WiFi 6 on the 5GHz band performs significantly worse compared to 2.4GHz.
WiFi 6 on the 5GHz band performs significantly worse compared to 2.4GHz.
Hello everyone. I'm really tired now and not sure what caused the issue with my network. My laptop is an Acer Aspire 3 A315-41, and I upgraded the wireless card to AX200. Initially, I thought my old router (AC-87U) wouldn't work well with the original card (Atheros Wifi 5), since it couldn't reach speeds above Wi-Fi 4 2.4GHz even close by. After switching to AX200, it performed just like before. Then I replaced the router with a Redmi AX5, which gave me the best speed on 2.4GHz but much slower on 5GHz. I'm wondering if anyone has faced similar problems. I need faster Wi-Fi for streaming and backups on my laptop. Right now I don't have any other Wi-Fi 6 devices to test, but I think my router is fine. I attached a Wi-Fi analyzer at two spots—close to me and my bed—and observed the signal strength: 3 meters from the router with a solid wall in between, then 3 meters from the 5GHz side with another wall.
Review the attached files, then tap the "eye" button in the toolbar to place them inside a spoiler. I’m guessing your distance from the router is significant—there might be obstacles between you and the signal. 5 GHz networks tend to have shorter ranges compared to 2.4 GHz. A signal strength of -46 dBm or lower indicates poor quality, so aiming for around -70 dBm is ideal. Have you checked if nearby devices are using the 5 GHz band? Switching to a less congested channel could help. Wider channels are also beneficial; with your current 20 MHz bandwidth, Wi-Fi 6 should support up to 40 MHz or 80 MHz, potentially boosting available data.
@Eigenvektor Thanks, I'll edit it later. Both -46 and -60dBm was on my room, around 3m from router with a wall in between while the other is me standing directly in front of the router. I had checked for interference but there's no one else using 5GHz band. Tried every single band without luck too. The bandwidth seems wrong since there's no change when i changed the bandwidth Auto, 20, 40, and 80
Are there any pipes or electrical wires inside the walls? This might significantly impact things. See if the same issue appears in other walls, even with routers placed farther away.
@mtz_federico There's one plastic conduit on the wall. I took another ss on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz while im on the kitchen. Two concrete walls in between my laptop and router (straight line) even though there's big opening a couple meter besides my laptop. What bothers me is even with -22dBm strength, why the 5GHz link speed is worse than 2.4GHz with -46dBm? Spoiler
Channel 157? I’d actually begin with channel 36 and adjust from there. This might explain why you’re stuck on 20MHz—some devices require precise channel settings to switch between 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz for optimal performance.
Alex Atkin UK reports his laptop only recognizes channels starting at 149 for an unclear reason. It seems odd since channel 36-48 isn't restricted in any country. Further investigation suggests possible LAR (Location Aware Regulatory) misidentification. No guidance available on adjusting or verifying the assigned location.
ummmmm. Thats going to have a major impact. Lower bands have better penetration than higher bands. So 2.4 Ghz is going to penetrate the concrete a hell of a lot easier than the 5 Ghz signal. Generally your WiFi will slow down if the signal has to penetrate too many objects are dense objects and with distance. Have you taken and put the computer right next to the router? Just to rule out the issues with the building materials.
Indeed, there are numerous accounts matching the issue you mention. While not ideal, it at least clarifies the situation now.
Have you checked my previous messages thoroughly? I started by putting my laptop near the router, and even with -22dBm signal strength, it remains slower than 2.4GHz at -46dBm. Alex Atkin UK, this is frustrating. I’m hoping a fix will be released soon. Switching the Windows region didn’t help.