I cannot comment on the 5GHz reception as the customer does not have access to a 5GHz device that can run a WiFi analyser.
The router is using channel 11 in the 2.4GHz band and there is another network also on this channel that is too close in terms of signal strength. This may be reducing the signal strength of your network, which in turn is too low. None of the other available channels in this band are any different. I am guessing that this could be a router location issue.
This is the best router location, but obviously, this is not always practical & a compromise has to be reached.
The general rule is to keep it away from:-
- Cordless phone (DECT) base stations
- TVs
- Loudspeakers & any sub-woofers (including those used with a PC)
- Computer monitors
- Electrical appliances – they often transmit their own signals that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
- Bluetooth devices – they operate on the same Wi-Fi frequency as your broadband, which can cause signal problems.
- Mirrors – they actually reflect Wi-Fi signals, stopping them from passing through walls and reflecting them back into the room.
- Anything containing large amounts of water – things like fish tanks and boilers can absorb Wi-Fi signals like a sponge.
- Large metal objects – radiators, for instance, will have the same effect on your Wi-Fi as mirrors. If you have a tower PC case with an internal WiFi card, the metal of the case can block signals to & from the antennae if they are located behind the tower case.
- If you are using a USB Wi-Fi adapter, use a USB socket on the front of the PC, as there is more open space around it than at the rear. If a USB extension cable is used, try to ensure that it is fairly short, so that the power from the computer is not attenuated. Long extension cables can cause the adapter to not have enough power from the computer to work correctly.
As a very general rule, the signal travels best on the same floor as the router and to the floor below. It does not always propagate very well to a floor above the router. However, with more modern routers, if they have a higher specification, they may be able to get the signal upstairs OK, but your ability to receive it also depends on your device's network adapter being of a higher specification, as well as its age.
Where USB or PCIe-connected WiFi adapters are concerned, power management is best disabled if running in Windows to keep a reliable Wi-Fi connection working at full speed. Once you have made the changes outlined below, it is probably best to restart the PC.
Windows Power Management issues. To check this in Windows 10 or 11, open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. Then right-click your WiFi card & select Properties. Next, click on the Power Management tab and untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. If the adapter is connected via USB, then expand the USB section in Device Manager and the same option can be found in the Power Management tab in most Root Hubs and USB Controllers. Untick it in there as well.
