Why is my 5Ghz connection unreliable?

Question

Level 4

1,290 points

Why is my 5Ghz connection unreliable?

I have a dual-band AE, with "5GHz Network Name" selected and showing in the menu with 5 bars of strength on both my MacBook Pro and iMac. However the network constantly defaults to the Network Name which is not 5GHz (and I presume to be lower speed). How can I force my computers to stay connected at 5Ghz? (Both are capable.) Or possibly they are connecting even to the non-specified network at 5Ghz and the 5GHz specified network is purposeless? The only other unique aspect I know of to my set-up is that I also have a guest network used by my wife for her PC.

MacBook Pro 3,1, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 8, 2009 4:19 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 8, 2009 4:45 PM in response to Satchmo

Welcome to the discussions!

The higher frequencies in the 5 GHz band are absorbed by any walls, ceilings, or obstructions much more quickly than 2.4 GHz signals. Many users are finding that unless you almost have line-of-sight between the router and computer, that you may have a better quality signal at 2.4 GHz. In return for "speed", you must give up penetration power and distance with 5 GHz

Your computer will automatically connect to the best quality signal that it sees. If you want to force the computer to connect to the 5 GHz band even though it may not be the best connection, you can do the following:

Insure that your computer is connected to the 5 GHz network by placing it close to the router. Hold down the "option" key on your computer and click the AirPort icon at the top of your screen to confirm that you are on 5 GHz. Note the exact network name.

Open System Preference and click on Network
Click the AirPort connection on the left to highlight it
Click Advanced at the lower right
Drag the 5 GHz network name to the top of the connection list so that your computer will connect to that network first

Reply

Answer 2

Satchmo Author

Level 4

1,290 points

Dec 8, 2009 4:52 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks, Bob. I'm generally about 35 feet away from base, and not quite line-of-sight. The 5GHz net seems to work well while it is selected. I've done as you suggested with the network order. It may just be defaulting to the less speedy net when I reboot the Mac.

Reply

Answer 3

Dec 8, 2009 5:10 PM in response to Satchmo

+It may just be defaulting to the less speedy net when I reboot the Mac.+

I'm not sure why this would occur if you have reset the connection order. Will try to investigate this.

If you don't want to connect to the 2.4 GHz network with a given computer, you may need to delete the 2.4 GHz connection in this same Advanced window.

Reply

Answer 4

Satchmo Author

Level 4

1,290 points

Dec 16, 2009 8:44 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Unfortunately my wife uses the slower band for her PC, so I can't delete it.

Reply

Answer 5

Dec 16, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Satchmo

+Unfortunately my wife uses the slower band for her PC, so I can't delete it.+

When you delete a network connection as I described above, you do it for that specific computer. If you delete the 2.4 GHz network connection on your computer under the Advanced tab, it will have no affect on the PC's ability to connect to that network.

The AirPort Extreme will still be broadcasting the 2.4 GHz signal, you have simply told your computer that the 2.4 GHz connection does not exist. Your computer will not connect to the 2.4 GHz connection unless you manually search for the network, select it and tell your computer to remember it.

Reply