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Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance

Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance

Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance
Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance
a week ago
Model: Archer AX12  
Hardware Version: V1
Firmware Version: 1.2.2 beta

I am currently using two TP-Link routers: Archer C6 and AX12, on the same ISP connection for comparison.

 

The Archer C6 is running the latest stable firmware (v1.1.1), and it works perfectly without any issues. However, I am facing multiple problems with the AX12 firmware.

 

Previously, on firmware version 1.2.1, the AX12 had frequent disconnection issues. To resolve this, I updated to the 1.2.2 beta firmware. While the disconnection issue seems improved, new problems have appeared.

 

Now, during WhatsApp video calls, the quality drops randomly along with lags and jitters, even though there are no issues with download or upload speeds when tested separately. Additionally, VoWiFi (Wi-Fi calling) drops randomly on the AX12, whereas it remains stable and consistent on the Archer C6 under the same conditions. I've also reset the Ax12 but there is no improvement.

 

Since both routers are using the same ISP and environment, this does not appear to be an internet issue, but rather something related to the AX12 firmware.

 

Please look into these issues and provide a stable firmware update. Thank you.

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#1
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3 Reply
Re:Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance
16 hours ago

Hello @abir2000 ,

Thanks for contacting our community.

 

For the VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling) dropping:
1. Verify that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) offers Wi-Fi calling service and ensure that the Wi-Fi calling option is enabled in your phone's settings.
2. Disable SIP ALG: Login to the router's web management interface, go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > ALG, disable the "SIP ALG" and save the settings.
3. Reserve the IP address for your phone and Enable port forwarding:
   • Go to Advanced > Network > DHCP Server > add an address reservation entry in the Address Reservation section
   • Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > Port Forwarding to configure port forwarding for UDP port 500 and port 4500

 

For the WhatsApp video call quality(lags and jitters):
Since you mentioned the firmware is already updated to 1.2.2 beta, let's try optimizing the wireless settings:
1. Make sure the Router is properly placed; it should be in an open area instead of inside a cabinet or shelf.
2. In the web interface, go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings, try different Wi-Fi channels to avoid nearby interference. Additionally:
   • For 2.4GHz wireless client devices, set the 2.4GHz channel width to 20MHz
   • For 5GHz wireless client devices, set the 5GHz channel width to 80MHz or 40MHz to avoid interference
3. Make sure the client devices are not included in any Parental Control profiles.
4. Make sure the network adapter drivers, system, or firmware on the affected client devices (e.g., phone) are up to date.
 

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#2
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Re:Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance
15 hours ago

  @Joseph-TP Please read my post carefully. I also used Archer C6 with identical settings and placed in the same location where I placed my AX12. My internet works just fine with C6, SIP is enabled, auto channel selection is enabled, ie, all works perfectly with default settings. I'm sure there is some bug with updated firmware. AX12 with previous firmware ran smoothly, no issue was there!

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#3
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Re:Random latency spikes leading to poor video call performance
12 hours ago

abir2000, your comparison with the C6 under identical conditions is solid evidence this is firmware-related rather than environment or ISP. A few things worth trying while waiting for a stable firmware fix: First, if you can roll back to whatever stable firmware you had before 1.2.2 beta, that's the cleanest fix. On the AX12, you can usually flash an older firmware via the web interface at tplinkwifi.net > Advanced > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. TP-Link's website keeps older firmware versions in the download section for your model. If you want to stay on the beta, a couple of things that sometimes help with jitter on voice calls: QoS prioritization: Under Advanced > QoS, try enabling it and setting your phone's IP to high priority. The AX12 uses address-based QoS so you can specifically prioritize real-time traffic from your mobile. Disable Hardware NAT temporarily: Some beta firmware builds have a conflict between hardware acceleration and real-time packet scheduling. Under Advanced > NAT Forwarding, if there's a Hardware NAT option, try disabling it. It will increase CPU load slightly but can eliminate jitter caused by packet scheduling issues in the hardware offload path. IPv6 and DNS: WhatsApp and VoWiFi both do DNS lookups during call setup and maintain connections to signaling servers. If your router's DNS handling has regressed, that can introduce call setup delays and occasional mid-call reconnects. It's worth setting a reliable public DNS in the router's WAN settings and checking if dual-stack IPv6 is stable on your connection. Since the TP-Link community tracks these issues, posting your exact firmware build number and whether the jitter happens on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz will help the team reproduce it faster.

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#4
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