NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
sffortytwo
Sep 22, 2022Tutor
WAX218 slow 5GHz WiFi speeds
II installed a WAX218 and connected it with a gigabit cable (verified). However, when testing the 5GHz speeds, I'm only getting 20Mbps. My laptop is line-of-sight to the AP, about 4 meters away. I ha...
- Sep 23, 2022
Update: All smart plugs can connect over 2.4GHz (even the most distant ones). Speeds over 5GHz are now consistently and hit speeds of 400Mbps+.
The solution seems to have been dropping the 2.4GHz signal from 'Full' to 'Half'.
plemans
Sep 22, 2022Guru - Experienced User
what have you changed in your 5ghz settings?
Are you using the smart connect?
What have you set your channel width at?
Have you changed 5ghz channels?
Have you checked your throughput settings that you have setup for each ssid?
My WAX218 has no problem hitting 400mbps over an AX connection.
- sffortytwoSep 23, 2022Tutor
Hi plemans,
Thank you for the quick reply!
I updated the firmware now to the latest and factory reset the AP. With only 5GHz enabled, I get around 200-350Mbps, but as soon as I enable 2.4GHz, the 5GHz drops to 20-100Mbps. I need 2.4GHz for my smart home plugs.
All settings are now factory default.
I checked the manual, but I don't see anything about 'smart connect' or setting channel widths.
Update: I changed the 2.4GHz Transmit Power from Full to Half and now 5GHz is running at 400Mbps. I just need to check if all my smart plugs can still connect though.
- sffortytwoSep 23, 2022Tutor
Update: All smart plugs can connect over 2.4GHz (even the most distant ones). Speeds over 5GHz are now consistently and hit speeds of 400Mbps+.
The solution seems to have been dropping the 2.4GHz signal from 'Full' to 'Half'.
- schumakuSep 25, 2022Guru - Experienced User
sffortytwo wrote:
Update: All smart plugs can connect over 2.4GHz (even the most distant ones). Speeds over 5GHz are now consistently and hit speeds of 400Mbps+.
The solution seems to have been dropping the 2.4GHz signal from 'Full' to 'Half'.
What is the point of lowering the 2.4 GHz signal power, intended and required to reach lots of comparable basic or weak IoT installed at the farest edge oft the house? None of this does impact or magically enhance the possible 5 GHz link rates.
Related Content
NETGEAR Academy

Boost your skills with the Netgear Academy - Get trained, certified and stay ahead with the latest Netgear technology!
Join Us!