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(most routers will automatically turn these off if the router is correctly configured for
the country).
2. Disable band steering.
Some routers offer a feature called ‘band steering.’ The idea is that the router will
automatically place a device onto the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz depending on which is best
for that device at the time. Again, some routers are better at this than others, with
some preferring to stick with a weaker 5 GHz network rather than switching to a
stringer 2.4 GHz network.
3. Disable combined SSID and operate separate 2.4 GHz and 5GHz channels.
Some devices allow you to set the same name/password for both 2.4 GHz and
5 GHz channels of your router. This can be very useful, but some devices do seem
to want to default connecting to 2.4 GHz when 5 GHz would be better, and vice
versa. Maintaining separate 2.4 GHz and 5GHz networks will help with optimising
bandwidth by allowing you to manage what devices are placed on which network.
Mesh networks and Wi-Fi extenders
Mesh networks and Wi-Fi extenders can be very useful tools to improve network
coverage in the home. However, they must be planned and installed correctly
for the best performance. The information below is a summary of mesh network
considerations - for more technical details or assistance in setting up a mesh network,
please refer to the manufacturer or an expert network device retailer.
The most important thing to remember is that they are effectively repeaters – they
receive data from the router, and then pass it on to the next node or device. This
adds latency (delay), but they are also limited by available bandwidth – the connection
between a router and a node is subject to the same issues outlined earlier – distance,
obstructions and interference.
So, when designing a mesh network or planning where to place Wi-Fi extenders,
budget for more nodes than you think you need, and place them closer together. This
will help maximise the potential bandwidth.
It is also worth noting that different router manufacturers handle mesh technology
differently, and there may be compatibility issues with networked devices. If this is
the case when using a KEF wireless speaker system, please send a support request,
including the speaker logs, through the KEF Connect app.
