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Howard2k

macrumors 603
Mar 10, 2016
5,688
5,603


Excellent. You likely have the choice of using the 5GHz and 2.4Ghz as a single network or as separate networks. I recommend using them as separate networks for now until you have a handle on any signal strength and performance related issues.

2.4GHz is more susceptible to interference, but the range is significantly better. For that reason, I would split the networks and repeat the tests using both the 2.4Ghz network and the 5GHz network and see if one is a better fit than the other.

At home, for example, I have networks called Home and Home-5G. I tell some devices to connect to Home (my 2.4GHz network) and some devices to connect to Home-5G (my 5GHz network), depending how I use those devices.

One thing to be aware of is that the TP-Link 1200 is only using two antenna for a peak of 867Mb/s in the 5GHz space, but your 2015 or later MBPro (with the exception of the 13" nTB version) is capable of 1.3Gb/s. If you're not moving significant data locally (and it sounds like you're not), there's no difference. It's something to be aware of, but if you're only really sending data to the Internet it's not material. Don't get sucked in to buying something faster for the sake of buying something faster, but always good to know what you're buying. :) That looks like good bang for the buck.
 

Sovon Halder

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 3, 2016
563
181
India
It's been a few hours in the new router (AC1200 TP-Link).

Initial impression is good. The 2.4Ghz channel seems to be more stable. When I say stable, I mean it's holding the signal better than last router. I'm getting full speed when door is open and around 25mbps when door is closed.

Last night in a diagnosis it said that I'm in a heavily crowded area and it strongly suggested me to move towards a more open area for better reception. I've never seen anything like that before in the past dozens of tests. I do get that, being in the corner most position in the corner most room of the house which is literally next to neighbours kitchen in floors above and below, would put me in a less than ideal position.

Regardless, the 5Ghz seems better to me. Even when doors are closed getting a solid signal strength and test result. Tx rates are also high. For the 2.4 band it's high but for 5G band is way higher. And there is something else. I think. If I move laptop to the worst possible position where I've always received the ********* signal, the connection still drops, not as bad as before. But after a while, couple of minutes, it gets better, way better. As good as it gets. I think beamforming isn't a gimmick if that's what is at play here.

Look at this, the speed in the menu bar and the stats in the dropdown. This is the place for possible the weakest reception at farthest point.

Screen Shot 2018-08-18 at 6.21.50 PM.png


I'm yet to use it a bit more so I can confidently say that my problem is solved. But I'm happy with the result so far.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and guides while I was frustrated over this. I'll check the range vs noise when I get time.
 
Last edited:

jerryk

macrumors 604
Nov 3, 2011
7,421
4,208
SF Bay Area
Great. 5GHz is usually less crowded so there is less chance of interference. 2.4 Ghz is the same as cordless telephones and microwave ovens in addition to Wifi.
 
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