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Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)

Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)

Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
a week ago
Tags: #Firmware Update #Band Selection #Network Connectivity
Model: Archer NX200  
Hardware Version: V1
Firmware Version: 1.4.0 3.0.0 v60a2.0 Build 240814 Rel.58842n

Country: Italy

SIM Operator: Iliad

 

Issue 1:
I have been using the Archer NX200 router for two months. During the first month, the router connected correctly to the 5G NSA network, providing good download and upload performance, as well as strong signal reception (Bands N28 + B7, B3, B20).

 

However, since the router updated to the latest firmware version, it no longer connects to 5G. Instead, it prefers LTE Plus over 5G. When I insert the SIM card into a smartphone, the 5G network is detected and functions correctly.

 

I suspect the issue is that the LTE signal is stronger than the 5G signal, and the router prioritizes LTE. Unfortunately, this results in significantly lower performance.
I am unable to force the router to connect to 5G because it is a 5G NSA network: if I set the connection to "5G Only," the router disconnects from the network entirely.

 

It would be helpful if the next firmware update included an option to prioritize network selection, similar to the settings available on smartphones.

 

Waiting for updates, how can I resolve this issue now?

 

Issue 2 (correlated to 1):

At the moment, the router is connected to the B20 and B3 bands in LTE Plus.
When I perform a manual search, these bands are not detected and therefore cannot be selected manually; they can only be selected automatically.
The same behavior occurs with the N28 band (5G NSA).

 

As a result, any manual configuration is overridden, and you are forced to rely entirely on automatic selection.

 

 

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9 Reply
Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
a week ago

  @ahbello 

 

Hi, welcome to our community.

To assist you efficiently, I've forwarded your case to the TP-Link support engineers who will contact you with your registered email address later. Please pay attention to your email box for follow-up.

Welcome to share solution here if the problem is resolved.

Thank you and best regards.

Check Out the Latest Posts: Archer GE550 - BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller. Archer BE550 New Software Enhances System Stability and Optimizes MLO Network Stability. TL-WA3001 Supports EasyMesh, Speed Limit, Guest Network in AP Mode and/or Multi-SSID Mode.
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#2
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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
a week ago

  @ahbello 

 

Try placing the device in windows open area,  I saw big difference in signal level behind wall / indoors vs open-sky area.

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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
a week ago - last edited a week ago

@Marvin_S 

Thank you, I truly appreciate your assistance. I’m currently waiting for the developers to get in touch with me.

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#4
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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
a week ago

  @ahbello 

 

I also see my side 5G bands are selected with lower signal quality.  N77 -90db or less over N78+N40  -78 to -89db.

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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
a week ago

  @myag 

 

I’ve already tried a few solutions. At the moment, the router is positioned inside the house near a window on the first floor. I have also:

  1. Placed the router outside the window.
  2. Installed passive external antennas, positioning them both inside and outside.

Unfortunately, neither approach was successful.

 

I also performed a 5G signal mapping throughout the house using my smartphone. Regrettably, there are no areas of the house with a consistently strong and stable signal. While I could consider installing external antennas on the roof, this would require significant effort and expense, with no guarantee of improvement. Moreover, I live in an area with few houses around and the operator's tower is about 500 meters away.

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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
Monday

  @ahbello 

Hi, I think your current issue could be explained here:

Do Archer/Deco 5G routers support 5G SA and NSA?

Best regards.

▶Wi-Fi 7 Deco New Firmware Versions Ready for Test ▶Deco M5 Newly Introduced Advanced Parental Control Features ▶Meet Us at CES 2025! ▶KidShield Now Open for Trial! Try to leave a Message if urgent help is required.
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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
Monday

  @David-TP 

 

Modem selecting lower signal bands exists in NSA bands N77 vs N78 in my network.  I forced modem to N40+N78 and could see stable connection for 72hours and signal level never went lower than N77.

 

Also shared feedback to support personnel with my observations.

 

Yasin

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#8
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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
Monday

  @David-TP 

Hi, I’m not sure how the thread you mentioned helps solve the issue. It does confirm that my Archer NX200 router supports 5G NSA, but I already knew that.

 

As I mentioned in my first post, the router connected to 5G NSA on the N28 band during the first month. Recently, it stopped doing that. At first, I thought it might be due to some changes in the operator’s network. However, when I insert the SIM into a smartphone, it connects to 5G immediately.

I’m attaching a screenshot from an app where the smartphone was placed in the same spot as the router.

 

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#9
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Re:Archer NX200 prefers LTE connection instead of 5G (even if available)
Monday

  @myag 

Thanks so much for taking an interest in my issue—I really appreciate it!


Unfortunately, I can’t force the modem to connect to those specific bands. As I mentioned in my first post, when I do a manual search, bands like N28 and B20 aren’t detected and can’t be selected manually. They can only be selected automatically.
As a result, I have no control over the router’s band selection.

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#10
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Information

Helpful: 0

Views: 263

Replies: 9

Tags

Firmware Update Band Selection Network Connectivity
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