Apple MacBook Pro 2011: Super Slow WiFi Issues Under High Sierra

Are you experiencing slow WiFi speeds on your Apple MacBook Pro 2011 running High Sierra? You're not alone. Many users have reported similar issues, with WiFi speeds ranging from a sluggish 1Mbps to a still-sluggish 15Mbps. In this article, we'll explore the causes of these slow speeds and potential solutions to get your WiFi back up to speed.

First off, it's important to note that High Sierra did install an EFI update on my machine, which might have added APFS booting capability. However, I haven't tested booting into Sierra to see if it still functions properly. Some users believe that this firmware issue is the root cause of the slow WiFi speeds.

In my case, I've tried booting into Safe Boot and Recovery mode, and even removed all AMD graphics kexts, but the dedicated card continues to be used in these modes. The system doesn't seem to fall back to the integrated card unless no other apps are running. This behavior is different from what happens on other devices, where WiFi speeds are consistently above 80Mbps.

One peculiar observation I made was that my phone's connection seems to trigger slow WiFi speeds occasionally, with spikes of around 50Mbps for a couple of minutes. However, this doesn't happen when no apps are running or when connected to other devices like an iPad, iPhone, or iMac.

The issue is similar to one faced in earlier Sierra betas, where certain apps would cause the dedicated card to kick in when they shouldn't have (false dependencies). In my case, I've noticed that the dedicated graphics card is constantly being used, even when no demanding applications are running.

So what can you do to resolve these slow WiFi speeds on your Apple MacBook Pro 2011 under High Sierra? First, try restarting your router and modem, as this often resolves connectivity issues. If that doesn't work, you may want to consider resetting your System Management Controller (SMC) or Network Interface Controller (NIC).

For those who are experiencing false dependencies causing the dedicated card to kick in, you can try deleting the problematic kexts or updating your graphics drivers.

If none of these solutions work for you, it may be worth considering upgrading your MacBook Pro's hardware or seeking professional help from an Apple support specialist. Remember that WiFi speeds can vary depending on a number of factors, including distance from the router, physical obstructions, and interference from other devices.

By following these troubleshooting steps and potential solutions, you should be able to get your Apple MacBook Pro 2011's WiFi speeds back up to par under High Sierra.

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