Wireless access point with two frequency bands.
Wireless access point with two frequency bands.
I possess a fibre broadband connection with a single-band router. The device is located in the final room, while my workspace is adjacent. Before noon, the internet performance is satisfactory over Wi-Fi, reaching around 25 mbps and occasionally up to 40 mbps. However, in the afternoon speeds decline to just 2-3 mbps, especially when I move nearer the router or connect via LAN, where speeds reach the plan’s maximum. The service provider suggests switching to a dual-band router, but I suspect it's insufficient due to increased network traffic from more users affecting performance, not because of the band type itself. Considerations and recommendations.
You're in a place with many Wi-Fi signals nearby. When those channels are busy, your connection drops. That's why using a wired setup works better. It's best to let the ISP router stay active and use a wired access point connected to it so it manages the network smoothly.
It's a solid suggestion, though. A 2.4 GHz ISP router would indeed broadcast on that frequency, potentially causing interference. I support the ISP's view. If you have a dual-band router, using the 5 GHz band offers more channels and generally less disruption.
Turn off the Wi-Fi on the router. From my experience, the router is typically placed near the utility box on the side of the house. An AP in the center of the home would be a more effective choice. While 5GHz offers faster speeds, it provides significantly weaker signals through walls.
What you mention is common during high usage on a busy 2.4GHz frequency range. A better router would work with 5GHz (WiFi 5 or higher). Want more details? Tell me your ISP’s speed plan, your budget, where you live, if you can browse online, whether you need coverage throughout your home, and how much space you require. Do you prefer gigabit Ethernet or are you open to alternatives? The TP-Link C50 only offers 10/100Mbps on all Ethernet ports, which may cap your internet speed if your ISP exceeds 100Mbps. It also doesn’t clearly mention MU-MIMO support, which is useful when many devices connect simultaneously. No. Just turn off the ISP gateway’s Wi-Fi if neighbors are also using that band. ...A 2.4GHz and 5GHz survey would clarify this. Higher frequencies tend to face more interference than lower ones, so long-range WiFi often uses 900MHz, 2.4GHz, 3GHz, etc. But nearby devices like phones or microwaves can disrupt those lower frequencies too.
Increasing the number of Ethernet-connected devices enhances your connectivity. This reduces competition for WiFi bandwidth among multiple gadgets. Connecting your TV’s Ethernet port to the router keeps it isolated from the 2.4GHz range. For speeds up to 50Mbps, consider the Archer C60 due to its MU-MIMO capability. Each port supports up to 100Mbps, but three devices won’t overload the link. Before setting up your new router, turn off any ISP WiFi on your modem and switch to the wireless model. Keep only one NAT device active—either from your ISP or the wireless modem. Perform a 2.4GHz/5GHz survey first, then assign channels to avoid congestion. I favor using distinct SSIDs for each radio so you can direct them to the 5GHz band rather than sharing a single channel.