Asuswrt-Merlin v3006.102.5 channel/bandwidth switching

[BeachGuy]

Upgraded from previous version. Channel bandwidth has been set to 160MHz and Control Channel "auto" (which defaults to 48) for years. Always stayed on 160MHz/48 until latest version. With latest version it will move to channel 100/160MHz and then after a while (I'm assuming dfs kicked) to channel 163/80MHz. This morning System Log: Wireless Log shows the following. Notice channel and channel cleared for radar. Those used to be always the same. Why is channel bandwidth and channels switching so much (at all) with the new version (and to lower frequency) and why doesn't it move back to 160MHz bandwidth (I'd like it to stay there)?

Wireless 5 GHz
Channel: 48/80 Noise: -93 dBm Utilization: 12%
DFS State: Idle Time elapsed: 0h 0m 0s Channel cleared for radar: 100/160

 

[bbunge]

Welcome to the mysterious world of trying to force 160 MHz! The bottom line is, as you have discovered, that you will not succeed. Especially in an area with frequent RADAR emissions.
Your router does know more about WIFI than you do.
The WIFI defaults work best for most applications. For 5 GHz that is 20/40/80/160 MHz.
Don't force 160 MHz. You will experience more 5 GHz shutdowns.
If you are in an area with frequent RADAR emissions avoid using DFS channels. Yes, 80 MHz is great for most and does have more power and range than 160 MHz!
I have noticed that the newer firmwares, Asus and Merlin, are more responsive or sensitive to RADAR emissions as they should be.

 

[BeachGuy]

Welcome to the mysterious world of trying to force 160 MHz! The bottom line is, as you have discovered, that you will not succeed. Especially in an area with frequent RADAR emissions.
Your router does know more about WIFI than you do.
The WIFI defaults work best for most applications. For 5 GHz that is 20/40/80/160 MHz.
Don't force 160 MHz. You will experience more 5 GHz shutdowns.
If you are in an area with frequent RADAR emissions avoid using DFS channels. Yes, 80 MHz is great for most and does have more power and range than 160 MHz!
I have noticed that the newer firmwares, Asus and Merlin, are more responsive or sensitive to RADAR emissions as they should be.

Do you recommend 5 GHz 20/40/80/160 MHz with auto channel, and 2.4 GHz 20/40 MHz with auto channel?

 

[bbunge]

Do you recommend 5 GHz 20/40/80/160 MHz with auto channel, and 2.4 GHz 20/40 MHz with auto channel?

Yes. Those are the defaults.