A drop in wireless connection speed in an apartment is a problem familiar to many ByFly users, especially those living in multi-story residential complexes. Often, the cause isn't poor equipment or a data plan, but rather simple overcrowding. etheric space neighboring routers. When dozens of devices try to broadcast on the same frequency, data collisions occur, packets are lost, and your Huawei forced to constantly reconnect or reduce the transfer speed.
The solution in this situation is to manually change the broadcast channel. This redirects your router's signal to a less congested frequency, allowing you to bypass digital congestion. The setup procedure on Huawei devices, which are widely available from the provider, has its own interface nuances, but is fairly quick if you follow a clear procedure.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the process of selecting the optimal channel, examine the differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and learn how to analyze the airwaves using specialized software. You'll understand why automatic router operation isn't always effective and how proper manual configuration can significantly improve stability. wireless network in your home.
Wireless diagnostics and frequency selection
Before you delve into your router settings, you need to understand your current situation. Standard 802.11n and newer protocols operate in two main bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The former has a longer range but is extremely noisy, as it's often blocked by microwaves, Bluetooth headsets, and neighbors' routers. The latter is faster but has poorer penetration through walls.
To analyze the situation, professionals use special utilities such as WiFi Analyzer or InSSIDerThese programs create a visual graph showing which channels are busy and which are free. Your task is to find a "gap" in the airwaves where the signal strength of neighboring networks is minimal or absent altogether.
In the 2.4 GHz range, there are only three non-overlapping channels: 1, 6 and 11. All other channels (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10) overlap each other, creating interference. Therefore, if you are working in this range, the choice should be made strictly between these three values.
If your router Huawei Since the device supports dual-band operation, it makes sense to switch your primary devices (TVs, laptops) to the 5 GHz network. There are significantly more channels there, and they virtually do not overlap, ensuring maximum throughput without interference.
Preparing to set up a Huawei router
To make changes to the device's configuration, you'll need access to its web interface. This can be done via a wired connection, connecting the computer with a cable. LAN Either through the yellow port on the router or wirelessly. A wired connection is preferred as it ensures seamless connection while applying new settings.
Open any modern browser and enter the gateway's IP address in the address bar. For ByFly equipment, this is most often 192.168.100.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is always indicated on a sticker located on the bottom or back of the device. You'll also find your login and password there.
Enter your login credentials. The default login for Huawei routers is usually root or admin, and the password too admin or rootIf you've previously changed this data and forgotten it, you'll need to perform a factory reset by holding down the button. Reset for 10-15 seconds.
☑️ Check before entering settings
Step-by-step instructions: changing the channel in the 2.4 GHz band
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main device status page. The interface may differ depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for wireless network settings. This is usually called WLAN, Wireless or Basic network settings.
Select a subsection from the menu on the left or at the top WLAN Basic Configuration or Basic WLAN settingsThis displays your network settings: name (SSID), security type, and, most importantly, channel settings. Find the drop-down list labeled Channel or Channel.
By default, there is a value Auto or AutomaticallyExperience shows that ByFly routers don't always correctly assess the situation and may select a congested channel. Click on the list and select one of the non-overlapping channels: 1, 6, or 11, based on previously performed diagnostics.
After selecting a channel, be sure to scroll down the page and click the button Apply or SaveThe router may briefly disconnect to apply the new settings. Check your internet speed after a minute—the changes should take effect.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the channel, all your devices (phones, tablets, smart speakers) may lose connection to the router. This is normal. You will need to reconnect to the WiFi network on each device, as the broadcast settings have changed.
Setting up a channel in the 5 GHz band
If your router Huawei If the receiver is dual-band (for example, the HG8245H or EG8145V5 series), you have the option to configure a second, more flexible band. Switching in the menu is similar: find the section WLAN 5G Basic ConfigurationThe channel situation here is radically different from 2.4 GHz.
In the 5 GHz band, channels are wider and more numerous. However, there's an important caveat: some high channels (above 100) may not be supported by older devices or may be reserved for radar systems (DFS). For home use, channels in the range of 36 to 64 or 149 to 165 are optimal.
