Hi everyone, my issue is wifi speed not hitting the target. Let me explain.
My internet connection 100mbps - i test using wired connection, it's a solid 100mbps and the same even on 5Ghz wifi(same distance as well).

My problem is, when testing using 2.4ghz, i could only get 43mbps, regardless the distance(just next router, afterall, even the 5ghz can hit full speed till my far room).
Why is this?


The device:
Router : Tp link Archer 1200 - checked the spec, supports 2.4ghz, n/b/g
My pcie wifi adapter - TL-WN881ND : supports only 2.4ghz, and n/b/g as well.
Both promises 300mbps up to 2.4ghz, using 802.11n.

So, why can't i get full speed??

Advertisement misleading or deceiving ??

*Rant
I spent more then just getting usb wifi adapter, more hassle for installation and ease of use(portability), no 5ghz,
yet why can't the adapter receive full receive,,,

But then tested on other devices: 2.4ghz on my phone as well, same 43bmps.

SO, Why?

2.4Ghz travels further but bandwidth is less than that of 5Ghz.

That's the way it goes.

open your network manager and check wifi speed there.
From router spec you suppose to get 100Mbps from 2.4G as well.

Maybe did not select properly. Maybe at wifi G only

Depends on how many phone connected to the wifi … it splits the wifi bandwidth before internet bandwidth … YouTube for explanation

.

This post has been edited by kurangak: Feb 28 2024, 06:58 AM

maybe tplink problem :X I dont use tplink, no comment

802.11 N use 2.4GHz channel and is highly congested, due to other application also use same band aka Bluetooth, remote control, microwave oven.

unless you have no other choice, just forget 802.11N
long distance use lan or dual wifi router as wifi bridge (wifi bridge means you use your router as wifi adapter but speed will be superior)

Nope. Wi-Fi b, g, n, all have a hard time going over 100Mbps over 2.4Ghz.

It looks like both your Archer AC1200 and TL-WN881ND are capable of 300Mbps in 2.4GHz band. Checked To be able to run at full speed both must operate ad MCS (Modulation Code Scheme) 7 which is 64-QAM under 2x spacial data stream and using 40MHz band channel bandwidth. Both are able to do that. Anyway, you did not mention what is your channel bandwidth was set at.

You were saying that you only get 43Mbps using 2.4GHz band but get full 100Mbps under 5GHZ band.

If your speed is only at 43Mbps, it means that your router is operating using QPSK modulation (MCS 2) which means that your channel bandwidth is set to 20MHz band. This is my presumption. The modulation scheme is automatically set by router. Router will try at higher modulation for higher speed if [possible but if there is interference, it will drop to simpler modulation since it is more robust and immune to interference. So, I guess it dropped to QPSK.

Let's assume that the channel bandwidth is automatically by router. At 2x data stream using QPSK modulation, the data transfer rate can go up to 195Mbps under 5GHz band with 80MHz channel bandwidth. So, this is why you can hit full speed with 5GHz band but not with 2.4GHz band. That is my possible explanation.

Interference can be just simple signal reflection from your house wall if not from neighbor's WiFi. Unless you can do test on open space like football field then you can verify the speed

Despite the rating of both devices have a max of N300 (300Mbps)
In real life it you will never see that
that is for lab conditions where the router and the device are the only 2 things in existence in an area with no neighbour's wifi or other random 2.4ghz stuff like your wireless mouse or a microwave to interfere with

30 to 40Mbps seems VERY reasonable for N150/N300 speeds

Your best option is to replace the TL-WN881ND with a modern Wifi-6 based card so that you can use the 5Ghz band

The question is, is it only your PC or every device in your house getting the same speed?
If only PC - It could be your hardware or software related
If all devices are - Your router settings might be off. One thing i can think of is the 20Mhz and 40Mhz bandwidth.

TS mentioned this

> But then tested on other devices: 2.4ghz on my phone as well, same 43bmps.

So yeah, typical 2.4Ghz limited speeds

Very likely due to congestion.

In an open area without any other 2.4Ghz devices, U can get higher speeds. Alternatively, sit next to the router.

If you want higher speed on 2.4Ghz, upgrade your router and your client to wifi 6.

Oh ok I missed out. Most likely it is due to the 802.11 prob it's not set properly. Only way for us to help out is TS upload the network properties..

True, 5ghz is supposed to travel short ny kan.
but in my case that's not the issue la i think.
Even 5ghz could give me full isp speed in my room, even if i set the radio strength on low(there's low, medium, high), i can still get 80mbps.

more thn 100 dy,, or should i check smwhere else? this is negotiation speed right?


