I just purchased this router to replace a D-Link that died after multiple power outages.

5ghz works perfectly fine.

However 2.4ghz is absolutely unusable. Connection loses packets and drops out cyclically, constantly every 10 to 15 seconds on any 2.4ghz device no matter the channel, 20 / 40 or 20+40mhz, B/G/N, QOS, WPS, WMM, Smart Connect or EasyMesh setting combination. I tried everything.

I absolutely need functional 2.4ghz as It wreaks havoc on my IOT devices and switches that only support 2.4ghz. Further more i develop apps for micro-controllers (which are all 2.4ghz) and this makes it impossible for me to work as it causes freezes and drop-outs and generally is just extremely frustrating.

This looks like radio issue either at the firmware or hardware level.

Moreover the web UI is buggy and ignores my preferences, such as constantly redirecting to a "Are you trying to set up your router?" page instead of the login. It's already set up and this is an annoyance, especially when trying to debug issues. After login It also consistently begs me to link my TP-Link ID even though i keep saying "No, Don't Ask Again" every time. I won't enter it, so stop asking.

Please provide a solution as otherwise i will return the device or ask for reimbursement.

Examples of the typical garbage connection stability i have - all tests done sitting 2 feet from the router, testing different settings. There are no visible errors in the system log.

Pinging the router: