MMcCraryNJ
New Around Here
Hey all,
New member here, currently running into some WiFi issues in my home. I need some advice as to whether or not this is a hardware-is-failing issue, a too-many-clients-for-my-old-router issue, or a software configuration issue.
To start, I have a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 that I purchased in December of 2013. It is on the latest firmware available according to the web interface, V1.0.9.88_10.2.88. This is paired to Comcast Gigabit service, which provides 985/52 as measured when directly connected via LAN cable to an Arris SB8200, which I own. On wired LAN, I have a PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and an Apple TV 4K. Currently one open LAN port which I plan on using for an unmanaged gigabit switch so I can connect both my MacBook Pro and an unboxed Phillips Hue hub.
I start running into issues when one of two situations occur: when the number of wireless connections exceeds a certain number, around 10 or 11 clients of mixed 2.4/5.0 connections, or when 2 or more clients start utilizing a not-insignificant amount of bandwidth (an iPhone starts updating apps in the background, a smart speaker receives a command to play a track, etc). When these issues occur, bandwidth to all devices stops, and clients may become temporarily disconnected. Sometimes, the router will reset itself, other times I manually unplug/replug it. Resets do not always occur though, as sometimes, once the offending client quits trying to commit the offense, the network will return to a working state.
One sure-fire event that will always drop my connections and interrupt streaming is when a wireless client (such as an iPhone) leaves the network, such as when a family member leaves the house. I'm assuming that when this happens, the router is overpowering itself attempting to "hold on" to that connection as it gets further and further away. Another way to trigger the issue is to have a smart speaker (I have three Apple HomePods around the house) interact with the network in some way (stream a song, request the news or a podcast, or query an internet search), while a Smart TV is wirelessly streaming YouTube TV.
What makes me think that this may be a sign the router is failing or faulty in some way is that when this occurs, I start to hear what sounds like capacitor noise coming from the router. It "screeches" and "scratches" about. I will also say that this router has always had a little bit of internal noise about it, even if wired clients are downloading a file or otherwise utilizing bandwidth. However, when the trigger event happens and the network starts stalling out, it becomes louder and more pronounced.
My general configuration with the firmware is as follows: Separate SSIDs for 2.4/5.0 bands (Smart Connect feature turned off), QoS turned on and managed manually by MAC addresses (gaming consoles, streaming devices, and certain computers and phones given highest priority, while things like the printer, Wemo plug, etc are given lowest, and other devices falling into Normal and High as applicable), WMM turned on for both bands, 1500 MTU, IPv4 and IPv6 enabled, UPnP enabled. All advanced settings are left defaulted.
I would consider myself not very well-versed in diagnosing network issues or choosing the best settings for my situation, so I'm looking for some advice here. Is there anything I can do to make my current router work better for my situation? Or am I just trying to connect too many clients at once for my router to handle? Or, does it sound like there's a potential hardware issue indicating that I should go grab another more recent router?
Any and all help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
New member here, currently running into some WiFi issues in my home. I need some advice as to whether or not this is a hardware-is-failing issue, a too-many-clients-for-my-old-router issue, or a software configuration issue.
To start, I have a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 that I purchased in December of 2013. It is on the latest firmware available according to the web interface, V1.0.9.88_10.2.88. This is paired to Comcast Gigabit service, which provides 985/52 as measured when directly connected via LAN cable to an Arris SB8200, which I own. On wired LAN, I have a PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and an Apple TV 4K. Currently one open LAN port which I plan on using for an unmanaged gigabit switch so I can connect both my MacBook Pro and an unboxed Phillips Hue hub.
I start running into issues when one of two situations occur: when the number of wireless connections exceeds a certain number, around 10 or 11 clients of mixed 2.4/5.0 connections, or when 2 or more clients start utilizing a not-insignificant amount of bandwidth (an iPhone starts updating apps in the background, a smart speaker receives a command to play a track, etc). When these issues occur, bandwidth to all devices stops, and clients may become temporarily disconnected. Sometimes, the router will reset itself, other times I manually unplug/replug it. Resets do not always occur though, as sometimes, once the offending client quits trying to commit the offense, the network will return to a working state.
One sure-fire event that will always drop my connections and interrupt streaming is when a wireless client (such as an iPhone) leaves the network, such as when a family member leaves the house. I'm assuming that when this happens, the router is overpowering itself attempting to "hold on" to that connection as it gets further and further away. Another way to trigger the issue is to have a smart speaker (I have three Apple HomePods around the house) interact with the network in some way (stream a song, request the news or a podcast, or query an internet search), while a Smart TV is wirelessly streaming YouTube TV.
What makes me think that this may be a sign the router is failing or faulty in some way is that when this occurs, I start to hear what sounds like capacitor noise coming from the router. It "screeches" and "scratches" about. I will also say that this router has always had a little bit of internal noise about it, even if wired clients are downloading a file or otherwise utilizing bandwidth. However, when the trigger event happens and the network starts stalling out, it becomes louder and more pronounced.
My general configuration with the firmware is as follows: Separate SSIDs for 2.4/5.0 bands (Smart Connect feature turned off), QoS turned on and managed manually by MAC addresses (gaming consoles, streaming devices, and certain computers and phones given highest priority, while things like the printer, Wemo plug, etc are given lowest, and other devices falling into Normal and High as applicable), WMM turned on for both bands, 1500 MTU, IPv4 and IPv6 enabled, UPnP enabled. All advanced settings are left defaulted.
I would consider myself not very well-versed in diagnosing network issues or choosing the best settings for my situation, so I'm looking for some advice here. Is there anything I can do to make my current router work better for my situation? Or am I just trying to connect too many clients at once for my router to handle? Or, does it sound like there's a potential hardware issue indicating that I should go grab another more recent router?
Any and all help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
