XT9 - how to switch off the 5-1 GHz?

[2301]

For some time, I have noticed that all my devices connect to the mesh system (Ethernet backhaul) in the 5–2 GHz band (usually on channel 100, but sometimes on channel 108 when the router changes channels). I have 5 GHz Smart Connect turned on.
As the 5–1 GHz band in my area is flooded with over 40 Wi-Fi networks, and none of my devices connect to the lower band, how can I turn off the 5–1 GHz band?

 

[Crimliar]

How safe? Well you can try it and see, as you can easily switch back! You might be better off though if you were to manually set it to a channel (and use a thinner channel width) in the lower band that no one else appears to be using.
Give it go and maybe post back with the router model, and some anonymized graphs showing local Wi-Fi use!

 

[2301]

"...in the lower band that no one else appears to be using"
There are almost 50 always active WiFi streams. Dont understand "post back with the router model" Its XT9 as stated in posting title.
I dont want to polute the band with unnecessary stream.

 

[Tech9]

I have noticed that all my devices connect to the mesh system (Ethernet backhaul) in the 5–2 GHz band

Your devices connect to 5GHz-2 radio because in your region it allows higher power and the client devices see it further away or with stronger signal. This doesn't automatically mean 5GHz-2 is the better radio since range is limited by the clients (most have up to -14dBm radios) and this radio works entirely in non-guaranteed DFS range. On RADAR detection event it will cut off completely with up to 10min Channel Availability Check (CAC) time.

As the 5–1 GHz band in my area is flooded with over 40 Wi-Fi networks

This can't be true because: 1) 5GHz band is short range and anything weaker than -85dBm is basically environment noise level; 2) WiFi Analyzer type apps show only the number of APs around but not channel available bandwidth (also called channel utilization). Without this data you can't really tell if the environment is "flooded" or not. Most likely it isn't. Since most home routers run on Auto - there is a chance the channel with the most APs is the best one.

 

[2301]

"This can't be true"..... what an outrageous statement.
Are you telling the community that I'm lying?!

 

[Tech9]

Are you telling the community that I'm lying?!

No, your conclusions are wrong. Result of not good understanding how Wi-Fi works (including region specifics) and using wrong tools.

 

[2301]

Listen, you arrogant guy!
I can see a total of 82 Wi-Fi BSSID's in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. I can't see anything in the GHz band yet because my Mac doesn't support it.
I'm ending this so-called 'scientific' debate of yours.

 

[Tech9]

We have discussed multiple times here on SNB Forums what "I can see" actually means and common network planning mistakes. This includes WiFi Analizer type apps, Auto channel, DFS channel, etc. In your region lower 5GHz band is most likely limited to 23dBm power and actually relevant to you networks around are just a few. With so many networks visible the place is perhaps multi-dwelling building and what affects your Wi-Fi is your neighbours 1-2 units around. I own a condominium apartment with 40+ networks visible and use Ch.36 at 80MHz wide with ~70% available bandwidth most of the time. So if you get angry on practical advice - feel free to find a solution to your problem yourself. I'm not good at sugarcoating, sorry. Good luck!

To disable 5GHz-1/2 radio on your XT9 you may have to disable Smart Connect first, then in Wireless Professional, Enable Radio yes/no.