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Forum Discussion
Slow 2.4 GHz wifi on RAX120v1
I am wondering if any one else is experiencing very slow internet download speeds on their RAX120v1 router on 2.4 GHz wifi network.
Current firmware version = 1.2.8.40
Smart Connect = Off
Same SSID/Password for 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks
When connected to 5GHz network, internet works fine, but when device switches to 2.4 GHz, intermittent slow internet. Worse when manual 2.4 GHz channel configured, but better when channel setting left on "auto" setting.
Any tips would be great appreciated.
I have already done the usual restart/factory reset of the router, modem, etc. No change.
Thanks.
11 Replies
BigshotMD wrote:
When connected to 5GHz network, internet works fine, but when device switches to 2.4 GHz, intermittent slow internet. Worse when manual 2.4 GHz channel configured, but better when channel setting left on "auto" setting.
Which manual channel? All of them? Why not leave it on auto?
2.4 GHz wifi will always be slower than 5 GHz.
You are talking about wifi speeds here?
It might be worth a bit of background reading.
Understand Wi-Fi 4/5/6 (802.11 n/ac/ad/ax)
@duckware knows their stuff and can bust a few myths and cut through marketing hype.
How are you testing speeds to compare them? What results do you get? Is this every wifi device?
Any wifi interference nearby? Noisy neighbours?
I've used a channel sniffer native to macOS (Wireless Diagnostics Scan tool). In my local area, Channel 6 was the best channel and I switched to that for a week, then tried leaving back on "auto" for another week. Some say manual channel selection has its advantages and I tried this as part of my troubleshooting algorithm. As mentioned earlier, leaving 2.4GHz channel selection on "auto" seems to perform better than manual channel but there is still, intermittent, slow internet on this band.
I have got a total of six neighbours with visible WiFi. We live in average sized 4 bedroom house. 5GHz tends to work well when I am closer to the router, without normal internet speeds. The device switches 2.4GHz when 5GHz WiFi signal is weak. Both are set on same SSID and password. Also, I have not noticed this problem to occur when Smart Connect is enabled. I cannot use Smart Connect because one of my smart home IoT (Air Conditioner) does not play well with this setting on.
Device connects to WiFi 2.4GHz connected at 229Mbps
Same Device connects to WiFi 5GHz at 1339 Mbps
Device are two iPhone 13 Pros and iPad Air.
I run an Apple ecosystem in my home and office
Total number of devices at home connected to router on 2.4GHz band = 7
Total number of devices at home connected to router on 5GHz band = 3
Total of wired devices connected to router (via switch) = 11
My internet is connected through another modem router set on bridge mode (Billion). I have had this modem for 10 months and have had no problems with it. I wonder whether this may be a firmware issue since the recent update. Interestingly, the Smart Connect issue was more a problem after the last two firmware issues and now have had to go back to same SSID and password for both 2.4 and 5GHz bands. Thanks.
A link speed of 229mbps over 2.4ghz isn't bad.
What actual throughput speed do you get?
I get around that 40-90mbps with my RAX device and an AX phone.
Again, 2.4ghz is a slow network. It doesn't have nearly the same speed as 5ghz.
What actual speeds do you get?
2.4ghz is much slower than 5ghz and its more sensitive to interference.
So we expect it to be slower and have more issues.
But its tough to know if you're hitting the expected speeds and just don't realize it or if its just slow.
Also, what device are you testing on?
Hi Plemans,
Thanks so much for your input. I've written a reply above to provide you with more information.
I look forward to your input.
