Hi, I am struggling with an unstable network connection issue. I do not have full download speed, internet crashes very often. I hope that the attachments will explain everything, they were made according to the topic wireless network diagnostics. I will only add that my equipment is Archer T4E,...

The card has detachable antennas, so yes. Two options are possible: 1. Unscrew the existing antennas and move them to another place, using the appropriate cables (jumpers). 2. The use of new antennas with higher gains (panel, microstrip). Just remember that each stick has two ends. By using the antenna elevation, on the one hand, a higher signal level in the antenna and its higher quality can be obtained, if directional (panel) antennas are used, which automatically translates into an increase in transfer speed. But the cable connecting the antenna to the card suppresses the signal significantly at 2.4GHz and 5GHz. 1 meter for standard cables has the attenuation: 2.4GHz: ~ 0.4 ... 0.5dB (depending on the type of cable) 5.0GHz: ~ 0.6 ... 0.7dB (depending on cable type) If there is a connector next to the antenna , then you have to add 1.5 ... 2dB losses on this link. Unfortunately, connectors and their installation in home appliances can be tragic, so it's better to assume a worse variant. Therefore, it is worth using antennas with a built-in cable equipped with an appropriate connector for the card. So, for example, with 3 meters and a cable built into the antenna, we would have attenuation q in the range of 1.8 ... 2.7 dB, and the gain from antenna elevation could be, say, a few dozen decibels, so it could be a plus. Unfortunately, it's a radio, and you can't predict anything exactly here, so in this case only tests could show specific results, but life shows that if you don't overdo the cable length and connectors, you usually have a lot of advantages. And one more trick, maybe not very professional, but effective. Taking the current antennas above the desk and adding home-made screens to them. Adding a shield always increases the gain of the antennas in the forward direction. Raising the profit to three decibels in theory, in life 2.5 ... 2.8 can be achieved calmly. Added after 27 [minutes]: EDIT: And, with the jumper, first of all, you need to check the connectors. Unscrew the antenna from the card and check the type of connectors. They should be SMA-RP, but who knows ... The jumper should have 2.4 and 5GHz attenuation. Otherwise, you buy a pig in a poke, the suppression can be any ...

There can be several reasons for low speed: 1. You may be connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi which is slower than 5 GHz. 2. It is possible that the router has factory-set limits for one device connected via Wi-Fi. 3. The range of the Wi-Fi receiver is small on your pc. (If possible, go as close to the router as possible and see if the speed increases) 4. The transmitter on the router itself may be weak. (Here is the same as in 3 points.)

Unfortunately, 6 meters plus a partition wall is a challenge for 5GHz. Although there is no distortion, the level is quite good, so there could be more. You have an internal or USB wifi card in your computer - maybe a type? If you don't know the type, how many antennas? Fixed or detachable antennas? And where is the internet unstable - speed or ping?

It connects to 5GHz and the range shows it's perfect. Despite the fact that the range is about 90-95%, does it take into account the obstacles on the road?

Well, for 5GHz it can have an impact, especially if there is an electrician in the wall.

These percentages are, in your opinion, in relation to what exactly? Obstacles determine the signal level. If you were at the router itself, it is possible that you would have a signal around twenty-few, thirty-dBm, so at these 6 meters with the door you catch some 20 ... 30dB signal loss. But, in fact, the transfer could be much, much more. Is it a n or ac connection? You didn't answer what card, how many antennas.

I see. I included all the answers in the post that opened the topic. Archer T4E, 2 Antennas, AC.

Sorry, I was reading too fast. One thing is the location of the antennas - low to the floor, probably close to the wall, and maybe the router on the opposite side of the case. There may be interference from the computer itself and its power supply. Have you tried to get your PC to the desk and align it with the antennas towards the router? The second thing is the connection settings. Have you checked if you are really ac-connected?

