TP Link C5400 supports two 5GHz frequency bands
TP Link C5400 supports two 5GHz frequency bands
I’m not familiar with network details, but I’m curious about your TP-Link C5400 setup. It seems you’re seeing two 5GHz bands—this is normal for that model. You don’t need to disable either; they provide flexibility depending on your usage.
Each 5GHz radio supports up to 2167 Mbps while the 2.4GHz radio reaches about 1000 Mbps. Many routers include several 5GHz radios, which explains the reported speeds of around 5400 Mbps. They combine the theoretical capabilities of each radio and sum them up. In your router's case, they performed some rounding for accuracy. Regardless, disabling it won't affect the final result.
This setup is chosen for compatibility reasons. Lower channels work better with more hardware but are often shared by neighbors, making them slower. The second 5GHz band is likely reserved for higher channels, which aren't widely supported by many devices but also less common, possibly offering faster speeds. It allows you to distribute clients between these networks, enabling high-bandwidth devices on one and another high-speed connection on the other—without performance issues (though this depends on your broadband and router capabilities). The antennas are probably tuned more precisely for their frequency range, which can improve both range and speed.
I opted for automatic channel choice—based on the idea the router would detect and avoid interference. With more channels available in the 5GHz band versus 2.4, it significantly reduces the issue.
You're seeing different 5GHz signal strengths based on where you are and whether you're on the first or second band. One spot works better upstairs, while another performs better downstairs.