Broadband speed and channel

[Lou107]

We originally had a split channel a 5ghz and a 2.ghz.

The security cameras and tvwere connected to the 5ghz and all other devices on the 2.4 ghz. All was fine even the average speed test was over 100mbu til we bought a video doorbell. It just would not connect to the 2.4. Channel as it was listed as 2.4ghz [5ghz]. Any way I contacted sky and they opened the hub page with me and asked to perform several changes and said all would work. So after the call all that connected was the doorbell and the speed of the network was peaking only at 10mb all day long. You can imagine those working  from home were in severe difficulty sustaining teams meetings. We were without tv or connection  for5 days. The doorbell is an xtu. After several engineer visits and router changes 2 experts decided our swann cameras were the problem. So they had all devices working  but the speed was absolute rubbish. As of today the doorbell wont connect as the channel is only 5ghz. We are home for the weekend  and disconnected the security cameras and have done several speed tests. We get over 150 in the mornings less than 50by mid afternoon and less than 20 after 7pm. We are supposed to have fibre ultra fast of up to 500mb. Never have we experienced that. Just renewed with sky before the last pair of engineers arrived out. It was working  fine until the xtu video doorbell arrived. Surely they can split the channel again and make the 2.4 channel compatible for the door bell. Paying for a service we are not receiving. Who is going to sort this out for us. It did workbefore??????

[Chrisee]

@Lou107 some basic facts about WiFi might help.

Most modern routers can use 2 frequency bands which are described as 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz has greater range and penertrates solid objects better but can only carry limited amounts of data. Within the band there are 13 channels but in practice a signal on say channel 6 will interfere with channels 5 and 7 so the band can only carry up to 4 signals before you get inteference. Given the greater range you will often get interference from your neighbour's network.

The 5GHz band can much more data so offer higher speeds but has a lower range so is less likely to be affected by interference but loses more power passing throgh sokid objects like walls. 

Ideally thectwo bands should be left synchronised with a single SSIDbut in some cases devices like cameras have WiFichips that wont connect to a dualband SSID. In those cases you split to the two bands creating a second SSID for the 2.4GHz band. You then connect the slower devices to that band and leave faster devices connected to the 5GHz band. You cannot split bands with the new white Sky Max hub.

Hopefully that helps you understand what is happening.

I would download an app called WiFi Analyzer which works on Android or Windows devices and will show all of the wifi signals in each area of your home and whether you have an issue with interference. Another useful app is WiFi Sweetspots which shows wifi speed to your device as you move round your home. Also experiment by moving your hub in general thst needs to be out in the open as high as feasible.