And the first problem - the desk is an obstacle to the wifi signal. Compal has the so-called Smart Wifi - that is, the name of the SSID of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks is identical. But this means that some devices can not cope with it (because it connects to 2.4GHz and not 5GHz). To somehow remedy this and know what network we are actually connecting to, we should give different SSID network names for 2.4GHz and for 5GHz. You probably have an active IPv6 as well, it is recommended to turn it off. To use this option, after logging in to the My UPC website, enter the Help tab, select the Internet there and then select what the problem is: After verifying your services, the system will display the following message: The order has been accepted for execution, the change to the old version of the IPv4 protocol will take place within an hour. After this time, it is necessary to reset the device with a thin tool (eg with a toothpick or paper clip) of the button located in a small hole on the back of the modem, described as RESET. After this, your modem will work in IPv4 addressing. Of course, after a button reset, the whole Compal will go back to its initial settings and you will have to set everything up again with this wifi network split. So start off by disabling that IPv6 first.

Ok, I'll try to do the ipv6 with this. Another question arises - is it possible to buy external antennas on the cable for the Archer T4E network card? So that the antennas are outside the desk, as close to the router as possible.

To be sure about choosing an extension cable, I attach photos of what the herring and antenna look like -

Unstable wireless network connection - Archer T4E - Connect Box

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#1 18576606 31 Mar 2020 19:31

Skowra Skowra

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18576606 31 Mar 2020 19:31

Hi, I am struggling with an unstable network connection issue. I do not have full download speed, internet crashes very often. I hope that the attachments will explain everything, they were made according to the topic "wireless network diagnostics. I will only add that my equipment is Archer T4E, which is connected to the Connect box (UPC, 300Mbps speed). After the cable, the internet works normally, but unfortunately I I can't use the cable because the router is in the other room The computer is 6m away from the router in a straight line with a plasterboard wall on the way The computer is placed under the desk.

All screenshots available at the link - https://imgur.com/a/Q0owhDi

And the log from WinMTR (worked about 40 mins):
| WinMTR statistics |

| Host -% | Sent | Recv | Best | Avrg | Wrst | Last |

| ------------------------------------------------ | ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |

| 192.168.0.1 - 100 | 394 | 2 | 5 | 358 | 712 | 712 |

| 89-78-216-1.dynamic.chello.pl - 1 | 1947 | 1944 | 6 | 22 | 2144 | 12 |

| 89-75-12-1.infra.chello.pl - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 5 | 20 | 2140 | 20 |

| pl-poz01a-rd1-ae-10-2119.aorta.net - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 16 | 30 | 2159 | 22 |

| pl-waw04a-rc1-ae-11-2110.aorta.net - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 15 | 32 | 2154 | 25 |

| pl-waw26b-ri1-ae-3-0.aorta.net - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 16 | 30 | 2439 | 22 |

| 72.14.222.250 - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 16 | 30 | 2152 | 23 |

| 108.170.250.209 - 1 | 1951 | 1949 | 16 | 30 | 2444 | 22 |

| 216.239.41.133 - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 17 | 30 | 2445 | 25 |

| waw02s14-in-f3.1e100.net - 1 | 1955 | 1954 | 14 | 22 | 2151 | 18 |

| ________________________________________________ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | [/ code]

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#2 18576680 31 Mar 2020 19:47

ZaGRAmY ZaGRAmY

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18576680 31 Mar 2020 19:47

There can be several reasons for low speed:
1. You may be connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi which is slower than 5 GHz.
2. It is possible that the router has factory-set limits for one device connected via Wi-Fi.
3. The "range" of the Wi-Fi receiver is small on your pc. (If possible, go as close to the router as possible and see if the speed increases)
4. The transmitter on the router itself may be weak. (Here is the same as in 3 points.)
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#3 18576692 31 Mar 2020 19:50

Anonymous Anonymous

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18576692 31 Mar 2020 19:50

Unfortunately, 6 meters plus a partition wall is a challenge for 5GHz. Although there is no distortion, the level is quite good, so there could be more.

You have an internal or USB wifi card in your computer - maybe a type? If you don't know the type, how many antennas? Fixed or detachable antennas?

