R8000P and EX7700 Access Point Slow Speeds

[andym56]

Originally I used the EX7700 as an extender and it was partly successful.  I decided some of my issues might disappear if I used it in Access Point Mode (SMART Connect).

1. The EX7700 is wired to the Router.

2. If I plug in a wired connection to the EX7700 I see 75MB download speeds.

3. But, when I connect by  WiFi I see only 3MB download speeds on 2.4ghz and 5ghz (I did try separately before trying SMART Connect).

4. Curiously, upload seems to be holding up in each case.

I am at a loss to know how to improve this.

(Firmware is up to date)

Any ideas?

Andy

[plemans]

Have you tried a factory reset and reinstall of the r8000P?

Its whats controlling the access point. 

[andym56]

No, I have not tried that.  TBH that would be a last resort because the Router config is pretty complex.

[andym56]

I spent ages with level 1 support, soft factory reset and a number of config changes. Improved speeds up to 10mb.

Referred to level 2 support. Repeated most of the same ideas (hard reset for good measure). Marginal improvement to maybe 12mb but well short of the 75mb wired to the ap.

Clearly, not expecting the same but was looking for better than 12mb.

may well have to give up and return it.

[plemans]

Did support have you reset the r8000P? 

I'd make a backup of the r8000p, then factory reset it.

Before restoring your configuration, try the extender connected that route and see how it performs. 

[andym56]

Hi, the original level 1 tech suggested it, but agreed it probably was not important. The level 2 guy did not mention it. But tbh the level 2 guy was totally useless.

I have made backups in the past but the router always hits an error when I try and restore the file. That is why I am reluctant to try a reset.

I will try a reboot today, but even that can be tricky as the router and cable modem fight over their connectivity 🙄.

[andym56]

OK, so the story now is:

I managed to save the config. and eventually got the router/modem connection back again.

1. Rebooted R8000P - no change.

2. Factory reset R8000P - no change.

3. Restored config - no change.

Current status:

Using the Nighthawk App I can run a speed test on the EX7700 and it shows 65mbs. Configuring all 3 SSID individually I can confirm all 3 only provide just under 10mbs on WiFi.

WiFi signals are fine and stable, but just not getting the throughput.

So, for now the EX7700 is switched off - it is no help.

[plemans]

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@andym56 wrote:

I will try a reboot today, but even that can be tricky as the router and cable modem fight over their connectivity 🙄.

---

What cable  modem do you have? Having a modem/router combo device and then a router cascaded causes a double nat and can cause issues. 

[plemans]

and what firmware is on the r8000P

[andym56]

The cable modem is the Virgnmedia super hub in cable mode.  I've been using that config for many years.

The firmware in the router is the latest version.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, but after two very long and fruitless calls to Netgear support I am returning the extender.

I will look for a different solution to my problems.

I will post a different problem for discussion around the router though (not related) at some point.

As I said, your responses have been appreciated.

ATB

Andy

[plemans]

Vigin media is notorious for their bridge mode not working properly. 

what I'd try as a test (prior to returning extender)

Put the virgin media in router mode. (disable its wifi)

Then connect the R8000P to it in access point mode. 

then connec the EX7700 to the r8000P

[andym56]

I am in the process of changiing from Virginmedia to BT, but it'll take a while. They all have their problems, but the business offering from BT is more attractive right now.

Too late for any more actions - boxed and ready to be picked up tomorrow.

Thanks again.