[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sting808:
Recent lurker and noob poster to forum... I got the prime, now I'm trying to address WiFi. I have a theory on what may be a key factor based on what everyone knows already.

The antenna/case design may be affecting TX signal so data link negotiates to lower speed. The Prime's RX signal can be excellent, but depending on the environment, a link speed may drop to 1-2 or 5mbps in very adverse conditions.

I work with Cisco 1230 and 1240 series APs in a micro-cell design at lowest or 2nd lowest power settings. Autonomously micro-managed in a corporate environment. All APs must be approved by me, so we minimize rogue APs. Tethering is not permitted in the facilities.

I consistently get at least 18mbps negotiated link with a fair signal(-75dB). I use an intranet perfSONAR Network Diagnostic Tool site for our school to test network throughput and have gig & 10g links for our facility to the hosted NDT. Testing results are consistent and reproducible. No other AP signals adversely affecting our wireless system.

In my office, AP RX shows Prime with -75dBm(22 dB s/n) linked at 36mbps.

iPhone 4 with -62dBm(36 dB s/n) linked at 54mbps.

'show dot11 associations all-client' command

At home, I used a E3000 and now (4) E4200 in AP(bridge) mode. Channel spaced using 1,6,11 on 2.4(20 or 40 bandwidth) and similarly spread out at 5GHz for N only. I tested BG and mixed N on 2.4 with similar results. I use my local ISPs hosted OOKLA test site. I may try iPerf running on my gaming PC, but suspect it will be a waste of time.

In my adverse home environment using only a E3000, I need to be next to the AP to consistently link at anything higher than 5mpbs, even with excellent signal strength. I may initially negotiate 54mbps or higher, but as traffic increases under usage, the device re-negotiate link speed down to as low as 1-2 mpbs. If I maintain close proximity to the AP with excellent RX signal, negotiated link doesn't taper off as much.

As an experiement, I bought (1), then (3) more E4200v2 and spaced them out in my 2-story house. Now, I consistently get 18mbps and higher within 3 walls of the nearest E4200 AP. Prior, I drop down to 1-2 or 5mpbs with the E3000 or single E4200 when any distance(1 wall or greater) away from the AP. Consumer based APs are quite limited in diagnostic features so cannot determine AP RX level from device.

My house is surrounded by APs in a planned community so wifi environment is cluttered and quite hostile. I had no problems with my other devices negotiating and maintainng good link speed using 2.4(BG) with my E3000.

They include:

iPhone 3GS, 4, and 4S

iPad 2

Macbook 13"(2006) bootcamp XP Pro(Etherpeek)

Macbook Pro 13 (2010) bootcamp Win 7 Pro

Macbook Pro 15"(2006) bootcamp XP Pro(Omnipeek)

Mac Mini (2010) bootcamp Win 7 Pro

Asus Eee Book 3015PN Win 7 Pro

We'll be migrating from Cisco to Aruba 135s using an M3 controller and A.R.M. and I'll see what happens with this new infrastructure. I mentioned my testing methodology to Asus tier 1 support and they advised me to send in the unit for testing. I bought this for an overseas trip and will need to live with the issues until I return. After I get back, I'll be sending my unit in and hope they modify "something" to improve signal.

Overall, I like the Prime, but we'll see how it holds up in wifi hotspots on my trip. With my (4) APs, I can reliably stream HD to my Prime throughout the house and ouside in the yard with minimal breakup.

Anyone else see similar results to back up this theory?