Airport extreme questions

[eclipse01]

I noticed by default the 5ghz channel is not active (you have to turn it on separately).

My first question is I have one device that is capable of pulling of AC speeds. Do I have to turn on that 5ghz option to obtain AC speeds? Or does the router automatically adjust for best results by default. (does it even use the 5ghz by default?)

So I did end up turning the 5ghz option and DID notice that I get my full 60mbps when running a speedtest on the 5ghz wifi option, however when I switch to my normal wifi option I get around 20.

Can someone clear this up for me? Sorry if this is confusing

 

[PsyOpWarlord]

The 5GHz is on by default. It just doesn't have a separate SSID unless you check the box (2.4 and 5 GHz will have the same SSID).

If you use the same SSID you phone will connect to the stronger signal (not necessarily the fastest). So if 2.4GHz wireless-N has better signal it will use that before 5GHz wireless-AC.

If you set a separate SSID for your 5GHz signal, you can then set your devices to only connect to the 5GHz that support AC only.

 

[eclipse01]

Thank you,

That is what I kind of thought.

So why would you want to make a separate SSID? for 5ghz if It will automatically pull from it when it needs it anyway?

 

[takeshi74]

Started typing a response but PsyOpWarlord's post explains why and I was just saying the same thing again.

 

[eclipse01]

802.11ac is only 5GHz. As indicated above, you'd use separate SSID's to force devices to connect to 5GHz. Devices tend to select the stronger signal but stronger isn't always faster (also stated above).

right so separating them just "ensures" you are always using the 5ghz...