AC66U Optimization, slight range issue.

[thebluecoat]

Hello All!

First post here, wonderful community that lead to my new networking gear purchase! Thank you all for your incredible insight!

Here's my issue:

Originally bought the N66u(N66r @ bestbuy), noticed the difference for wireless AC was $50 bucks so MEH! why not!. So I've got the AC66R (retail @ bestbuy).

Got home, set it up and fired up InSSider which everyone here talks about to get a handle on what's around you. Now, I live in the college ghetto and there are quite a few AP's around me in the 2.4Ghz range (at least what my desktop can see).

Here is a screenshot of what I see in InSSider. Both Asus + Asus_5GHz are my access points and where they sit on both 2.4/5Ghz.

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Here is my network information:
Cable Modem: Ubee DDW3611 (bridge mode, wifi disabled + antennas unscrewed)
WiFi Router: ASUS AC-66U (3.0.0.4.372_1300 FIRMWARE)
Desktop PCIe Wireless Card: TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 Dual Band Wireless N900 2.4GHz 450Mbps/5Ghz 450Mbps.

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These are my questions:
Why is my link score so low on 2.4Ghz? 47-60 (usually starts @ 60 and lowers).

What channel, based on the picture would be best? 11 SEEMS to be superior, but changing to that channels doesn't really have any impact that I can see on signal levels (would it not, but have an impact on throughput though?)

My 5Ghz network defaulted into the lower channels and as you can see the 5Ghz band around my neighborhood is almost empty, should I consider keeping any client on 5Ghz to expect best speeds? i.e (cellphones, laptops)

Lastly, I DO own an xbox360 which I do use for HBOGo / Media Center streaming that I would like to use wireless the system is only 8 feet or so from my wifi router. I notice there is a new "Optimized for XBOX" setting, should I be checking that box? It is unchecked now.

In 2.4Ghz settings , my settings are as follows:

Wireless Mode: Auto
Channel Bandwidth: 20/40Mhz
Control Channel: Auto
WPA2-Personal w / AES

In 5Ghz settings:

Wireless Mode: Auto
Channel Bandwidth: 20/40/80Mhz
Control Channel: Auto
WPA2-Personal w / AES

Any information you guys can hook me up with, I'd appreciate it!
I feel like the 2.4Ghz network is RUINED because these AP's are being aHOLES. belkin.f74 channels 9+5 , so it's spread along channels 3-11. Some other dude is randomly using channel three messing it all up, theres no channel I can go to and not have what inssider calls "overlapping network" which is at most 1.

 

[Pierino]

Channel 11 looks to have 1 less user on it.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Number users isn't everything.

Channel 11 looks to have 1 less user on it.

The number of users isn't always as important has the amount of traffic on any channel. Seven people checking their e-mail on a channel won't have much of an impact, but a couple of people streaming video in HD will definitely slow you connection down. Unfortunately inSSIDer won't give you this information so you will probably have to rely on trial and error.

 

[Pierino]

Really? I didn't realize that it mattered what other people were doing on their router. I thought it only mattered that they were using the same channel as you. I mean that channel is being broadcast on it and interfering regardless of what is being broadcast isn't it?

 

[CaptainSTX]

My understanding is that WiFi is like any other radio in that only one device can be transmitting on on specific frequency at anytime. The radios, both in the router and the device listen to be sure a channel is clear before transmitting. If the channel is busy then there is a brief pause while the radio waits for a break. These pause result in a slowdown in WiFi speed.

There probably is some signal threshold which permits your radio to transmit if the other signals are below a certain level.

 

[thebluecoat]

I know people are busy but I'm still hanging I'm the air about what
To do given the scenario in the screenshot. So, thus far, channel 11 seems to be the best bet you're all saying?

One of them called Albany Free net and also Wink Internet, have am omnidirectional antenna that provides free city wifi that's literally 25 feet outside my third floor Window, and it's mounted to a power line with a thick steel box, I imagine selecting the same channel as that would result in poor wifi performance because it has significant radio power?

 

[TonyH]

Hi,
Can you relocate your router for better spot? If not, few things to consider. I never set anything auto, more hassle than not. Also antenna is only tuned on one frequency, finding that channel is good idea. In my case it is ch.9 and 149. If I use other channels I can see signal level dropping.

My house is ~3000 sq. ft 2 story with client devices from basement to upstairs. My router's sweet spot is in the open loft upstairs. Most important thing is home theater on the main floor family room where my wife streams video real time to watch today's soap opera. Here 2.4GHz sig. level is 40db, 5GHz sig. is ~50db both very steady. But if I move router few feet any direction from where it is sig. level
drops.

All in all one router covers whole house without any problem. It was always like that. I never used AP or bridge, things like that for whole house coverage. If not
kids will holler, wife will get upset..., LOL.