EE Smart Hub Plus - Ethernet randomly dropping?

[RachT123]

Hi,

I've noticed that my PC is struggling to maintain a good connection connect through Ethernet (not powerline, hardwired) and I'm struggling to work out what is actually causing this - whether it's the EE Router, the cable or the PC's networking card. I've noticed that this is appearing in the tech logs (i'm finding them difficult to share but they indicate the Ethernet port connections are randomly going up and down) - removed serial number

Product code:

SH31B

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Firmware version:

r1.34.1-R-1055417-PROD-83002

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Firmware updated:

N/A

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GUI version:

1.13.1

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WAN:

PPP Connected

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Data sent / received:

10.64 GB Uploaded / 110.25 GB Downloaded

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Broadband username:

bthomehub@btbroadband.com

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Wi-Fi:

N/A

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2.4 GHz wireless network name:

EE-FW39Z6

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2.4 GHz wireless channel:

Smart (Channel 1)

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5 GHz wireless network name:

EE-FW39Z6

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5 GHz wireless channel:

Smart (Channel 64)

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Wireless security:

WPA2-Personal

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Wireless mode:

Wi-Fi 6 performance

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Firewall:

On

[RachT123]

The PC is connected through Ethernet - I suspect the PC has issues too (I have ordered a super long cable to check that’s not the issue first - before I spend at least £200-300 on a motherboard replacement) - I’m ignoring the PC issues right now 

Unfortunately I have an iPhone and the AirPort Utility app doesn’t really help much in terms of seeing channels etc

The gateway drop was on a phone, in the living room I get a good signal from. 

[RachT123]

Of course when I awkwardly run a replacement cable upstairs, the PC is fine (so frustrating after spending so much money)!

Definitely not convinced that the SH+ isn't terrible though - will be ordering either another router or a mesh system.

[JimM11]

@RachT123 You want to take a step back, treat the router as any supplied ISP, Not the best but not the worst. You are getting too much information overload from all the different sites you are posting on, so take some time and don't expect miracles to happen instantly.

[RachT123]

I will, it's just really frustrating and stressful when there's been issues on and off since September (which is when I got the PC) but the randomly but now the WiFi in itself is also acting up (which I originally blamed VM for).

I suppose it'll be OK in the end (although it's def not like PC troubleshooting, where the problems/solutions are easier to find)

[JimM11]

@RachT123 Think i said 1st reply you need to check your cable, remember something about threw the xbox on it good, have said you need to install a wifi analyzer on the PC to see how your wireless is, couple of good ones, free on the microsoft store can recommend WiFi Analyzer and Netspot, looking like your mobiles are the problem, or possible setting for the Router. HTH

[RachT123]

Thank you - I will take a look at these with the PC on WiFi (hopefully they might be a bit more useful than the AirportUtility App that just does signal!)

I have received quite a bit of conflicting advice lol

[RachT123]

Netspot seems very useful!

The 2.4Ghz WiFi channels do appear to be quite congested (although most devices appear to be using the 5Ghz anyway, which is pretty clear).

Signal on 5Ghz seems fine (60dbm in the room above the router), 2.4Ghz isn't great (but looks like most devices are using the 5Ghz anyway)

I've heard about more  issues with the SH+ (which may/may not be unwarranted!) - but as you say ISP routers are "ok"

[RachT123]

So I haven’t changed any of the settings - but it’s saying WPA2 (I’ve heard that’s more compatible with devices) so should probably be fine there.

Just wondering:  would it make any difference if the setting was changed to WiFi5 (although as far as I know, all/most of the WiFi devices are compatible with 6)

[JimM11]

@RachT123 The EE Smarthub+ router has (5) modes of WPA security, and up until couple of years ago apple devices were the most prevalent use of WPA3 and trying to force that standard, but WPA2 - Personal (AES) has been the standard for many/many years. Now although the new standard is supposed to be backward compatible it is not 100%. Its one of those try it and see situations and if something does not work then you have 2 choices, change down the mode of the Router or get rid of all your items that don't work and replace with new that do. With regards to wi-fi here is some reading for you to have and there is plenty more tech info also. www.wiisfi.com go get and save document as pdf take time reading about various standards. HTH

[RachT123]

Changing the WiFi setting to  WiFi 5 seems to have helped the WiFi connected devices a bit. 

Now just waiting for an IT Guy to come and look at the PC itself - I’ve done everything I can to try and rule anything else out as the cause of the problems - even down to a different cable. Other Eth devices are fine so no problems there.