How to tell if my 5ghz channel has gone bad?

[radar2000]

Hi there.

I have a RT-AC87U router with the latest Merlin firmware on it.

I was wondering if there are any tests I can perform to test my 5ghz channel?

I've been noticing poor 5ghz performance lately.

Question... is the 5ghz led supposed to flash on and off? My 2.4ghz led light flashes/flickers consistently, which seems to be normal, but the 5ghz led light flashes on and off. Just an observation.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Zirescu]

Numerous things you could try:
1. Install the latest firmware version and do a factory default reset and manual setup (or restore using John's NVRAM tool).
2. Use a Wifi scanner to see if you're 5GHz radio is overlapping with a nearby radio.
3. Change the channel you're using to another.
4. Could be a client driver issue as well see if there is a newer driver available.
5. Could use a new SSID and see if things improve.

 

[radar2000]

Thanks Zirescu.

I'll give those a try.

Cheers!

 

[joegreat]

I also suggest to follow the standard procedure as outlined by @Zirescu !

On top you need to keep in mind that the 5 GHz has as a far smaller range then 2.4 GHz due to physics: High frequencies are more absorbed by barriers like walls!

AND: Asus is looking down the 5 GHz power to a minimum, even if the country/region would allow much higher transmission power!

PS.: My 5 GHz WLAN is rock solid and has a very good range...

 

[thiggins]

AND: Asus is looking down the 5 GHz power to a minimum, even if the country/region would allow much higher transmission power!

Can you provide details about this?

 

[joegreat]

AND: Asus is looking down the 5 GHz power to a minimum, even if the country/region would allow much higher transmission power!

Based on the regulatory rules in my country (equal to most of EU) the following power settings for 5 GHz WLAN are allowed:

See the full article of the Austrian regulator for the details.

Now looking at the level of transmission power I get from the Asus routers - I really doubt that the lower channels are transmitting with 200mW and I never ever believe that the higher ones do provide up to 1000mW (1W) as they could do!

 

[pirx73]

I never ever believe that the higher ones do provide up to 1000mW (1W) as they could do!

In EU 1000mW is for outdoor use only and only on specified channels. Since ASUS router is indoor use there is no way to have that high power and even then - consumer wifi clients are not capable of transmitting signal back with the same power.