Hey guys! Not a networking pro here, just trying to fix my Wi-Fi.
I’m using a TP-Link AX1800 with an RE315 extender. I’ve got dead zones, even though WiFi Analyzer shows a “good” signal (around -50 to -60 dBm). It looks like channel interference is the main issue.
Here’s the weird part: whenever I manually switch to a “better” channel, I lose internet completely (“connected, no internet”). When I switch back to Auto, it just picks another crowded channel and the cycle repeats.
So, should I even worry about interference? And are there better ways to diagnose what’s actually going on?
Thanks!
Without a Wi-Fi analyzer to see what’s actually happening on the air, picking the right channel is mostly guesswork. If you’re near a fixed wireless access point, it can create interference your router may not even detect, and conditions can shift as the RF environment changes. The ugly truth about 2.4 GHz is that there are basically only three non-overlapping channels (1, 6, and 11), so some interference is almost unavoidable. You can try dropping channel width to 20 MHz, but that comes with trade-offs and may not actually help at your signal level.
Honestly, I wouldn’t stress it — good signal isn’t perfect, but losses should be minimal. If you’re looking for maximum stability and performance, nothing beats a hardwired connection.
Unless you live on a deserted island, you’re going to have interference—especially on 2.4 GHz. A solid move is to keep a separate SSID just for 2.4-only devices (all the IoT stuff). Then, for your ‘performance’ devices, you can either disable 2.4 GHz or just have them forget that network so they stick to your main 5 GHz band.
You didn’t mention the size of the place, but in general I don’t recommend relying on a single Wi-Fi unit. I usually suggest a proper three-node mesh with decent overlap. That way your home gets consistent coverage and the nodes don’t have to “scream” at each other to stay connected.
If Wi-Fi Analyzer says “interference on all channels,” that’s pretty standard for apartment living. The key is whether it’s actually impacting your Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR), not just how many networks you see in the list. Your –50 to –60 dBm is a strong signal, so “dead zones” likely mean low SIR, a channel width that’s too wide, or your RE315 extender losing its backhaul connection. That ‘connected, no internet’ error right after you change channels is a classic sign: the extender is probably still trying to link up on the old channel.
Quick test: power off the RE315, then change the channel on your AX1800. If the internet stays stable on your main router, the extender is definitely the culprit. Also, run a survey — it adds real value. NetSpot can map signal and SIR across your space, showing where quality collapses (and whether it’s neighbors or placement/reflective “self-interference”). That’s usually way more actionable than just chasing a “clean” channel.
Quick update: Got it working!
Basically, the extender was the culprit. I tested @SignalHunter95’s theory and yeah, the RE315 was just getting lost every time I changed channels.
I ended up moving the AX1800 a bit and used NetSpot to see where the interference was coming from (turns out my neighbor’s router is a beast). Split the SSIDs like @GardenGuardian44 suggested, and now my 5GHz is actually usable.
Thanks again for the pointers!