Better signal strength with 5GHz?

[Pure2sin]

I just recieved my RT-N66U from Amazon today. I have it all hooked up but am noticing that the 5Ghz band seems to be stronger than the 2.4GHz band? I tested this through WIFI stumbler and on my Iphone using a Cydia app?

Could there be something wrong with the router itself?

 

[Awarbrick89]

Firstly, Id go into the router config, check under the Wireless Settings > Professional tab and check to see that both 2.4 and 5 ghz radio TX Power adjustment is the same and adjust accordingly.

As a reference, I have my router in a concrete basement of a 1400sq foot 2 floor home (including bsmt), and 115mW is perfect

Any higher and nearby devices in my house start experiencing a performance drop from all the noise induced by being too close to a powerful transmitter.

Once I cranked it to the max and was able to get a detectable (although unusable) signal almost a kilometer away
(no the router wasn't inside my house i put it on the porch)

 

[Pure2sin]

Firstly, Id go into the router config, check under the Wireless Settings > Professional tab and check to see that both 2.4 and 5 ghz radio TX Power adjustment is the same and adjust accordingly.

As a reference, I have my router in a concrete basement of a 1400sq foot 2 floor home (including bsmt), and 115mW is perfect

Any higher and nearby devices in my house start experiencing a performance drop from all the noise induced by being too close to a powerful transmitter.

Once I cranked it to the max and was able to get a detectable (although unusable) signal almost a kilometer away
(no the router wasn't inside my house i put it on the porch)

I did this but still I would think if the mW is the same lets say both at at 100mW then the 2.4GHz should still penetrate farther than the 5GHz.

In my case is seems like they are about the same if not the 5GHz being a little better?

I am coming from a WNDR3700 v1 and thought I would see some noticeable improvement in the 2.4GHz range?

 

[RogerSC]

Might I ask which firmware version are you using? You can see the version string at the top of the admin web GUI.

Thanks.

 

[Pure2sin]

Might I ask which firmware version are you using? You can see the version string at the top of the admin web GUI.

Thanks.

I am using 3.0.0.4.354 beta

Should I switch down to the .270?

 

[RMerlin]

I am using 3.0.0.4.354 beta

Should I switch down to the .270?

There are some known issues with build 354, especially with its 5 GHz band and Intel network cards. If you have any wifi-related issue, I recommend downgrading to build 270 and see if it helps.

 

[Pure2sin]

There are some known issues with build 354, especially with its 5 GHz band and Intel network cards. If you have any wifi-related issue, I recommend downgrading to build 270 and see if it helps.

Ok I downgraded to 270 but the issue persists.

I will paint the picture a little better. I had to put the Comcast modem in my basement due to line issues. The router is connected to that. My office is two bedrooms over from where the router is.

Right now I am getting a better signal about -47dBm on the 5GHz band.

On the 2.4GHz band I am seeing about -57dBm.

I have tried many different channels and combinations of settings and never can get the 2.4GHz band to be any better but only about the same as the 5GHz band?

**Edit** I am having Amazon send me a replacement router just to check to see if there is a hardware issue. Otherwise I will assume that I have some 2.4GHz interference issues that need to be addressed.

 

[RMerlin]

I recommend using a tool such as InSSIDer to at least have a clear view of the local interference coming from your neighbours.

Also keep in mind the other potential sources, such as Bluetooth, cordless phones using the 2.4 GHz band, etc...

 

[DrTeeth]

Any higher and nearby devices in my house start experiencing a performance drop from all the noise induced by being too close to a powerful transmitter.

This effect is not due to 'noise'. It is down to poor selectivity and poor resistance to break-in of the devices affected.

DrT

 

[thiggins]

This effect is not due to 'noise'. It is down to poor selectivity and poor resistance to break-in of the devices affected.

I have never heard of "break in" for WiFi devices. Could you explain?

 

[DrTeeth]

It can affect any receiver. It just describes how the undesired signal can get into the receiver bypassing tuned circuits; often, but not always, due to lack of shielding.

DrT

 

[Pure2sin]

Well I got the second Rt-N66u and it seems to be better. I am now getting about -46dBm on the 2.4.

Couple of questions though:

1. I have read that Asus doesn't recommend going above 120mw. Is setting it at 120mw going to decrease the life of the router?

2. What firmware would be the best for performance and range? I know its kind of subjective but I am open to suggestions.

 

[RMerlin]

Well I got the second Rt-N66u and it seems to be better. I am now getting about -46dBm on the 2.4.

Couple of questions though:

1. I have read that Asus doesn't recommend going above 120mw. Is setting it at 120mw going to decrease the life of the router?

2. What firmware would be the best for performance and range? I know its kind of subjective but I am open to suggestions.

1) THe reason is merely that above 120 you run the risk of increased noise, which might have a negative effect on performance. Give it a try tho, it's perfectly safe to go up to 200.

2) That depends on your specific environment. Avoid the current beta (4.354) as it has many known wifi issues. In the older builds, some people have better performance from 4.220, others from 4.260, and others from 4.270. Therefore you would have to try it for yourself.

 

[DrTeeth]

1) THe reason is merely that above 120 you run the risk of increased noise, which might have a negative effect on performance

Increased power does not cause increased 'noise'. Where increased power may cause a negative effect is on poorly designed 'front ends' to receivers, of which there are many parameters that can be affected by poor design or cost limiting measures.

DrT

 

[RMerlin]

Increased power does not cause increased 'noise'. Where increased power may cause a negative effect is on poorly designed 'front ends' to receivers, of which there are many parameters that can be affected by poor design or cost limiting measures.

DrT

It does if you are pushing the radio to output at a higher power than it was designed to.

I am quoting Asus on this one, it's not my own conclusion.

 

[DrTeeth]

It does if you are pushing the radio to output at a higher power than it was designed to.

I am quoting Asus on this one, it's not my own conclusion.

That is also not 'noise' . Simply put, it is 'distortion' from overdriving the amplifier (or any of the stages of the transmitter).

I have been a radio ham for over 40 years and I have seen this thing about 'noise' and high power on these forums and it is just plain wrong .

The story is much more complicated and here is a simple version http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distortion. 'Noise', of which there are many types and manifestations is a different kettle of fish all together. No doubt this misconception is due to a poor translation from Japanese to English.

DrT

 

[edimer]

Hallo, I am keen on too.Here is very nice show, what is difference 5GHz :

Here is Signal different: