I'm having some issues with my AX86U WiFi speed and I'm not sure if it's really broken or just acting up. My ISP provides up to 1000Mb, and I used to get 1.0G speeds on my S23 Ultra last year in March. In September, it dropped a bit, but I could still hit around 860Mb. Now, I can only reach a maximum of 400Mb despite testing it multiple times last week. My LAN-connected PC still hits 1.0G, which suggests it's not a server issue. I've tried using services like Fast and Speedtest, and my results have been low – averaging 250Mb download and 550Mb upload. I also ran some tests with iperf3, which showed speeds from 550Mb up to 820Mb, but it's not stable. I've tried various troubleshooting steps, like upgrading and downgrading the firmware, resetting the router, and changing the channel bandwidth, but nothing seems to help. My router has been in use for nearly three years, and I just want to get an RMA before the warranty is up. I'm not sure what speeds are normal for the AX86U with my device, especially since I feel like my WiFi speed should be better than this. Any advice?
3 Answers
It’s totally possible that after years of use, your router isn't performing at its best anymore. Even if everything seems to work fine, it's likely that performance might drop over time due to wear and internet infrastructure changes. Just make sure to document all the issues clearly when you approach the RMA, even if it feels like you don't have 'critical evidence'. It’ll help support your case for a replacement.
You might be connecting to the more stable 2.4GHz band if you're not seeing those speeds on 5GHz. If there are a lot of networks in range, it can congest the 5GHz channels, leading to poor performance. Ideally, for maximum speed, stick to a wired connection where possible. If you have a good WiFi antenna on your PC, consider setting up a 5GHz hotspot from there. It'll be closer to your devices and improve your connection compared to WiFi going through walls.
It sounds like you're dealing with some channel interference. Many people around you could be on the same channels, especially if their routers are set to 'Auto'. Even if you change channels manually, it doesn’t guarantee that the channel will be free of interference from neighbors. Plus, if you’re near any weather radar, it might trigger other channels to shut down temporarily. Honestly, if you want stable speeds, using a wired connection is always the best way to go. WiFi is just too susceptible to interference from surrounding networks, especially for high speeds.
Running your tests on the 2.4GHz band won't give you those 1000Mb rates anyway. It's also worth noting that changing channel bandwidth would only apply if you’re indeed on the 5GHz range. Just make sure you’re not connected to the slower band.