New Netgear router only gives me high speed on the 5GHz channel

Just installed a new Netgear router because my old router was only giving me about 5 Mbps and I pay for 150 Mbps (COX cable). This is on the 2.4 GHz channel (I never checked the 5 GHz channel). On this new router, I still only get about 5 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel - but get more that 150 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel. Had a COX technician at the house and he told me my router was bad. That's why I bought the new one. Anyone have any ideas what's going on? Thank you.

% g is faster anyway but what is 2.4 set to ie b,g,n ,ac if its set to b,g that would do it

Have you checked download speed on a different device e.g. mobile phone. It may not be the router, but a problem with your pc.

I am assuming you are using wifi, if so:

Also, sometimes if you get a lot of cross channel interference from neighbours, it can slow down downloads (but not that much though I would say). Might be wort setting channel to a fixed channel 1, 6 or 11 rather than auto. If you have it on auto, it may be changing all the time. You can download tools to see if a lot of local interference.

You would have to experiment with channel number (only use 1, 6 or 11).

Do you get same issue with ethernet cable, if using wifi?

I have no idea what it's set on. It came right out of the box. How do I tell what it's set on? I want the 2.4GHz channel to work because I need the extra distance it should provide. BTW, what does % g mean? Thank you.

Samuria said:

% g is faster anyway but what is 2.4 set to ie b,g,n ,ac if its set to b,g that would do it

Login to the router under wireless there will be any options it often is set to old b type so it's more comfortable with old pcs that will have a low speed

Nisko said:

Just installed a new Netgear router because my old router was only giving me about 5 Mbps and I pay for 150 Mbps (COX cable). This is on the 2.4 GHz channel (I never checked the 5 GHz channel). On this new router, I still only get about 5 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel - but get more that 150 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel. Had a COX technician at the house and he told me my router was bad. That's why I bought the new one. Anyone have any ideas what's going on? Thank you.

Hi Nisko


Let's start with the basics. What is the m/n of this new Netgear router?
BTW, your 'My Computer' indicates 50kbps.
It would be helpful to all if you were to update that info.

If you're able to obtain 150Mbps from the 5 Ghz, obviously, the 2.4Ghz is capable of better than 5Mbps.

Once you post the m/n info, we'll all know the capabilities and configuration options, & how to get there.

Have you tried using the 5Ghz channel yet? The new router may be more powerful than the previous one & you might be surprised at how well it functions over distance.

Within each band (2.4 & 5Ghz) you are able to select the frequency of operation (wifi channel #), especially with the newer devices. Often, one or more of the channels will significantly outperform the default setting.

I use this Android app whenever setting up a new wifi and to periodically confirm I'm using the optimum available frequency (channel #).
There's also an imac equivalent, if that helps.

Wifi Analyzer – Apps on Google Play

Traditionally, you are correct, the 2.4Ghz channel is usually best for distance & RF obstructions (floors, metal etc).


With newer routers and WLAN cards, some are capable of MIMO Tx/Rx. This feature is sometimes capable of accommodating obstructions and poor line of site installations. That gets us back to requiring the router m/n.

I know I replied to you but can't find it. I'll have to re-create my reply - sorry. NOTE: I found that my receiver in my laptop is the fault because, on my phone, I get the speed I was expecting.