XR500 2.4GHz band drops off very quickly at distance

[manitou58]

I recently purchased the XR500 (had a R7000 Nigthhawk prior) and notice that the 2.4GHz band's speed is horrible when I am about 40 feet from the router.  I did not have that issue with my other Netgear routers.  I am not using Smart Connect and the 5GHz band works as expected.  I am at V2.3.2.114 firmware.  Anyone else see this horrible performance on the 2.4GHz band?  Unfortunately I have devices that have to use this band.  Thanks.

[antinode]

> [...] the 2.4GHz band's speed is horrible when I am about 40 feet from
> the router. [...]

   Neighbors?  Is the XR500 using the same channel in the 2.4GHz band as
the previous router was?  Have you investigated/tried other channels?

[manitou58]

Yes I have tried some other channels and so far getting the same  I have tried 3 so far and working my was down the list.  Using a WIFI analyzer but even with what appears to be unused bands still having the same issue.

[plemans]

what actual performance numbers are you getting? 

[Netduma-Fraser]

Set the router antennae to look like this _ | | _ so two straight up, one either side pointing outwards and see if that improves it. Do you have any wireless or electrical devices in close proximity to the router?

[manitou58]

The antennaes are like that already.  I do have my laptop in a docking station about 1 foot away.

[Netduma-Fraser]

Try and move that about 3 feet away and see if you notice an improvement