How to Increase Wi-Fi Bandwidth on a Router: A Complete Guide with Settings for Different Models

Wi-Fi channel width is one of the key parameters directly affecting the speed and stability of a wireless network. Many users experience slow internet despite a high ISP plan, and the problem stems from an incorrectly selected channel width. By default, most routers use standard settings. 20 MHz, which provide maximum compatibility, but not the best performance.

In this article we will look at how increase Wi-Fi channel width on the router before 40 MHz, 80 MHz or even 160 MHz (for modern devices), what advantages and risks this carries, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for popular router models from TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic and more. You'll learn how to check your current settings, select the optimal mode, and avoid common errors that lead to connection drops or conflicts with neighboring networks.

What is Wi-Fi channel width and why should it be changed?

The channel width determines, What is the frequency range? allocated for data transfer between the router and devices. The wider the channel, the more information can be transferred per unit of time—this directly affects maximum connection speed. For example:

• 📶 20 MHz — standard width, provides stability, but limits the speed to ~70-150 Mbps (depending on the Wi-Fi standard).
• 🚀 40 MHz - doubles the bandwidth, the speed can reach 300-600 Mbps (for Wi-Fi 5/6).
• ⚡ 80 MHz And 160 MHz — are used in modern networks Wi-Fi 6/6E, allow you to speed up the connection to 1-2 Gbit/s, but require support from devices.

However, increasing the width of the channel is not always an unambiguous benefit. In apartment buildings, wide channels (80/160 MHz) can overlap neighboring networks, causing interference. In addition, not all devices (especially older smartphones or laptops) support extended channels, which leads to automatic speed reduction or communication breakdowns.

How to check the current bandwidth on a router

Before changing the settings, you need to find out what bandwidth is currently being used. This can be done in two ways: router web interface or with the help of special utilities on a computer/smartphone.

Method 1: Via the router control panel

1. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the address bar.

2. Log in (default logins/passwords are indicated on the device sticker, for example admin/admin).

3. Go to the wireless network section. The path may vary:

• 🔧 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Settings
• 🖥️ ASUS: Wireless Network → General
• 🌐 Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot

4. Find the parameter Channel width (or Channel Width, Bandwidth). It may be hidden in additional settings.

Method 2: Using third-party programs

The following utilities are suitable for network analysis:

• 💻 Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) - shows channel occupancy and their width.
• 🖥️ inSSIDer (Windows/macOS) - professional network monitoring tool.
• 📱 NetSpot - visualizes the coverage and settings of neighbors.

These programs will help you not only see your network, but also evaluate it airtime congestion - If neighboring routers use wide channels, your increase in width may lead to conflicts.

Optimal channel width: 20, 40, 80 or 160 MHz?

The choice of channel width depends on three factors: Wi-Fi standard, number of devices online and interference level From neighbors. Below are recommendations for different scenarios:

Critical Information: At 2.4 GHz, channel widths of 40 MHz and higher often result in interference with neighboring networks, as only three non-overlapping channels are available (1, 6, 11). At 5 GHz, there are fewer issues, with 23 non-overlapping channels, but wide bands (80/160 MHz) can block other routers.

⚠️ Attention: If your router operates within the range 2.4 GHz, channel width 40 MHz Maybe worsen stability due to airtime congestion. In this case, it's better to leave 20 MHz or go to 5 GHz.

Step-by-step instructions for changing channel width

The setup process varies depending on the router model, but the general steps are the same. Below is a general guide that takes into account the specifics of popular brands.

1. Preparing to change settings

Before we begin:

Save the current router settings (export configuration)

Check the list of connected devices (make sure they support the new width)

Disable important tasks (downloading, streaming)

Prepare a cable for connecting to the router (in case of a Wi-Fi outage) -->

2. Changing the channel width on routers of different brands

For TP-Link (Archer, TL-WR, Deco):

1. Go to Wireless → Wireless Settings.
2. In the section Channel select Auto or enter the channel number manually (we recommend 36-48 for 5 GHz).
3. Find the parameter Channel width and select 20/40 MHz, 40 MHz or 80 MHz (if available).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

For ASUS (RT-AX, RT-AC):

1. Open Wireless Network → General.
2. In the field Wireless network mode select Auto or N/AC/AX only (for maximum speed).
3. In the parameter Channel width Please specify the desired value (for example, 20/40/80 MHz).
4. Click Apply.

For Keenetic:

1. Go to Wi-Fi → Hotspot.
2. In the block Additional settings find Channel width.
3. Select Auto (20/40) or a fixed value.
4. Save the changes.

For Xiaomi/Mi Router:

1. In the mobile app Mi Wi-Fi open Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced.
2. Select range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
3. In the parameter Channel width Specify the required value.
4. Confirm the changes.

What should I do if there is no "Channel Width" parameter in the settings?

In some routers this parameter is hidden behind the option Opening hours (Mode). Try installing:

- 11n only (for 40 MHz)

- 11ac only (for 80 MHz)

- 11ax only (for 160 MHz)

If this doesn't work, update your router's firmware—older software versions may not have this feature.