This post has been edited by hdbjhn2: Feb 28 2024, 05:21 PM

errr,, ok, actually this is smthing new for me. sorry.
u mean,, if there is multiple devices,, 2.4ghz n will split the speed??

not g??

also, before this,, when i'm on 30mbps, no matter many devices connected, even some actively using internet,
but if i download,, my pc will rob the full speed of 30+mbps.
only during speedtest, i will the full speed minus the speed other devices using.
but, if all other devices just connected but no load(no stream or downloads), i get fell speed .

so, why just now,,it wnna splits wifi bandwith.



And still back to basic,, before testing,, only 2 device connected la.
My pc(wifi adapter) and my hp. Checked on router page and i was home alone anyway lol.

This post has been edited by hdbjhn2: Feb 28 2024, 05:37 PM

nope. i tried that too.
by default, it b/g/n mixed,,
i set to n only and test, same speed.

Read here on negotiation speed.

https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/stories/detail/381

apakah ?

well, am wrong to think that congestion is not a prblm?
my reasons:
My house is rural area,, like kampung,, other house aren't even close next to each other. If i open wifi list also,, barely few connection from others,, itu pun, very low bar.

and my house itself,, mmg minimal, no bluetooth(my phone ke apa,, nope),remote control,, not using tv nwdats and over,, takde microwave. traditional ja.

and if long distance is issue,
1. how 5ghz blh full speed,
2. when i tested my phone,,
i brought it to the router,,just like 1meter at max. so,,congestion or distance isn't an issue in my place i think.

other factors are your router signal strength, your adapter too.
if you own a PC and USB wifi adapter, consider get a better wifi router and PCIE wifi adapter.

PC = big ass electromagnetic noise emitter [1].
USB3 = emit 2.4ghz [2]

for me i never use wifi unless is hotspot from my pc because it's closer.

but, on tplink websites,, they claimed, 300 for n ,,

you know that i have old tp link router, that only got 2.4ghz, wifi 4
spec say wifi up to 300mbps, real speed max about 60, 65mbps only on my 100mbps unifi

my pc use cable, that speed is test on phone

oh yes, then i just buy tp link ax20, until now free 300 mbps upgrade, full speed no complaint

This post has been edited by PJng: Feb 28 2024, 09:01 PM

lab condition vs home, ofc it wont be same la,, but, this MUCH of difference ka?
day light robbery la, 30 vs 300. i can replace adapter but this industry just seems filthy, just to make money.

all the software setting, on stock and stock SHOULD be enough in cases like this. Mine is not anything rare or specific case.
this is like average consumer situation. takkan ni pun Tm can't make sure their customers get it right. a simple thing.
When called, one of their suggestion is depend on 5ghz. So, how about 2.4ghz devices, not very old but old devices?


BUt the 20mhz vs 40mhz, will try soon and update. thanks.

i can do this, but can i ask, from where and what properties i should share here?
on router page(192 thing), it shows b/g/n mixed. i did try with n mode only, same result.

Simply spending money without knowing/being educated on existing issue is an easy way to waste money.
Also, by logic, current setup(which is paid, not free and companies advertised for those speed; isp, their router, my adapter, all), should be giving full speed, but, why it isn't ? Why?
Aren't they doing smthing wrong? Feels unfair or not good etique. Beza sikit takpe la. but hmm.

Thank you very much first of all, for reading it full.

"MCS (Modulation Code Scheme) 7 which is 64-QAM under 2x spacial data stream and using 40MHz band channel bandwidth."
for now, this is very new for me. BUt, thanks for sharing in detail, a lot.

BUt this MCS 7, QPSK, user tunable?

BUt I found out smthing.
Tried 40mhz from router page. Still same page.
Then i checked my adapter driver settings on device manager.
AND, while TpLink web page shows my adapter supports n mode, it does not show up on my pc.
same issue: https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/167518

and i can't find a way to fix this.
my card if also out of warranty, clueless now.

Most likely, it's your router. Try updating its firmware or resetting the router. Make sure you save your stuff. I last time use TL-WN881ND able to get 100Mbps+.

The reply in the link you provided explained why already. The router is the 802.11n router. So, by default it is in that mode. The reason for other selection is there because in case you want to force the router to operate in b or b/g mode only for whatever reason. The default Auto is n, b/g, or b automatically selected.

As I presumed, the router is already is using the 40MHz channel bandwidth and it is already maxed at 43Mbps.

The modulation of the modem is auto and user has no control over it. The modulation start from simple FSK in early day to more complex QAM. Nowadays, the modulation grouped as with BPSK, QPSK and QAM. It become mode complex because want to condense more data in single frequency. By doing so, the data is more sensitive to interference.

Your modem is capable up to 64-QAM modulation. Once the communication started, a handshake initiated between modem and client. It will try to talk in highest modulation (highest speed) which is 64-QAM with 5/6 BER (Bit-Error-Rate). If no reply from client, it means the client cannot hear or understand the "hello" because data is corrupted. Then the router will go one step lower speed (simpler modulation which is more robust than the one before) which is 64-QAM with 3/4 BER. Then it is still failed, it will drop to 64-QAM 2/3 BER, 16-QAM 3/4 BER, and so on until the communication is established.

You can refer in this page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ac-2013

The table is only up to 256-QAM. After that 512-QAM and even phone now capable of 1024-QAM which able to carry data rate in Gigabit range.

The Spacial Stream is usually related to number of antenna. Each antenna send data stream at slightly different space/time to the other one. This is another trick used to sent higher data rate. Your modem has 4 antennas? So, you should refer to Spacial Stream value of 2. Spec data sheet usually show 2 x 2. I think all phone now is having 2x2 antenna. Your adapter only has 2 antennas right? It can use 2 spatial too, transmit/receive through both antenna at same time. Remember that WiFI is not full duplex communication like LAN cable. It can only either transmit OR receive at any given time. So, effective data rate is only half the LAN cable which capable of transmit and receive both at the same time. For your modem it is transmitting on 2 antenna and receive on the other two. Mine has 8 antennas which is normally stated as 4 x 4.

I found this. and give it a try.

Actually there is no need to change the wifi adapter settings. It is the router job to facilitate every wifi adapter or device.

If you want to force the highest speed, then go into your router setting, force 802.11n mode on 2.4GHz wifi. Also force 40MHz aka dual channel. If your wifi adapter cant register your router, then try changing between drivers from MSFT and manufacturer. If still cannot find, then you switch to 80211.g (or switch to 20MHz first) and see it would register or not. Different wifi chip from different chip manufacturer also dont work properly together. You can google your router model + wiki and you will see the result that will show you the details of your router and wifi adapter chip and streams.

Lastly dont use the wireless properties to determine the transfer speed. Try to transfer a 100MB file to another device on LAN/wifi and see what speed you are getting.

What I can tell you is that those days, there are multiple wifi standards regarding N wifi. Initially it was designed as an improvement to 80211.g and the minimum spec was 3x3 streams dual channel. Each 2.4GHz running on 80211.n, dual channel was supposed to transfer 150Mbps per stream giving theoretical 450Mbps for 3x3 streams. However, soon after, everyone decided to come out with their own subpar router and still labeled them as wireless N standard.

This post has been edited by andrekua2: Feb 29 2024, 03:53 PM

Look, you can play with every single setting in your router but regardless it doesn't get any better than this

move to a better wifi card with 5Ghz and your issue is solved

long story short, dont ever bother with 2.4GHz again, the outdated protocol cant cope with our ever increasingly noisy environment,
otherwise why would they develop 5GHz and then 6GHz?

2.4 Ghz channel suggest configured to use 20 Mhz only
5 Ghz channel suggest configured to use 20/40 Mhz (for many wifi SSID neighbour, I advice keep 20 Mhz only)
6 Ghz channel suggest configured to use 20/40/80 Mhz (for many wifi SSID neighbour, I advice keep 20/40 Mhz)

Higher Mhz resulted more "lanes" for congestion reduction in multi-user environment, however the downside is increase in interference due to overlap channel with neighbour SSID.


Other parameters affected might due to:
a.) Many connected devices however MU-MIMO only 2x2;
b.) QoS settings was enabled;
c.) Airtime Fairnes settings was enabled.

This post has been edited by yeo1992cc: Feb 29 2024, 10:39 PM

That was a badly worded explanation. It's not related to N or G or 2.4GHz vs 5GHz. It affects all 802.11 based comms as long as they are half-duplex (which so far all of them are). I've said this similar thing numerous times before but lazy to look for it and lazy to compose it again. So here's my AI generated reply:

Unlike wired networks, where data can flow continuously over dedicated channels, Wi-Fi operates on a shared wireless medium. This means that all connected devices must compete for a limited pool of bandwidth on the available frequencies. Think of it like a single-lane road where multiple cars must take turns to avoid collisions.

Furthermore, Wi-Fi communication is half-duplex, meaning devices can only either send or receive data at a given time, not both simultaneously. This is similar to a two-way radio where only one person can speak at once. Every device on the network needs to wait its turn, leading to potential delays.

While techniques like Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM) are used in wired networks to divide the spectrum, allowing multiple data streams to flow simultaneously, this isn't directly applicable to Wi-Fi's shared medium. Instead, Wi-Fi relies on Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) to manage access to the shared channel. Devices essentially listen for a clear channel before transmitting, minimizing collisions but adding overhead.

Finally, the wireless signal in Wi-Fi exists only for a short duration – this temporal nature of the shared medium further emphasizes the need for devices to take turns. It's like having a pool of water that disappears quickly after being released, forcing multiple thirsty animals to wait in line to take a drink.

These limitations illustrate why Wi-Fi performance can be impacted by factors such as the number of devices on the network, the presence of interference, and the distance from the wireless access point.



Edit (by a human!): None of this answers your original question though. Have you tried changing to different channels? Try to only use channels 1,6, 11 whenever possible - It's the polite thing to do.

This post has been edited by niakulah: Mar 1 2024, 09:41 AM

Use a different WiFi channel. Block all unknown MAC addresses in connected device listing. Make sure no QoS limitation is set. You can change both settings in your router.

Ok lets test it now.

I have Unifi 500Mbps. Router is stock Unifi D-Link DIR-X3060Z AX-3000.

5Ghz Speed.



2.4Ghz Speed.



As you can see. The router can give very good 5Ghz speed, it just can't do anything for 2.4Ghz. A quick survey on Wi-Fi Analyzer, All the Channels from 1 to 11 are populated by 10 other access points around my area. So this band is very congested. Like i said, i have never gotten it way past 40Mbps in many places i tried. The max legacy hardware i tried it on was 750Mbps router on Wireless N. Still it would not budge pass 40Mbps. Now with latest AX hardware, it still will not budge pass 40Mbps on 2.4Ghz. Don't waste time on this.

Just want to busybody post my results as well. This is to a Cisco AP. Both 2.4Ghz and 5GHz I limited the SSID to 20MHz wide channel so it's a fair comparison.

5Ghz


2.4GHz

I don't think you will ever get 100Mbps on 2.4Ghz. My Nintendo switch gets a paltry 20Mbps or so on 2.4Ghz. The only device still using 2.4Ghz in my house is an 8bit retro computer...no choice. Can't find ESP module with 5Ghz Wifi AC.

WIFI is also same as any type of bandwidth. The more devices the lower the speed for everyone.

Thanks for suggesting. I have downloaded the firmware. But havent do the update yet.
Will that erase the login data- the one TM give when setting up unifi username and pin ?
I haven't do the update cause was busy for now, don't have the time to call TM yet.

bruuuhh,, haha.
this whole thread is talking about pcie adapter already. no usb adapter.
And my pc is open build, no casing.

BUt that spread spectrum as reason for electromagnetic emitter, makes sense now. Smthing new i learnt,, used to see it on motherboard bios.
Thank you for sharing.

Not sure, I haven't got the chance to do it. Just make sure you get the firmware that is supported with TM

no, as long you're using USB3, it will emits EMF, and why pc need casing, it act as shielding to absorb the EMF as well
open case pc allow the EMF escape freely.

Just showing What 5GHz router, RT-AC68U could do via bridge mode, network is 802.11AC 866mbps, then direct connect via USB-LAN adapter.

This router is really old that the power switch already broke, and dirty as heck, but i didnt throw away because im using Lappy and the internal WLAN is crap (Realtek 802.11AX)

Intesting drive W

Google drive assigned lol
drobox/onedrive are "Drive-less"

Oh, never know it will show on task manager
I don want link cloud drive, always use browser at manual mode

LOL TS, don't waste your time trying to get 100Mbps on 2.4Ghz hahaha, can get 40-50Mbps on 2.4Ghz also consider you lucky already. Those numbers on adapter box are just advertised speed, you will never get that speed...wifi is still wifi, they got weakness and travel through waves form and result may differ due to lots of interference.

This post has been edited by omg7788: Mar 27 2024, 12:14 AM

I can only get max 80mbps on 2.4ghz with Tm stock router, never achieve more than 100, i think that's limitation of 2.4ghz

80mbps is considered fast for decades old wireless standard, but the unbearable thing is the latency is high.

router and network plays important roles, i regualrly use remote access on other lappy for work, for some reason the latency is almost zero,
industrial router and latest wireless standard is really something.

Wireless will never get full bandwidth or speed.

At most, 20-30% only. The best is still physical cable.