And where is the internet unstable - speed or ping?
#4 18577328 31 Mar 2020 22:18

Skowra Skowra

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18577328 31 Mar 2020 22:18

It connects to 5GHz and the range shows it's perfect. Despite the fact that the range is about 90-95%, does it take into account the obstacles on the road?
#5 18577344 31 Mar 2020 22:21

ZaGRAmY ZaGRAmY

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18577344 31 Mar 2020 22:21

Well, for 5GHz it can have an impact, especially if there is an electrician in the wall.
#6 18577427 31 Mar 2020 22:51

Anonymous Anonymous

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18577427 31 Mar 2020 22:51

Skowra wrote:
Despite the fact that the range is about 90-95%, does it take into account the obstacles on the road?
These percentages are, in your opinion, in relation to what exactly?

Obstacles determine the signal level. If you were at the router itself, it is possible that you would have a signal around twenty-few, thirty-dBm, so at these 6 meters with the door you catch some 20 ... 30dB signal loss. But, in fact, the transfer could be much, much more.

Is it a n or ac connection?

You didn't answer what card, how many antennas.
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#7 18577430 31 Mar 2020 22:53

Skowra Skowra

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Post #7
18577430 31 Mar 2020 22:53

I see.
I included all the answers in the post that opened the topic. Archer T4E, 2 Antennas, AC.
#8 18577491 31 Mar 2020 23:11

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #8
18577491 31 Mar 2020 23:11

Sorry, I was reading too fast.

One thing is the location of the antennas - low to the floor, probably close to the wall, and maybe the router on the opposite side of the case. There may be interference from the computer itself and its power supply. Have you tried to get your PC to the desk and align it with the antennas towards the router?

The second thing is the connection settings. Have you checked if you are really ac-connected?
#9 18577815 01 Apr 2020 07:08

KOCUREK1970 KOCUREK1970

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18577815 01 Apr 2020 07:08

Skowra wrote:
The computer is placed under the desk.

And the first problem - the desk is an obstacle to the wifi signal.

Skowra wrote:
my equipment is Archer T4E, which is connected to the Connect box

Compal has the so-called Smart Wifi - that is, the name of the SSID of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks is identical.
But this means that some devices can not cope with it (because it connects to 2.4GHz and not 5GHz).
To somehow remedy this and know what network we are actually connecting to, we should give different SSID network names for 2.4GHz and for 5GHz.

You probably have an active IPv6 as well, it is recommended to turn it off.
To use this option, after logging in to the My UPC website, enter the Help tab, select the Internet there and then select what the problem is:

After verifying your services, the system will display the following message:
"The order has been accepted for execution, the change to the old version of the IPv4 protocol will take place within an hour. After this time, it is necessary to reset the device with a thin tool (eg with a toothpick or paper clip) of the button located in a small hole on the back of the modem, described as RESET.
After this, your modem will work in IPv4 addressing. "
Of course, after a button reset, the whole Compal will go back to its initial settings and you will have to set everything up again with this wifi network split.
So start off by disabling that IPv6 first.
#10 18578265 01 Apr 2020 11:02

Skowra Skowra

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Post #10
18578265 01 Apr 2020 11:02

Ok, I'll try to do the ipv6 with this.
Another question arises - is it possible to buy external antennas on the cable for the Archer T4E network card? So that the antennas are outside the desk, as close to the router as possible.
Helpful post

#11 18578415 01 Apr 2020 12:21

Anonymous Anonymous

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Helpful post
Post #11
18578415 01 Apr 2020 12:21

The card has detachable antennas, so yes. Two options are possible:

1. Unscrew the existing antennas and move them to another place, using the appropriate cables (jumpers).

2. The use of new antennas with higher gains (panel, microstrip).

Just remember that each stick has two ends. By using the antenna elevation, on the one hand, a higher signal level in the antenna and its higher quality can be obtained, if directional (panel) antennas are used, which automatically translates into an increase in transfer speed. But the cable connecting the antenna to the card suppresses the signal significantly at 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

1 meter for standard cables has the attenuation:

2.4GHz: ~ 0.4 ... 0.5dB (depending on the type of cable)
5.0GHz: ~ 0.6 ... 0.7dB (depending on cable type)

If there is a connector next to the antenna , then you have to add 1.5 ... 2dB losses on this link. Unfortunately, connectors and their installation in home appliances can be tragic, so it's better to assume a worse variant.
Therefore, it is worth using antennas with a built-in cable equipped with an appropriate connector for the card.

