best channel to use for 5GHZ Mode in AIRPORT EXTREME?

N does have more range. One thing you might want to try is turn off wifi for the router you don't want to use to minimize wireless interference.

See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365 for more.

I wish I could give you more info re your iphone. Temporarily have your iphone forget all wifi networks but the extreme's so that it can't switch wifi networks behind the scenes. This might explain why it goes from 2 to 3 bars suddenely, it might be changing wifi networks for you because one has better recepetion.

See this table for more info regarding range. Indoor range for G is approx 38 meters and N is 70 meters, outdoor range is higher because there are fewer objects for the signal to reflect or bounce from — the path the signal travels on is not as obstructed. see, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11

Turn off all other WIFI radios that you can to provide your extreme a 'clean' environment to work in. The shape of your home might be a factor which can impact network performance as experienced on your iphone.

I would do the following, visit speedtest.net or download the speedtest iphone app. Before the steps, consider turning off all network activity, for example other downloads/streaming going on and turn off wifi, if possible, on other routers to reduce interfernce, see HT1365 article for more on that.

1) run the speed test near the router (same room as extreme)

2) walk away from the extreme, where you see less wifi bars and test again

3) compare results of test.

Hope this helps.

Ahh, how could I forget…

Consider this:

Alt click your WIFI icon

You will see your network display but with extra info (you need to do this on a mac). To see info about other networks simply hover over those networks and a yellow note displays.

Take note of the channel and PHY Modes neighbouring networks use. If any network is using a channel that you are using then really consider altering the channel your Extreme is using, especially if the PHY Mode is the same.

If you are not sure what to do, take note of the Channels and PHY Modes and reply to me with those and I can better advise you what to do.

No

The iPhone 5 has the best wifi antenna gain for the 5 GHz band on channel 36.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6330/the-iphone-5-review/20

Also it supports 40 MHz channel width.

Best settings are:N only, 40 MHz, channel 36.

Coincidentally channel 36 is the only channel the Apple TV 3 will ever use the second wifi antenna.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5687/apple-tv-3-2012-mini-review/3

so it's the best config too. (only 20 MHz tho)

So would it make since that if I have ATV I should lock 5ghz channel to 36?

Yes, best settings for iPhone 5 and Apple TV 3gen on 5 GHz Wi-Fi are:

mode: N only

channel: 36

bandwidth: 40 MHz

Edit

Deleted message....posted to wrong thread.

Ok now I'm really confused...my AEBS only gives me the options of 802.11a/n - 802.11b/g/n (automatic), 802.11a/n - 802.11b/g, or 802.11a - 802.11b/g ?

Also ,I don't see an option for bandwidth under "wireless options"?

I'm concerned that my ATV is behind two walls and will not pick up the 5ghz signal. I have never had any issues, up until recently, downloading HD movies. I am trying to trouble shoot my end before I start the process of blaming my ISP!

Thanks

36, 40, 44, 48 if you are using mac book pro's.... upper channels aren't supported

36, 40, 44, 48 if you are using mac book pro's.... upper channels aren't supported

Wondering why my Mac Book Pro has operated just fine for the last 4 years using Channels 149, 153, 157 and 161.

From System Report:

Supported Channels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165

Hi Bob,

People should check supported Wifi channels in the wifi section on the System info on their Mac. Your observation is extremely useful to clear why this happens. Thanx