R8500 Slow Wifi v1.0.0.56_1.0.28

[travelton]

Trying to troubleshoot slow wifi speeds. Anyone experience trouble with the latest firmware update? 

Speedtest hardwired:

Speedtest wireless [2.4Ghz & 5Ghz show about the same speed] (from iPhone 6) approximately 3 feet from router:

Wireless Settings: 

2.4Ghz - Enabled

WPA2-PSK[AES]

Channel 4

Mode: Up to 1000Mbps

5Ghz - Enabled

Smart Connect - Enabled

WPA2-PSK[AES]

Channel 44 + 153

Mode: Up to 2165 Mbps

Advanced Wireless Settings:

Beamforming: Disabled and Enabled, no difference.

Suggestions for troubleshooting?

[travelton · Accepted solution]

Indeed my router was replaced, however, this didn't solve the problem. A beta firmware ultimately resolved the problem. 

[travelton]

I've actually further isolated this to the 2G wifi band only. Connection to the 5G is extremely fast. 

5G connection speed:

Contacted support... Suggested downgrading to v1.0.0.52_1.0.26. This had no affect.

[doraemon]

I'm replacing my old router right now.

I will check this too! 

[netwrks]

---

@travelton wrote:

Trying to troubleshoot slow wifi speeds. Anyone experience trouble with the latest firmware update? 

Speedtest hardwired:

Speedtest wireless [2.4Ghz & 5Ghz show about the same speed] (from iPhone 6) approximately 3 feet from router:

Wireless Settings: 

2.4Ghz - Enabled

WPA2-PSK[AES]

Channel 4

Mode: Up to 1000Mbps

5Ghz - Enabled

Smart Connect - Enabled

WPA2-PSK[AES]

Channel 44 + 153

Mode: Up to 2165 Mbps

Advanced Wireless Settings:

Beamforming: Disabled and Enabled, no difference.

Suggestions for troubleshooting?

---

2.4ghz, 1,6, or 11. You are creating issues using an overlappong channel for yourself and possibly your neighbours (Channel 4). Try higher channels (150ish) for 5ghz. Ensure WMM is enabled. on the router and your client. If you are running .ac ensure your client has VHT checked.

[travelton]

@netwrks Using a wifi discovery tool, to discover APs in my area, I selected channel 9, as there are no APs broadcasting on that channel. No change in the slow speeds. 

I believe this is a software issue on the R8500. I can set up my older Netgear WNDR4500 to broadcast the same 2.4Ghz signal parameters. The WNDR4500 results in consistent 30-40Mbps down, 30-40Mbps up. 

[travelton]

@doraemon Ooo! Do let me know what your 2.4Ghz speed clocks in at. And what version firmware is your R8500 running?

[doraemon]

I'm getting <1Mbps though my 5Ghz is pretty fine.

I have tried hard reset after updating to the latest firmware.

Tried changing channels as well.

[lauriv]

I ended up reverting back to R8000. The R8500 needs time to mature. I have the same 2.4G wifi problems described with all of the firmwares. On top of everything the wifi drops out periodically.

[doraemon]

Plug back back my R7000.

[agoetz5201]

Replaced my AC87u with the R8500 and I am quite pleased except with my upload speeds.

Mine are not a bad as the others in this thread but it is still a considerable drop over the Asus.

LAN Ping 1 +900 download +900 upload

WLAN Ping 3 +450 download -125 upload

On Asus my Upload and Download we pretty much equal.

Also I noticed my Asus AC68u WLAN bridges report a link speed of 877.5mbps whereas on Asus it was 1300mbps.  The AC87u have a link speed of +1020 but the ping nearly doubles to 5.

Every device seems to Capped at ~125 upload on 5ghz

QOS is disabled.

[ElaineM]

@agoetz5201 Do you have the latest firmware installed on the router?

If you do, I suggest that you contact support for further troubleshooting on the speed issue.

[ChrisRogers91]

My speeds were pretty abismal when I was trying to use one ssid. I split everything out (one for 2.4G, two for 5G) and the speeds have been much better.

[ElaineM]

Thank you for that input @ChrisRogers91

Are you saying that SmartConnect is not working properly?

If that's the case, I recommend that you contact our support team.

[travelton]

Well after several weeks, Netgear finally agreed to replace my unit. Received the replacement and the 2G network is still crap. Timeouts, slow speeds, and random drops.

At this point, there's nothing I can do. Can't return the device. I pretty much just took $400 and threw it out the window.

Lesson learned... Don't ever buy a device until it has sufficient time on the market and there are no negative reports within forums. 

Shame on you Netgear.

[ElaineM]

@travelton I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

I see that your case is being reviewed by our engineering department.

I will make a follow-up and let you know any update.

[Loudog2]

I know some people say extended warranties are a waste.  But in my opinion, not a waste on wireless routers.  I've returned one 8500 already.  If the next firmware doesn't fix much then it's going back as well for a different brand.  This router was rushed to the market too soon.  It's sad when your nervous to update a firmware.  

[travelton]

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm shooting myself in the foot for not buying one. My next attempt is to file a claim with Visa Signature extended warranties. I'm hoping they'll take it.

[bkron08]

I have found firewmare versions 1.0.0.56 and 1.0.0.52 to have issues with both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands.  Firmware 1.0.0.42 has been the most stable for me.

[ElaineM]

@travelton & @bkron08 Looks like your routers have been replaced. 
Let us know if you need further help.

[travelton · Accepted solution]

Indeed my router was replaced, however, this didn't solve the problem. A beta firmware ultimately resolved the problem. 

[ElaineM]

Thank you for the confirmation @travelton