Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 12:18 Post subject: E3000 5GHZ Low Signal Strength
I received my E3000 yesterday. Running stock 1.0.0.2
I found that the signal strength using N on 5 GHZ is very low (78dBm). Ive tried changing channels. Switched to 40mhz, Switched to 20mhz, Switched to Auto. I turned off 2.4Ghz (which I usually run in G Only).
Even when I get 3ft away, I still only get up to 65dBm.
Strangely, if I disable 5Ghz and run N off of 2.4, I sit around 53dBm from about 14 feet away. 24 dBm from 3ft away.
Any Ideas? Should I send it back for a replacement?
Higher frequencies will have a shorter range. That fact aside, in your case it does seem like something is wrong. I'm getting close to your 5GHz signal levels from 4x the distance on my E3000. at 25-30ft I get about a 4dBm difference between my 2.4GHz and 5GHz broadcasts.
I'd suggest you try DD-WRT first, then if you still get similar results try lowering the TX power. I know that sounds counter intuitive but many people find that lowering the power levels increases performance. If that fails, raise the TX power a little. If that fails, flash back to stock and then return it for a replacement.
I am experiencing the exactly the same "issue" with the latest firmware 15280M NEWD-2 K2.6 Eko on E3000. The B/G signal strength is much better then it. I have set both TX Power=50, and my computer just about 30ft away.
I used to be OK(better) in the BS build.
irefay wrote:
I received my E3000 yesterday. Running stock 1.0.0.2
I found that the signal strength using N on 5 GHZ is very low (78dBm). Ive tried changing channels. Switched to 40mhz, Switched to 20mhz, Switched to Auto. I turned off 2.4Ghz (which I usually run in G Only).
Even when I get 3ft away, I still only get up to 65dBm.
Strangely, if I disable 5Ghz and run N off of 2.4, I sit around 53dBm from about 14 feet away. 24 dBm from 3ft away.
Any Ideas? Should I send it back for a replacement?
Attenuation of electromagnetic signals is related to frequency and distance, with higher frequencies being attenuated more than lower frequencies.
Free Space Path Loss (best case) at a range of 1m and ~5m (your examples) indicates that you should observe approximately 47dB/40dB attenuation at 5.3 GHz and 2.4 GHz at 1m respectively - or received signal levels of approximately 31dBm/38dbM. At 5m, attenuation should be approximately 61dB/54dB for received signal levels of approximately 17dBm/24dBm respectively. Of course, this doesn't take into account antenna gain at either end and assumes accurate understanding of radiated power...
Long story short: You're going to see more signal level on 2.4 than 5.3 regardless of range. If you're shooting through walls or other obstructions, the difference will likely be even greater.