Problems with setup

[kalhua]

I have recently updated my wireless network equipment to a combination of a RT-AC66U & EA-N66. I was trying to achieve getting a good usable signal strength throughout my house. I have mostly "N" devices but do have 1 or 2 that are "G". This setup has improved my overall coverage but I can't seem to find a setting that yields a constant stable signal strength. I have read through the forums and even spoke to ASUS regarding this and haven't found a solution. I am certainly not an expert on this subject so I figured I would reach out on this forum to see if anyone may have a suggestion that could help me out. I have done several troubleshooting steps to try to improve the situation and have listed them below.

1. Updated to latest Merlin firmware
2. Reset router
3. Moved router
4. Adjusted power setting
5. Changed channel radios are broadcasting on

I currently have the same SSID for all devices. I don't understand the settings well enough to "tweak" this unit for overall best performance and would welcome suggestions. The equipment was recently purchased so I have the option of returning it. I am second guessing my decision to by the Asus brand in particularly the EA-N66, if anyone has a suggestion regarding whether a better option is available foe either one please let me know.

Thanks

 

[RMerlin]

Post your actual settings so they can be reviewed.

 

[kalhua]

Current Settings

I have tried various settings but here are the current ones I am using on the router. The only other adjustment that I recall making was the transmit power, I adjusted it between 80 and 120

Frequency 2.4
SSID: 123456
Hide SSID No
Wireless Mode - Auto Optimized for Xbox b/g Protection (no checks)
Channel bandwidth - 40
Control Channel - Auto
Authentication Method - WPA2 - Personal
WPA Encryption - AES
WPA Pre-Shared Key - xxxxxxxxxx
Network Key Rotation Interval - 3600

Frequency 5
SSID: 123456
Hide SSID No
Wireless Mode -N + AC Optimized for Xbox (no checks)
Channel bandwidth - 20/40/80
Control Channel - 165
Authentication Method - WPA2 - Personal
WPA Encryption - AES
WPA Pre-Shared Key - xxxxxxxxxx
Network Key Rotation Interval - 3600

Thanks

 

[RMerlin]

Reduce channel width on the 2.4 GHz band to 20 MHz. 40 MHz is almost impossible to use in a stable manner unless you are in an environment with no other source of interference. 5 GHz is fine as there is almost no interference on that band.

It's also usually best to manually set a channel rather than leave it on auto. Download a tool like InSSIDer to check which channel is the least crowded in your area.

 

[kalhua]

MAX Rate

I adjusted what you suggested. Unfortunately I cant get favorable results out of this thing. I turned my old router back on (Netgear 3700v1) and the signal seems a little more stable compared to the Asus. I also noticed that when using inSSIDer the Netgears MAX rate is listed at 300 and the ac66u at 216. The extender was actually listed at 450. I have now unplugged everything except the ac66u and it still list max as 216. I am thinking of just taking it back and sticking with my old router. I have spent a week messing with this thing and it doesn't seem to be stable. Do you think the N66u would be a better option?

Thanks,

Keith

 

[jlake]

Since you set the 2.4 Ghz to 40 Mhz, I assume you're new to wireless routers.

Try giving the 2.4G and 5G bands unique SSIDs. Then use the 5 Ghz if you have 2.4 Ghz interference.

Use channel 153 instead of 165.

Are you using an AC adapter? If not, you don't really need 80 mhz, do you?

Can you post a screenshot of inssider?

When you say the netgear is a little better, I assume you have some pretty serious interference.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365