Your IDNet preconfigured router should be pre-configured to optimally work with most devices. If you have all WiFi6 devices and/or higher end devices that can use advanced features (such as 160mhz bandwidth) then you may want to tweak the configuration to get the best experience.
Bug fixes and enhancements may be released occasionally so it is important to ensure the router's firmware is kept up to date.
It can be advantageous to reboot your router every couple of weeks.
Asus 2.4Ghz - Configuration for compatibility
Asus 5Ghz - Configuration for performance
Click on images to expand.
Placement of your router is critical for achieving the best performance throughout your property.
The best place to put your router usually is towards the centre of your home, high up and in the open. You need to also make sure it is not close to things that may block the signal (such as thick walls, metal, furniture and appliances) or disrupt the signal (such as microwaves, other radio transmitters and poor quality extension leads). Putting your router in a cupboard, in the kitchen or hidden behind the TV is likely to result in poor WiFi and much slower internet speeds.
If you have a SoGEA, FTTC or ADSL service then you router needs to be as close to the phone socket as possible to avoid having a long telephone extension lead that will severely disrupt the incoming broadband signal. With FTTP, FTTH & GFast you can be extremely flexible with router placement by replacing the included ethernet cable that connects your router to the ONT with a longer Cat6 ethernet cable.
For best performance you should connect via Gigabit Ethernet or use WiFi6 devices on the 5Ghz band.
High end Wifi6 devices can achieve multi gigabit speeds (faster than your internet connection can handle) & basic WiFi6 devices can usually achieve over 700Mbps, whereas WiFi 5 devices are unlikely to exceed 500mbps and Wifi 4 devices will struggle to achieve even 100mbps.
If you have a tower pc then you should be able to easily upgrade it with a WiFi6 PCI Express card, many laptops can also be upgraded internally but it can be a more involved process so you may want to ask your local computer shop. There is now at least one WiFi6 usb adapter available, whilst an easier upgrade than an internal card it will not provide the same performance.
If your device is not upgradeable but has an ethernet socket (i.e. TV, games console) then you can use a 2nd WiFi6 router in client mode (sometimes referred to as Media Bridge Mode) to act as the WiFi6 receiver, this receiver can handle multiple devices dependent on the number of LAN ports it has. In larger homes a mesh network node with lan ports can often act as a combined receiver and mesh node.
Asus PCE-AX58BT Wifi6 PCI Card
D-Link DWA-X1850 Wifi6 USB Adapter
A wifi6 router will typically serve a typical 3 bedroom home without any problems if placed optimally, if you have a larger home a Mesh network may be the solution.
If you have an Asus router with AiMesh functionality (all our Asus AX routers except the AX53U) then you can just purchase another Asus AiMesh router or Asus WiFi system from us and link it to your existing router.
If you have a Mercku M6a router then you will need another M6a to create the mesh network.
Creating a mesh network in a small home may not be beneficial and could lead to problems due to excess interference between the mesh nodes.
A wifi diagnostic app will allow you to see nearby wifi networks enabling you to manually set the router to a clear channel. The app can also show the strength of your wifi network's signal in a particular location so you can determine the best position for your router.
