Superhub Superhub 3 - best/optimal wireless channel?

bolgerp · 05-02-2018, 14:47

Hi guys... apologies if this has been dealt with elsewhere but I can't easily find an answer that isn't conflicting.

My SH3 is currently on automatic channel selection. Should I switch it to a static one and, if so, what's the best channel(s) to go for? I have noticed recently that my speed in my bedroom is quite slow but the signal strength is very good). I find that resetting the hub can fix this for a while but then it slows down again. I assume this might be because of automatic channel changes (maybe it isn't)... nothing else in my set up has changed or in the environment so there might be channel congestion, maybe?

pip08456 · 05-02-2018, 16:04

The best channel to go for would be the one that returns best results for you in your area.

Each area is different an subject to different types of interference, number of others on same channel etc.

Trial and error works well but if you have a windows PC download InSSIDer to see who is using which channels in your area.

RobboEdin · 05-02-2018, 16:22

..or if WiFi performance degrades, do as you are doing and let the Auto perimeter choose the best channel at that time by resetting.

pip08456 · 05-02-2018, 16:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobboEdin

..or if WiFi performance degrades, do as you are doing and let the Auto perimeter choose the best channel at that time by resetting.

I've yet to find an ISP supplied router with autochannel selection select anything but the most used and congested channel.

I look forward to being educated on this.

General Maximus · 05-02-2018, 18:38

yeah, I thought the auto selector on the shub just meant it defaulted to channel 6 instead of starting at channel 1.

Have you tried disabling 2.4ghz and using 5ghz only?

With regards to Pip's suggestion, I have got an app on my phone just for fun called wifi analyser which will do the same thing as what Pip is suggesting. You can see the signal strength from whatever device you are using to the access point, what channel you are currently connected on and the quality of the available channels so you know if you would be better off switching. The BT and VM access points are not mine and you should note that two of them are using channel 11 which is why I am assuming they have got a 0 rating and the app does not recommend using them.

RobboEdin · 05-02-2018, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by pip08456

I've yet to find an ISP supplied router with autochannel selection select anything but the most used and congested channel.

I look forward to being educated on this.

A useful screenshot from a Virgin Media help file:

cje85 · 05-02-2018, 20:44

'Auto' will choose channel 1, 6 or 11 depending on which is the clearest at the time the hub boots up. It won't change channel at any other time, unlike more advanced routers. If a nearby network moves to the same channel the VM hub won't do anything until the next reboot.

Remember to stick to channels 1, 6 or 11 to avoid overlapping channels. VM offshore support will very often change it to a totally random overlapping channel which only serves to makes things worse for the customer and their neighbours.

https://www.metageek.com/training/re...ls-1-6-11.html

General Maximus · 05-02-2018, 21:24

the whole thing is still rubbish. You shouldn't be having to reboot your router every day or two just to get the wifi to work. I can count on one hand the number of times I have rebooted my router in the last 10 years (seriously).

Matth · 06-02-2018, 02:25

14? Don't think we're allowed that one!

Yes, I use Wifi Analyzer on Android - but you also need to back it up with Speedtest (OOkla) - I find that there is a clear channel which is absolutely useless, but scored as a good choice by Analyzer as it can't see non-Wifi interference.

It is also regrettable that we seem to end up on the US 1-11 default of 1, 6, 11 - as with the UK/EU 1-13, channels 1, 5, 9, 13 (and in rare circumstances, wide 1+5 & 9+13) would be a better choice, giving four non-overlapping channels and the option of two wide or 1 wide plus 2 narrow

One other thing - Wifi analyser is confused if you have a second SSID - it treats it as a congestion and will apply that penalty to the current channel even if nothing else is sharing

bolgerp · 06-02-2018, 09:25

Cheers for the advice guys.... will have a play with the various options later this evening.

pip08456 · 06-02-2018, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matth

14? Don't think we're allowed that one!

Yes, I use Wifi Analyzer on Android - but you also need to back it up with Speedtest (OOkla) - I find that there is a clear channel which is absolutely useless, but scored as a good choice by Analyzer as it can't see non-Wifi interference.

It is also regrettable that we seem to end up on the US 1-11 default of 1, 6, 11 - as with the UK/EU 1-13, channels 1, 5, 9, 13 (and in rare circumstances, wide 1+5 & 9+13) would be a better choice, giving four non-overlapping channels and the option of two wide or 1 wide plus 2 narrow

One other thing - Wifi analyser is confused if you have a second SSID - it treats it as a congestion and will apply that penalty to the current channel even if nothing else is sharing

Channel 14 exists and as such is picked up by Wifi Analyzer. It is just not licensed for use in this and other countries but not all. Japan uses it as do others.