The fact that this is still going on is horrible.  Just opened another case with TP Link on this and again was told that I'm basically too stupid to manage my own mesh and I need to trust them.  Yet....... 2.4ghz continues to run on channel 9 and everything in my house on that network continues to complain about it while my wifi analyzer is laughing at the situation. 

  @Bill255 TP-Link should review all the complains.  Although they can have all the possible explanations, in the practice, the Internet speed is very slow.  You can go to Amazon and see:  fast speed, up to 2,040Mbps.  You can have symetric 2Gbps and the latest WIFI 7 certified equipment. They will always have an explanation, but you will not have the expected speed.  So, a very good explanation on what you are selling and what to expect would be nice.

I have same issue, wifi 2.4GHz channel on 1 and my zigbee network is dropping like a domino, kindly, we as paying customer want to do a such simple task to change channels, thank you

  @EAMT more on this:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/link-speed-throughput-two-different-concepts-describe-yiyi-peng-tzjic/

Dear TP-Link Development Team,

I am writing to formally request the addition of manual Wi-Fi channel selection functionality for the Deco X50 series in a future firmware update. While the automatic channel selection system works well in many environments, it poses significant challenges for users with specific networking requirements, particularly when it comes to Apple devices that rely on Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) for peer-to-peer services like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Continuity.

Technical Issue

AWDL operates on fixed Wi-Fi channels, notably:

• Channel 44 in Europe,

• Channel 149 in the United States,

• Channel 6 on the 2.4GHz band.

When an Apple device like a MacBook or iPhone engages in peer-to-peer communication using AWDL, it forces the device to switch temporarily from its current Wi-Fi channel to one of these AWDL-specific channels. This channel switching introduces latency spikes and network interruptions because the device frequently hops between the router’s Wi-Fi channel (determined automatically) and the AWDL channel. These interruptions are especially noticeable in applications requiring stable, high-bandwidth connections, such as:

• Cloud gaming (e.g., GeForce Now),

• Video conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams),

• Real-time file transfers.

For example, if my Deco X50 is operating on channel 36, every time my MacBook attempts an AWDL connection (to an iPhone, Apple TV, etc.), it must switch to channel 44 (in Europe), causing a brief but noticeable network pause. This results in performance degradation, including dropped video calls, lag spikes in online gaming, and reduced download/upload speeds in streaming applications.

Why Manual Channel Selection is Critical

• Interference Avoidance: In environments with multiple Wi-Fi networks (e.g., apartment buildings), being able to manually select a less crowded channel such as 44, which aligns with AWDL’s channel, would prevent these constant channel-hopping issues.

• Custom Network Configurations: Advanced users often need the ability to fine-tune their network to suit specific setups. Automatic channel selection, while convenient for less technical users, can lead to issues in networks with more demanding requirements or interference-heavy environments.

• Consistent Performance: In cases where channel hopping occurs, giving users the ability to set the Deco X50 to the same channel used by AWDL (e.g., channel 44 in Europe) will mitigate the need for channel switching, thereby eliminating latency spikes and maintaining a stable connection.

Impact on User Experience

By not offering manual channel selection, the Deco X50 forces users into situations where frequent Wi-Fi disruptions occur, significantly degrading the user experience for activities requiring a stable connection. This is particularly problematic for users with multiple Apple devices on the network, as AWDL is a default service that cannot easily be disabled without losing critical functionality like AirDrop and AirPlay.

Proposed Solution

I propose that TP-Link consider adding a manual Wi-Fi channel selection option to the Deco X50’s firmware, allowing users to override the automatic selection in favor of a channel that best fits their environment. This would:

• Allow users to select channels manually based on local interference or specific technical needs.

• Offer a solution for users experiencing AWDL-related channel hopping and latency spikes.

• Give users more control over their network, similar to other high-end routers and mesh systems on the market.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to any updates regarding the possibility of this feature being implemented in future firmware releases.