Why is WiFi dropping several times a day? AX8 is very unreliable
I am about at my wits end with this Netgear AX8. I am noticing Wi-Fi connections drop quite frequently. Not just on one device, but multiple devices.
I work on remote virtual desktops (VDI sessions) all day, and notice any internet connectivity loss, or congestion (especially upload congestion). Compared to a old.... TP-Link Archer C8 (AC1750) router, this AX8 is really....incredibly unreliable.
I look in the router logs and notice DHCP handing out IP addresses constantly to devices. My Nest thermostat alone today - I don't even want to count every instance; but we're looking at 2-3 dozen instances easily of it dropping connection/being reissued an IP Address. Since 3:00 PM (it is 3:20 PM now...), my Nest has like no less than 15 entries for DHCP handing it the same IP address.
This includes a wide array of devices;
Macbook Pro 15" 2018 model,2018 iPad Pro 12.9 model, even smart devices like speakers, and my Nest Thermostat - I am seeing them lose their connection.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve reliability?
AX8 Config info:
Firmware: 1.0.1.70_1.0.30
Enable AX: Enabled
Enable Smart Connect: Enabled
2.4GHz settings
Enable 20/40MHz Coexist: Disabled
Channel: Auto
Mode: Up to 1200 Mbps
Transmit Power: 100%
Security: WPA2-PSK
QoS: Enabled
I want to define my internet bandwidth: Enabled, 400/20
WMM: Both enabled (the only way I could get Wemo devices to connect with smart connect was to enable WMM)
I am going to call up Netgear, but I fear the phone support is just going to waste time and ask for me to reset to factory defaults, chew up an hour or two and put me further behind at work; just to have a level 1/entry level technician read off a script.
It seems I am not alone though; plenty of complaints on here about Netgear AX router reliability.....
Please share your tips or suggestions.
I cannot believe Netgear would put their name on this and sell it to consumers. The impression it leaves is that there is zero-QA going on, that we have a bunch of routers w/ firmware that should be in beta, and we are all doing their regression testing for them....
I am about at my wits end with this Netgear AX8. I am noticing Wi-Fi connections drop quite frequently. Not just on one device, but multiple devices.
I work on remote virtual desktops (VDI sessions) all day, and notice any internet connectivity loss, or congestion (especially upload congestion). Compared to a old.... TP-Link Archer C8 (AC1750) router, this AX8 is really....incredibly unreliable.
I look in the router logs and notice DHCP handing out IP addresses constantly to devices. My Nest thermostat alone today - I don't even want to count every instance; but we're looking at 2-3 dozen instances easily of it dropping connection/being reissued an IP Address. Since 3:00 PM (it is 3:20 PM now...), my Nest has like no less than 15 entries for DHCP handing it the same IP address.
This includes a wide array of devices;
Macbook Pro 15" 2018 model,2018 iPad Pro 12.9 model, even smart devices like speakers, and my Nest Thermostat - I am seeing them lose their connection.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve reliability?
AX8 Config info:
Firmware: 1.0.1.70_1.0.30-----If you're using the RAX80, the newest firmware is 1.0.2.76. you're probably on the new release/beta firmware.
Enable AX: Enabled
Enable Smart Connect: Enabled-----disable smart connect. it dynamically moves devices between bands as needed.
2.4GHz settings
Enable 20/40MHz Coexist: Disabled------I'd enable this for the benefit of your neighbors. If you live in a rural area, then its fine to disable. but if you live around others, its better to leave enabled.
Channel: Auto
Mode: Up to 1200 Mbps
Transmit Power: 100%
Security: WPA2-PSK
QoS: Enabled------Qos isn't recommended at speeds >250mbps. I'd disable this.
I want to define my internet bandwidth: Enabled, 400/20
WMM: Both enabled (the only way I could get Wemo devices to connect with smart connect was to enable WMM)----wmm should be enabled.
I am going to call up Netgear, but I fear the phone support is just going to waste time and ask for me to reset to factory defaults, chew up an hour or two and put me further behind at work; just to have a level 1/entry level technician read off a script.-----you're probably right on this. And the call center is super behind/busy lately with the covid stuff.
But the newer RAX devices have responded well to factory resets. if you do upgrade the firmware, I'd do a reset/reinstall for best results.
It seems I am not alone though; plenty of complaints on here about Netgear AX router reliability.....
Please share your tips or suggestions.
