Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices

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Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
2022-03-08 16:25:02
Model: Archer A7  
Hardware Version: V5
Firmware Version: Archer A7(US)_V5_211022

I purchased this router for my aunt who recently moved close to me. She has Spectrum internet and I was able to set up the router to get her access. However, she constantly experiences connectivity issue with her iPhone. Initially, I had her power cycle the modem and router and that worked, but the problem came back. I went over and logged in and noticed a firmware upgrade was available. I upgraded and rebooted. This fixed it temporarily again. I went back to her house and split the two bands and renamed her 5.0 GHz band to a different SSID. I used a wifi analyzer to put her on good channels. I also disabled NAT boost and power cycled again. This always resolves temporarily, but she once again has no connectivity on her phone. It definitely appears to be something with the router as her TV continues to stream throughout the whole time. The tv never experiences service interruptions. I've seen this same issue happen on two different iPhones now and my Motorolla Android phone. We had all received a message basically saying that the wifi was connected, but there appeared to be no internet access. Again, I know that is not true because the tv was streaming simultaneously. Do you have any recommendations? We're to the point where she wants to replace the router. We've contacted Spectrum and they say that their modem has been working fine. I'm out of ideas. 
 

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Re:Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
2022-03-08 18:45:29

  @BenGr 

 

If the TV is also connected to the WiFi it wouldn't be the wireless persay.  It would point to that is all devices on the WiFi were having the same issue.  I do know that iPhones tend to have connectivity issues when the channels are set to the lower frequencies.  For 5GHz try channel 149 and up.  For 2.4GHz channel 11.  If that is what you are set to.  I would like to see a capture of your logs to analyze further. 

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Re:Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
2022-03-08 21:43:36

  Hi @Carl, I've not tested the 5.0 GHz band to be honest. When I separated the two bands with unique SSIDs, I didn't even bother mentioning this to my aunt. She is in her 70s and it is just easier for me to leave her on the 2.4GHz. I liked the idea of the devices being able to switch between the bands, but I was thinking it may have been causing the issue if the devices were getting stuck between switching from one band to the other. I can't confirm what channel the 2.4GHz is on right now. I know that I either changed it to 11 or 6. I'm leaning towards 6 because I think it was the least populated channel. She lives in a mobile park for seniors and it seems like they're all broadcasting wi-fi. I chose the least congested looking channel. For 5.0GHz I definitely picked one of the higher channels. I believe I actually set 149. I will have to confirm at a later date. I thought I had configured remote management access, but apparently I didn't do it right. I may be able to head back to her house later this week and confirm the settings along with grabbing the logs.  

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Re:Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
2022-03-09 14:48:32

  @BenGr 

 

It would appear to be a 'phone' issue possibly...

 

I say that because phones move and TV's do not? Also, there could be a lot of 'metal' in the walls of a mobile home... or even stronger interference in some areas. If you can, run the Network Analyzer where the connection tends to drop.

 

Also check with NO SECURITY to see if ti works that way on the phones. Also turn off PRIVATE WIFI ADDRESS on the iPhones, see if that helps.

 

I'd put all the phones on the 5Ghz SSID, as they will reach further than the 2,4Ghz SSID which tends to lose signal power sooner.,

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Re:Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
2022-03-09 15:41:20

  @IrvSp I do agree that it appears to be phone related as of now. No similarity between phone models as I have seen this happening with two different model iPhones and two different model Androids. I did run an Ethernet cable underneath her flooring. I did find the studs are all wood, but there definitely is some metal beams in the flooring. I don't think that would cause any issues though. Additionally, I think you have your bands confused. 2.4 GHz definitely has better range, but does not perform as well as 5.0 GHz when it is in range with a good signal. The larger frequency of the 5.0 GHz doesn't give it the range that 2.4 GHz has. I'm planning on going back to her house on Thursday or Friday for one last ditch effort. I'm going to be viewing the logs for any clues. I plan on flashing OpenWRT at some point as a last resort. I've already ordered a replacement router set to be here on Monday. I'm really surprised with the performance as I have this same router in my house and I bought and installed one for my Dad who also happens to live in a senior mobile home park. 

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Re:Wifi Constantly drops for mobile devices
2022-03-09 16:02:48

  @BenGr 

 

Sorry, you are right, 2.4Ghz goes further than 5Ghz but it decays faster. 5Ghz provides at distance a stronger signal usually, but does drop off faster.

 

You didn't mention the distance when the phones drop, away from the router out of line of sight, or right next to the router.

 

Might even need a repeater using the power line type if it isn't the router and another one does the same thing? Might want to bring your router to there and see?

 

We've got both an iPhone (and some iPad's) as well as an Android phone. The Android is less reliable the further away from the router.... and my iPad Pro is better than my wife's older iPad Pro (2018 vs. 2016 models). I suspect the chipset antennae being used in them.

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