Channel width (Channel Width) also plays a role here. For maximum speed, you can set 80 MHz, but if there are a lot of networks around, it is better to choose 40 MHz or 20 MHz for greater stability. A narrow channel is less susceptible to interference, although it provides a lower peak speed.
Don't forget to save the settings with the button ApplyIf you're enabling the 5 GHz network for the first time, be sure to give it a unique name, different from the 2.4 GHz network, so your devices can distinguish between them and connect to the faster version.
Why doesn't 5 GHz work on older devices?
Some older smartphones and laptops (manufactured before 2013-2014) don't physically have a module for receiving a 5 GHz signal. They simply don't see this network in the list of available networks. You can check for support in the device's technical specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the documentation for the network card.
WiFi Channel Characteristics Comparison Table
To systematize your knowledge of frequencies and channels, it's helpful to use a comparison table. It will help you quickly choose the right settings based on your priorities: range or speed.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of non-overlapping channels | 3 (1, 6, 11) | Up to 25 (depending on region) | 5 GHz wins in airtime freedom |
| Penetration ability | High (goes well through walls) | Low (walls significantly reduce signal) | 2.4 GHz is better for larger apartments |
| Maximum speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps (realistic) | Up to 800+ Mbps (realistic) | 5 GHz for 4K video and gaming |
| Interference level | Very high (microwaves, Bluetooth) | Short | 5 GHz is more stable in apartment buildings |
Advanced settings and optimization
In addition to channel selection, the interface Huawei You can also find other useful parameters. For example, the operating mode 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax. Make sure that mixed mode or mode with support only for new standards is selected (for example, 802.11 n/ac) to cut off very old and slow devices that can slow down the entire network.
It is also worth paying attention to the transmission power (Transmit Power). If the router is located in the center of a small apartment, there's no point in setting the power to 100%. The signal will reflect off the walls, creating echo and interference. Reducing the power to 75% or 50% can sometimes paradoxically improve connection quality.
Some ByFly router models have a feature available WMM (WiFi Multimedia). It must be enabled (Enable), as it prioritizes traffic for video and voice, which is especially important when watching IPTV or chatting via instant messengers.
Possible problems and their solutions
After changing settings, you may encounter a situation where the internet connection is lost or the speed hasn't improved. First, check to see if the router itself is down. Sometimes, changing regional settings or channels can cause the device to freeze. The solution is simple: turn off the power, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
If your devices can't see the network, you may have selected a channel that's not supported by your specific gadget's network card (this is rare, but it can happen in the 5 GHz band). Go back to the settings and try a nearby channel or reduce the channel width to 20/40 MHz.
If all else fails, you can always restore factory settings. However, before doing so, try updating your router's firmware via the web interface, if your provider offers this option. New firmware versions often contain fixes for channel selection algorithms.
⚠️ Attention: The router interface may vary depending on the firmware version provided by the ByFly operator. If you don't see the described features, check the official documentation on the provider's website or contact technical support, as some features may be hidden by the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I reset my Huawei router if I forgot the web interface password?
On the back of the router, find a small hole labeled ResetTake a paperclip or a needle, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators on the front panel blink simultaneously. After this, the router will reboot with factory settings. The login and password will be as indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the device.
Which channel is best to choose if there are no other networks around?
If the airwaves are absolutely clear, it's best to choose channels 1, 6, or 11 for the 2.4 GHz band—these are the base channels and most compatible with all devices. For the 5 GHz band, you can choose any channel, but those at the beginning of the range (36-48) are considered optimal, as they are supported by most devices without power restrictions.
Why did the speed become even slower after changing the channel?
This can happen if you've selected a channel that's technically clear but is at the edge of the range where the router's antenna sensitivity is lower. It's also possible that the new channel is being interfered with by household appliances (for example, channels 1-3 can pick up interference from Bluetooth, while higher channels can pick up interference from radar or other specialized equipment). Try another channel from the "golden trio" (1, 6, 11).
Does changing the channel affect WiFi coverage in the far room?
The channel number itself doesn't affect the physical signal strength. However, if the selected channel has less noise and interference from neighboring devices, the signal strength (SNR) increases. This may result in a device in a distant room maintaining a more stable connection, even if the signal strength (RSSI) remains the same.