So, for example, with 3 meters and a cable built into the antenna, we would have attenuation q in the range of 1.8 ... 2.7 dB, and the gain from antenna elevation could be, say, a few dozen decibels, so it could be a plus.

Unfortunately, it's a radio, and you can't predict anything exactly here, so in this case only tests could show specific results, but life shows that if you don't overdo the cable length and connectors, you usually have a lot of advantages.

And one more trick, maybe not very "professional", but effective. Taking the current antennas above the desk and adding home-made screens to them. Adding a shield always increases the gain of the antennas in the "forward" direction. Raising the profit to three decibels in theory, in life 2.5 ... 2.8 can be achieved calmly.

Added after 27 [minutes]:

EDIT:

And, with the jumper, first of all, you need to check the connectors. Unscrew the antenna from the card and check the type of connectors. They should be SMA-RP, but who knows ... The jumper should have 2.4 and 5GHz attenuation. Otherwise, you buy a "pig in a poke", the suppression can be any ...
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#12 18578665 01 Apr 2020 13:12

Skowra Skowra

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Post #12
18578665 01 Apr 2020 13:12

To be sure about choosing an extension cable, I attach photos of what the herring and antenna look like - https://imgur.com/a/fFUq45P
#13 18579644 01 Apr 2020 18:46

Anonymous Anonymous

Level 1

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Post #13
18579644 01 Apr 2020 18:46

SMA-RP connector
#14 18909333 06 Sep 2020 12:20

aiver3 aiver3

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Post #14
18909333 06 Sep 2020 12:20

KOCUREK1970 wrote:

...
You probably have an active IPv6 as well, it is recommended to turn it off.
...

What it comes from? Did they create a new protocol to make the internet work worse?
#15 18909902 06 Sep 2020 17:01

KOCUREK1970 KOCUREK1970

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Post #15
18909902 06 Sep 2020 17:01

aiver3 wrote:
What it comes from? Did they create a new protocol to make the internet work worse?

IPv4 addressing is over, there are no new addresses and what operators / bidders have bought are also running out. And it should be remembered that the Internet is still growing: equipment, services, services, etc.
That's why IPv6 was born, the problem is that not all the internet is prepared for it.
IPv6 also has the advantage that the client does not need a router, because public addressing will be given to any equipment connected to the operator's equipment and there is no need to mask more equipment as with IPv4. But again, not all the internet is IPv6 ready for this right now.
Create an account, log in here. You will receive points by participating in discussions.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around an unstable wireless network connection experienced by a user with an Archer T4E network card connected to a UPC Connect Box. The user reports frequent internet crashes and suboptimal download speeds, despite a direct line of sight to the router approximately 6 meters away, separated by a plasterboard wall. Responses suggest several potential causes for the issue, including the use of the 2.4 GHz band instead of 5 GHz, the impact of physical obstacles on signal strength, and the configuration of the network settings. Recommendations include checking the connection type (n or ac), adjusting the placement of the computer and antennas, and considering the use of external antennas for improved signal reception. Additionally, disabling IPv6 is advised to enhance stability. The user is also exploring options for external antennas to mitigate the signal loss caused by the desk placement.
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Unstable wireless network connection - Archer T4E - Connect Box

FAQ

TL;DR: Archer T4E + Connect Box unstable? At 5 GHz, cable loss is ~0.6–0.7 dB/m, and "Adding a shield always increases the gain." Elevate/relocate antennas and use short, rated jumpers to stabilize throughput. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18578415]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps UPC Connect Box owners with Archer T4E cards fix unstable 5 GHz Wi‑Fi without running Ethernet, using antenna tweaks and SSID controls.

