Being that either setting 40mW or 80mw difference in measured signal strength, is nothing more than a feel good number. The review on this site already validated high throughput at farthest location. An extra bar on a DVD player will have no real world effect on throughput. The testing done on this site is much more valid than "who has the highest signal strength in the neighborhood wins". Plus, it is not neighbor friendly to try to tweak every last dB of signal strength out of a router, when in your own home you gain nothing. If you have sufficient throughput in your home, leave a little room for your neighbor so he/she does not have to contend with you wrecking havoc while he/she is trying to stream a movie. The rule should be only as much power as you need to get the job done (maybe that would only be 20-30mW). But this is American, screw the neighbors...
Next Question?
Exactly, but getting the job done is what I am striving to do.
To give some background on my findings and how they relate to MY specific needs:
With 102 at its default 80mW setting,which fixed the TX power bug of xxxx96, there was a measurable difference at even the closest location (in the bedroom right next door to my 'home office' room).
I can test in the furthest locations tonight to see how much difference it makes.
The bars are indeed only a minor concern.
My real desire is better throughput.
Using 80mW last night, I saw throughput numbers that were about 20 - 25% higher with 102 than with 96.
I can run tests with it at 40mW tonight to compare it since I just got 102.
When we're talking 44 Mbps vs. 53 Mbps, it is noticeable when you're moving large files over the network (or for supporting your full internet bandwidth if you are one of the lucky ones in the USA who has a premium internet account).
Also in the far locations of my house (family room on lower floor), I noticed that while the signal was indeed strong, I was previously getting throughput results (LAN Speed Test with multiple runs to get an average) right at the edge of my not-so-special 21 Mbps ISP bandwidth.
That is where settings such as TX power can make a difference, so I am glad they made 80mW the default.
If / when I upgrade my internet account, I can try 120mW to ensure I get my full bandwidth in the family room for wifi clients for internet downloads.
That is why I wanted to get the ideal router settings (including TX power among others) for MY particular environment...
I agree with not overdoing it if it does nothing (significant), so long as throughput is being measured too (not just signal strength).
That is where it varies by user (someone with a small distance and less obstructions between the router and client won't need as much power as someone with a 5,000 sq foot place e.g.)
If someone is not having any performance concerns, then leave things at default (or lower).
Rather than posting twice, here is how 102 is working for me so far:
- fw 102 is working very well for me so far. No disconnects or instability.
- I already noted the 20- 25% increase in throughput (bi-directionally).
- I did notice that when changing the TX power and hitting save or apply, the spinning icon hangs at 100%. I am using Firefox to access the admin pages.
So far so good otherwise.
