MacBook Pro keeps dropping 5ghz wifi signal

rvny2012 Said:

"MacBook keeps dropping 5ghz wifi signal: [...]I tend to notice this when I’m on a Zoom call[...].“

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Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. Zoom Meeting Settings), system configurations (i.e. for Networking) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM. Try performing each thrice. It may take some time. So. certain you have the time to perform these resets.

To reduce the number of failure messages, set your IPv6 to "link-local ONLY", if available. This will not impact most operating characteristics, but IPv6 is used for local Network Printer discovery.

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To take a snapshot if your Wi-Fi operating, hold down the Option key while clicking on the Wi-Fi Icon on the menubar. you get a snapshot similar to this older one:

please report the parameters displayed, and also:

¿How many Networks do you see?

You have excellent raw signal (RSSI) at -44. and that yields signal-to-noise of 92-44 or 48, truly excellent.

You are using 802.11n modulation, and the best you can achieve with the three antennas and the most complex modulation method is what you are achieving, 450M bits/sec.

You did not show how many networks are listed under "Other networks", an indication of how much competition for the airwaves exists in your "network neighborhood". That is a common reason for dropped connections, i.e, competition on the exact same channel or nearby channels. You can observe this directly by using the "scan" pane in wireless diagnostics. looks like this:

(drag and drop on Preview to see larger, or create your own)

You should be certain your Router is set for "automatic" channel selection. Then when you cycle its power, it will wake up and sniff the airwaves for competing traffic, and choose the least-busy channel.

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A newer Router would give you access to Wi-Fi 6, where that same combination could yield 600 M bits/sec, and use of an 80 MHz data channel could produce 1300 M Bits/sec.

what the scan pane does not show you is Spectrum utilization, because each data stream spills over into adjacent channels. WiFi explorer, and inexpensive utility with a free trial period, can show you that:

you can seer that in this case, use of ANY channel in the 36 to 50 area consumes ALL the available channels there.

Do you have other computers in the home?

Personally, I would consider getting a different router (from a store that will accept a return of an open item) and give it a try for at least a week or so. Spectrum may be willing to provide you with one.

Does your computer have issues anywhere else?

~Lyssa

The snapshot you posted before showed your Router on channel 161. On theses displays, there is nothing on channel 161.

Instead, they show you on channel 40, fighting against two of your neighbors' routers in the same part of the spectrum. The competition from your neighbors is what will drop your ability to use advanced modulation and multiple antennas, slow your transmit rate, and eventually knock you off the air.

Make sure your router is set for "automatic" channel selection, then cycle its power to have it choose the least-busy, most productive channel.

It is not an accident that every debugging procedure starts with, "cycle the power to your Router".

rvny2012 Said:

"Thank you, yes, I forgot to mention that I had reset SMC and NVRAM, but only once each. I’ll try twice more."

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Range Extender:

If you have a light connection, and it keeps going away, then try a Range Extender, to amplify the signal.

How many years have you had the modem and/or router? These devices sometimes need updates and usually do need to be replaced after 5 years or so.

~Lyssa