Quick Facts

Connect Box Smart Wi‑Fi merges 2.4/5 GHz SSIDs; split names to force 5 GHz when needed. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #18577815]
Archer T4E antenna ports use SMA‑RP connectors; compatible with extension pigtails and external antennas. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18579644]
Typical coax attenuation: 2.4 GHz ~0.4–0.5 dB/m, 5 GHz ~0.6–0.7 dB/m; connectors add ~1.5–2 dB. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18578415]
Six meters plus a partition wall is "a challenge" for 5 GHz links. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18576692]
Switching to IPv4‑only mode may improve stability; the reset returns all settings to defaults. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #18577815]

Why is my Archer T4E fast on Ethernet but slow or unstable on Wi‑Fi?

Common causes: you connect on 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz, the router limits per‑device Wi‑Fi throughput, the PC’s receiver has weak range, or the router’s transmitter is weak. Move closer and re‑test speed to isolate distance issues. [Elektroda, ZaGRAmY, post #18576680]

Does a 6 m distance and one plasterboard wall really hurt 5 GHz?

Yes. "6 meters plus a partition wall is a challenge for 5GHz." Bars can look high while throughput drops. Relocate or raise antennas to reduce wall loss. Consider 5 GHz line‑of‑sight when possible. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18576692]

How much signal can obstacles cost in dB?

Obstacles set the signal level. Near the router you might see around −20 to −30 dBm. At 6 meters with a door, losses of about 20–30 dB are possible. That drop can cut throughput even if bars look fine. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18577427]

Should I move my PC or antennas above the desk?

Yes. Low, wall‑adjacent antennas pick up interference from the PC and PSU. Put the PC or antennas on the desk and aim them toward the router. Re‑test after each change to confirm improvements. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18577491]

What connector and cable should I use to relocate Archer T4E antennas?

Use SMA‑RP connectors. Select compatible SMA‑RP extension leads or remote antenna bases. Confirm the connector type on the card before buying. This avoids mismatches and returns. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18579644]

Do antenna extension cables hurt performance at 5 GHz?

Yes. Expect ~0.6–0.7 dB loss per meter at 5 GHz and ~0.4–0.5 dB at 2.4 GHz. Each connector can add ~1.5–2 dB. Three meters of built‑in cable can mean roughly 1.8–2.7 dB attenuation. Keep runs short and use quality cable. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18578415]

Can higher‑gain or panel antennas increase my speed?

Yes. The card supports external panel or microstrip antennas. Directional gain can offset cable loss and raise link quality. "Adding a shield always increases the gain"; simple reflectors can add about 2.5–2.8 dB in practice. Aim carefully for best effect. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18578415]

How do I switch the UPC Connect Box to IPv4‑only and split SSIDs?

Try this:

In My UPC, go Help → Internet and request the change to IPv4.
After approval, reset the modem using a pin in the back RESET hole.
Reconfigure Wi‑Fi and give 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz different SSIDs. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #18577815]

Should I disable IPv6 on the UPC Connect Box for stability?

It’s recommended. Not all services and devices handle IPv6 well yet. Changing to IPv4‑only may stabilize connections. After the pin reset, the modem returns to defaults, so re‑set Wi‑Fi and split SSIDs again. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #18577815]

Why do my devices keep connecting to 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz?

Smart Wi‑Fi uses one SSID for both bands. Some devices fail with that and attach to 2.4 GHz. Split the SSIDs to choose 5 GHz explicitly. This avoids the edge case where gear “can’t cope” with merged names. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #18577815]

Does electrical wiring in the wall affect 5 GHz?

It can. For 5 GHz, in‑wall electrical runs may impact signal quality. Try alternative paths or different router placement. Check if moving the PC or antennas changes speed. [Elektroda, ZaGRAmY, post #18577344]

What do Wi‑Fi percentage bars actually mean for my link?

Bars are relative and can mislead. Obstacles define the real level. Close to the router might show −20 to −30 dBm; after a short obstructed path you may lose 20–30 dB. Focus on placement and path, not just bars. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18577427]

Is IPv6 worse than IPv4 for home internet?

No. IPv6 exists because IPv4 addresses ran out. Many networks still lack full IPv6 support, which can cause issues. IPv6 also gives public addressing to each device, reducing NAT needs. Compatibility gaps are the main concern today. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #18909902]

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