are over 20 feet from the router and it's now even more likely nothing is wrong with the TV's WiFi but what I wrote about.

The Roku or Fire sticks have much better WiFi so if you have the password to the hotspot, you can use these sticks. Amazon Prime day is soon and the sticks are known to be on blow out pricing (under 30 bucks,.)

Back to Samsung forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info