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Question

Low Signal from Wireless Router

Feb 21, 2016 9:22AM PST

WiFi Router Signal Strength Issue
Recently upgraded home network with an Archer C3200 WiFi router. Location does not have a large footprint, so range was not so much the issue as multiple devices using WiFi. Few TV’s, iPads, laptop, etc. Not all running at the same time, but occasionally when everyone jumps on Netflix or Amazon Prime, it can be an issue.
Current Configuration
ISP – Xfinity Blast Internet Service – Having some minor speed issues there, but tech is working on this week. Signal strength degradation due to splitters, etc. Going to make a wiring modification for the modem that will correct it.
Hardware
WiFi Router – TP-Link Tri-Band Archer C3200.

PC One - Desktop Windows 10 PC has Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b|g|n 2.4Ghz. Replaced network card with TP-Link Archer T9E dual band card in attempt to correct signal strength. (This is the PC that I need to have best connectivity and where most of the testing has been run from.) PC is located 50 feet, almost line of site to router.

PC Two- Laptop Windows 7 has an Intel Centrino Advanced-N-6235 NIC. Using with insider Home for benchmarks around the house and trying to determine the optimal positioning etc.

The 2.4GHz signal is much stronger than the 5GHZ signal when looking at options to connect with the Archer 3200. Even more odd is the signals being broadcast by the Xfinity built in wireless modem are stronger than the one I just purchased.
Signal Levels from Desktop Win 10
Signal Strength from 5 Feet
Signal Strength from 35 Feet


For reference SSID are as follows -
VTAMELIA - Archer 3200
TestVT - Xfinity Modem
VTAMELIA51 & 52 5GHZ - Archer 3200
TestVT5 - Xfinity 5GHZ

Discussion is locked

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Answer
WiFi as you discovered is not so great with that many things
Feb 21, 2016 10:22AM PST

In public hotspots you don't see many users Netflix'ing. WiFi is shared space so if you Netflix the others will see delays. That's how it works.

This does not sound like a signal strength issue. Since this router has both 2.4 and 5GHz start with most on the 2.4GHz and move a few onto 5. Go with what works as to what goes on each network.

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Not a load issue on the WiFi
Feb 21, 2016 5:01PM PST

Thanks for your response. When I say "signal strength" I mean exactly that. My Xfinity modem built in WiFi puts out a stronger signal than my $300 router.. something is wrong with that.

I've tested it with everything off and still no improvement.

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Or
Feb 21, 2016 5:40PM PST

One is using 20MHz OFDM and the other 40MHz OFDM. You'll see different results just on one setting. I'm not there to check every setting. I like to start with current firmware, factory reset and then change items one by one till I see what's what.

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And a new thing.
Feb 21, 2016 5:41PM PST

Some routers have a neighbor friendly setting. This reduces output power when it sees the link is full speed. No reason to run at 5 our of 5 bars when speed is OK at 3 bars.