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Forum Discussion
240MHz Bandwidth
Came across under the web guie advanced wireless setting for "advance wireless settings (MLO Backhaul)"
What are the benefits to enable 240MHz bandwidth mode?
Is it safe to have this option enabled for faster Internet speeds?
So far the orbi 970 is working flawless.
9 Replies
It would not surprise me if there might be a disconnect between the folks who write User Manuals and the software engineers who create the actual firmware.
Have wondered (idle curiosity) if there is reason Netgear (and other WiFi vendors) do not include the WiFi Alliance tags in their marketing literature and web sites:
It might be (a) because the products do not actually meet the requirements to be certified, such as supporting 2.4G, or (b) because certification has a cost and they see no reason to pay it, or (c)......?
TP-Link, for example, displays the "certified" logo on some WiFi7 routers, but not others.
(b) because certification has a cost and they see no reason to pay it,
On the point! There is no added value pushing all devices through a validation process. The time is running much faster with all the tech coming onto the market...
Though maybe in user manual the over all MLO uses all 3 frequencies for MLO, actual use in NG Orbi systems is ONLY 5 and 6Ghz to be specific. 2.4Ghz is NOT used for MLO in Orbi BE systems. Ohter Mfrs may or may not follow what NG is implementing nor follow what specs for MLO support.
There are known issues with MLO at the chipset and wifi, and Mfr level, both router and Apple and Android level. So until they can get it all figured out, we'll have to deal with the issues at hand and use donawalt s work around that may help some with newer generation wifi devices, ie Apple or Android.
It's recommended to leave the 240Mhz check box uncheck and disabled so the system will auto adjust the BH and should use 6Ghz at 320Mhz if the conditions are good for this connection rate.
CrimpOn that's odd, the WiFi 7 Orbis do not use 2.4 GHz in their MLO from what I have seen - I have an iPhone 16 Pro which will report using 5GHz+6GHz on the router and in device list page. Apple device sat least have no way to turn off MLO permanently; while there is a "WiFi 6E" setting that can be set to Automatic or Off, even if it's off MLO is preferred by the vice so it will turn it back on! I wish it could be disabled on the router - it has issues right now in the Orbi world, at least on the 970s (disconnects/flips to cellular when there is a strong WiFi signal nearby).
Confusion is appropriate.
While the OP referenced finding an option in the web interface: "advance wireless settings (MLO Backhaul)", The 970 User Manual describes MLO in more general terms:
In this sense, a WiFi device can take advantage of MLO only if it is a WiFi7 device capable of MLO. Not having a 970, I have no idea whether there are separate settings to enable MLO (a) for user devices, and (b) for the Backhaul link.
There have been posts on the Forum remarking that MLO does not appear to function on some of the Netgear WiFi7 routers and asking when it will be released.
That’s a good question! Enabling 240 MHz bandwidth can, in theory, allow for higher data throughput since it combines more spectrum for faster speeds. However, the trade-off is that it may be more prone to interference and reduced range, depending on your environment and nearby WiFi networks.
If your Orbi 970 is already performing flawlessly, you might not notice a big improvement unless you have devices that specifically support and can take advantage of 240 MHz. It’s generally safe to test it, but keep an eye out for any stability or connectivity issues. If things get less stable, you can always switch back.
ayla74108 I am confused - the OP was discussing 240 MHz backhaul, you say that devices have to specifically support it.That's not relevant in this case, discussing backhaul banding and speeds, is it? I thought the 240MHz (MLO) backhaul capability was for reducing lag between Orbis, and indirect ocntributor to end-dev ice speed.
Thank you for this information. Will give it a try and see how things go.
Orbi 970 uses MLO to create a dedicated backhaul connection that utilizes both 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands simultaneously, maximizing speed and reliability, effectively combining the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands for a faster and more robust wireless connection between the router and satellites. This "Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul" allows for high speeds and broad coverage throughout the home, leveraging both the range of 5 GHz and the speed of 6 GHz.
Enabling 240MHz bandwidth on the 5GHz and 6GHz bands can provide even faster speeds, but may be susceptible to DFS radar events, potentially causing bandwidth adjustments or channel changes.