3. Checking the results

After changing the settings:

• 📱 Reconnect all devices to the network.
• 📊 Run a speed test (for example, on Speedtest).
• 🔍 Check the stability of your connection (there are no interruptions when downloading files or videos).

⚠️ Attention: If after increasing the channel width to 80/160 MHz Some devices stopped connecting, please reset the settings to 20/40 MHz or update the drivers for the Wi-Fi adapters on these devices.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Incorrect channel width setting may result in deterioration of communication, not to improve it. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔌 Using 40 MHz over 2.4 GHz in an apartment building — leads to interference and a clogged airwaves. Solution: switch to 5 GHz or leave 20 MHz.
• 📵 Selecting 160 MHz without device support — modern smartphones and laptops often don't work with this width. Solution: use 80 MHz or check the specifications of the devices.
• 🔄 Automatic channel selection with fixed width — If the router selects the channel itself, it can assign an occupied range. Solution: specify the channel manually (for example, 36 for 5 GHz).
• 🛑 No router reboot after changes — Some settings are only applied after a reboot. Solution: power off/on or press Reboot in the web interface.

Another common problem is incompatibility of standards. For example, if the router is operating in mode 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with width 160 MHz, and the smartphone only supports 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), the connection will be limited 80 MHzTo avoid this, check the specifications of all key devices in the network.

Additional settings for maximum performance

Channel width isn't the only parameter that affects Wi-Fi speed. To achieve the best results, consider:

• 📡 Range selection: 5 GHz preferred for high speed, 2.4 GHz — for range. Modern routers support Smart Connect (automatic switching between ranges).
• 🔒 Security mode: Use WPA3 (or WPA2-PSK for older devices). Open networks or WEP reduce speed.
• 📶 Transmission powerThere may be a setting in your router settings Transmit Power (install on 100% for maximum coverage).
• 🔄 QOS (Quality of Service): Prioritize traffic for games or videos (configure in the section QOS or Traffic Control).
• 🆕 Firmware updateManufacturers regularly optimize Wi-Fi performance in new software versions.

For advanced users it is useful to configure Beamforming (directional signal transmission) and MU-MIMO (simultaneous operation with multiple devices). These technologies are available in routers Wi-Fi 5/6 and significantly improve performance in networks with a large number of gadgets.

⚠️ Attention: Settings Beamforming And MU-MIMO These features may conflict with older devices (manufactured before 2015). If you experience problems after activating them, disable them.

Frequently asked questions and answers

❓ Why didn't the speed increase after increasing the channel width?

There are several reasons:

• 📶 Your device (smartphone, laptop) does not support the selected bandwidth. Check the specifications.
• 🏢 Severe interference from neighbors—a wide channel is overlapping with other networks. Try changing the channel number manually.
• 📡 Restriction from the provider - if your tariff is up to 100 Mbps, then even 80 MHz will not give any growth.

Solution: Reset the width to 20/40 MHz and check the speed. If it hasn't changed, the problem isn't with the bandwidth.

❓ What bandwidth should I choose for online gaming?

For games, it's not so much speed that matters, but stability and low pingOptimal settings:

• 🎮 Range: 5 GHz (less interference).
• 📊 Channel width: 40 MHz (balance between speed and stability).
• 🔄 QOS: Enable prioritization for gaming traffic (ports) UDP 3074, TCP 27015-27030 For Steam, Battle.net etc.).

Avoid 80/160 MHz - they can cause delays due to channel congestion.

❓ Is it possible to use 160 MHz on a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router?

No, width 160 MHz supported only by the standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and newer ones. For Wi-Fi 5 maximum width - 80 MHzIf in the router settings Wi-Fi 5 there is an option 160 MHz, this is either a firmware error or a marketing ploy (in fact, it will be used 80+80 MHz).

❓ How do I know which devices on my network support wideband?

Verification methods:

• 📄 Specifications: Find your device model on the manufacturer's website (search for support 802.11ac For 80 MHz or 802.11ax For 160 MHz).
• 🖥️ Device Manager (Windows): Open Properties Wi-Fi adapter and check the supported standards.
• 📱 Applications: Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or Network Analyzer (iOS) show the maximum connection speed.

If the device connects at a speed of up to 300 Mbps, it supports 40 MHz, up to 866 Mbps - 80 MHz, higher - 160 MHz.

❓ Do I need to change the channel width on mesh systems (e.g. TP-Link Deco, Google Nest Wi-Fi)?

In mesh systems, channel width is usually adjusted automatically, and manual changes can disrupt roaming between nodes. However, some models (for example, ASUS ZenWiFi or Netgear Orbi) allow you to adjust the width manually.

Recommendations:

• 🔄 Leave Auto, if there are no problems with speed.
• 📶 You can try it for 5 GHz 80 MHz, but only if all mesh nodes support this mode.
• ⚠️ Avoid 160 MHz - this may lead to interruptions when switching between points.