How to choose the best Wi-Fi channel for your ExpressVPN router

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This guide will show you how to choose the best Wi-Fi channel for your ExpressVPN router.

The ExpressVPN router is automatically set to use the best wireless channel based on your network environment. Normally there is no need to adjust your settings. If you are not getting the Wi-Fi speed or stability you expect, you can change your Wi-Fi settings to select a better channel.

Which frequency should I choose, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are the two frequencies modern routers use to transmit wireless internet connections. The main differences between them are coverage and speed.

• The 2.4 GHz frequency provides a larger range of coverage but slower speeds.
• The 5 GHz frequency provides a lower range of coverage but faster speeds.

Whether you should choose 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz depends on numerous factors, such as the size of your home or office, nearby interferences, and neighboring Wi-Fi networks. Because the 2.4 GHz frequency is used by many devices nowadays, such as Bluetooth speakers and microwaves, 2.4 GHz is more likely to be overcrowded than 5 GHz.

What is the 2.4 GHz frequency best suited for?

• a large home or office that requires greater coverage
• devices that move around a lot or are farther away from the router
• activities that require a lower bandwidth (e.g., browsing the internet)
• a sparsely populated living area with low interference from other devices

What is the 5 GHz frequency best suited for?

• a smaller home or office that doesn’t require broad coverage
• devices located close to the router
• activities that require a higher bandwidth (e.g., gaming and HD streaming)
• a densely populated living area with high interference from other devices

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Which channel bandwidth should I choose?

Channel bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred within a network. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies come with with different sets of bandwidths:

• 2.4 GHz: 20 MHz or 40 MHz
• 5 GHz: 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz

In theory, higher channel bandwidths mean more data can be transferred. In practice, data transfer rates vary according to the frequency you are on and interference from nearby devices and networks.

The 2.4 GHz frequency – 20 MHz or 40 MHz

In most cases, choose the default 20 MHz, which offers a larger number of non-overlapping channels and higher stability in crowded places. Only use 40 MHz when you are in a remote area with low interference from nearby devices and networks. This lets you take advantage of higher available speeds.

The 5 GHz frequency – 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz

If you are choosing to use the 5 GHz frequency, choose the highest bandwidth available, which is 80 MHz, to take advantage of the higher speed.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Which channels should I choose?

The 2.4 GHz frequency operates 11 channels, while the 5 GHz frequency operates 23 channels. Choosing the right channel can boost your Wi-Fi speed and stability.

The 2.4 GHz frequency

In general, use the default channel 1, 6, or 11. These are the only non-overlapping channels of the 2.4 GHz frequency.

If you are still not getting the Wi-Fi speed and stability you expect, the cause might be neighboring networks using the same channel as you, leading to network performance drops. In this case, you can install a third-party network analyzer app that searches for available channels.

The 5 GHz frequency

In general, use channel 36, 40, 44, or 48. These channels are suitable for domestic use and least likely to be affected by external interference. You can also install a third-party network analyzer app that searches for the available channels for you to use.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Additional settings: SSID and KRACK protection

Hide your network name (SSID)

If you don’t want the router’s network name (SSID) to be visible on the list of available wireless networks, you can hide the network name via the router dashboard’s Wi-Fi settings.

If you choose to hide your router’s network name, you can connect devices to the router by manually configuring the connection in the device’s settings or by using an Ethernet cable (for devices that have an Ethernet port).

KRACK protection

KRACK stands for Key Reinstallation Attack, a type of cyber attack that exploits a vulnerability in the network using the WPA2 protocol.

The ExpressVPN router provides security measures to protect your network and devices from cyber attacks. Normally, you can keep KRACK protection disabled. If your devices are all connected to the ExpressVPN router and using the VPN, your network and devices are protected against KRACK attacks.

If you believe the devices on your network are vulnerable to KRACK attacks, you can enable KRACK protection in the Wi-Fi settings. Enabling KRACK protection may reduce Wi-Fi stability.

To protect your network, keep your ExpressVPN router updated for patched vulnerabilities.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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How to change the Wi-Fi settings in the ExpressVPN router

Go to the ExpressVPN router dashboard. Sign in with your router admin password.

In the left sidebar, select Network Settings > Wi-Fi Settings.

Select Advanced settings. Select your preferred options. Under Other Settings, you can choose to keep Hide network name (SSID) or KRACK protection as is, or toggle them on. Select Save.

It might take a few minutes for your device to detect the updated Wi-Fi network. Select the Wi-Fi network after it reappears on your device.

If the Wi-Fi network doesn’t reappear, you might have selected a Wi-Fi channel that is not available in your region. To resolve this:

1. Connect to the router using the other Wi-Fi channel bandwidth (2.4 or 5 GHz) or an Ethernet cable.
2. In the router’s settings, choose another Wi-Fi channel and try again.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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