I cannot believe Netgear would put their name on this and sell it to consumers. The impression it leaves is that there is zero-QA going on, that we have a bunch of routers w/ firmware that should be in beta, and we are all doing their regression testing for them....sadly its a bit of the price you pay to be on the cutting edge. the AX routers were all released before the spec was finalized. the AC devices had similar issues when they were first released due to being released prior to finalized specs. Its a system wide issue.
Re: Why is WiFi dropping several times a day? AX8 is very unreliable
Turning off QoS now. Will monitor it.
I originally turned QoS on, only because the lag with my mouse cursor in my VDI session was such that I thought my laptop was getting throttled over WiFI or....something.
The only way I can reproduce the issue with the mouse lag in a VDI session is to intentionally consume all upload bandwidth. thought that with everyone in the house working and online; I needed to manually set my main work device to a status of "highest" for QoS.
I would love to keep Smart Connect on. In theory; it should provide the device the best frequency to hop on given its RSSi. I like to think this is a good feature, but recognize how it can be poorly implemented. If the disconnects continue, I absolutely will try this.
I checked the router firmware and supposedly I am on latest firmware release. I will log a case with netgear tonight when I have more time (they only have 90 day support...?)
If I can't get the issue resolved; I absolutely must return the device. It is impacting work in a significant way.
For the netgear employees who read this; I must reiterate just how poor of a user experience this is. Netgear is supposed to be an established brand in consumer network communications products; I haven't had such a poor experience with a consumer product since I was forced to format a Windows 2000 machine due to messed up Razer Boomslang drivers that rendered the machine unbootable.
I knew I should have bought the Ubiquiti Unifi Dream Machine, or the Amplifi Alien WiFi AX router if I insisted on having AX support........
I read the forum here and saw the complaints; thought to myself how bad can it be? And today I stand here saying; oh it can be bad, ...real bad. 17 million americans have lost their jobs in the last 3 weeks. Millions are working from home and depending on their routers to be productive at work, and Netgear is like...oh you still have a job? Hold my beer........
For buyers on the fence; stick with your AC routers, or just.....try something different.
I originally turned QoS on, only because the lag with my mouse cursor in my VDI session was such that I thought my laptop was getting throttled over WiFI or....something.
The only way I can reproduce the issue with the mouse lag in a VDI session is to intentionally consume all upload bandwidth. thought that with everyone in the house working and online; I needed to manually set my main work device to a status of "highest" for QoS.-----You might have to run QoS with an upload of only 20mbps and running VDI's. But just be aware it can reduce your 400mbps download speed. sometimes the hit to the max download is worth it for your upload needs.
I would love to keep Smart Connect on. In theory; it should provide the device the best frequency to hop on given its RSSi. I like to think this is a good feature, but recognize how it can be poorly implemented. If the disconnects continue, I absolutely will try this.-----good plan. It works great for the average user but the power user sometimes has to disable it.
I checked the router firmware and supposedly I am on latest firmware release. I will log a case with netgear tonight when I have more time (they only have 90 day support...?)----correct on the 90 days of free support. Try to manually upgrade firmware. You can download it, extract it, and manually upgrade The update server isn't always on the latest version. i think netgear puts out newer firmware for those who manually update to make sure there aren't any major issues. Don't quote me on this as its just my personal beliefs.
If I can't get the issue resolved; I absolutely must return the device. It is impacting work in a significant way. did your old device have issues?
For the netgear employees who read this; I must reiterate just how poor of a user experience this is. Netgear is supposed to be an established brand in consumer network communications products; I haven't had such a poor experience with a consumer product since I was forced to format a Windows 2000 machine due to messed up Razer Boomslang drivers that rendered the machine unbootable.----Rare to find an actual employee on here. Its mainly members of the public helping others out. And again, the call center is overwhelmed. Vast amounts of people had to transition from office work to working from home. And many found their home situations not up to the task. And so: increase in calls in a period where call centers have restricted works. The perfect storm.
I knew I should have bought the Ubiquiti Unifi Dream Machine, or the Amplifi Alien WiFi AX router if I insisted on having AX support........
I read the forum here and saw the complaints; thought to myself how bad can it be? And today I stand here saying; oh it can be bad, ...real bad. 17 million americans have lost their jobs in the last 3 weeks. Millions are working from home and depending on their routers to be productive at work, and Netgear is like...oh you still have a job? Hold my beer........
For buyers on the fence; stick with your AC routers, or just.....try something different. I'd agree with the stick with AC statement. The AX spec is still a bit sketchy. I've got 2x AX routers (netgear and arris) at home right now and keep going back to my Orbi AC setup due to consistent performance and coverage.
