@Vexir 

Vexir wrote

Can I still leave the SSID as exactly the same for all 3 bands (1x2.4, 2x5)? What would happen if I did? How do my devices know which network they should connect to?

You can, but I wouldn't. The only time it would work was if a specfic device was 2.4Ghz only and then it would connect to the proper band. The 2 5Ghz (5-1 and 5-2) bands with the same SSID as the 2.4 Ghz can't be determined when you look on a device at the SSID's. A non-only 2.4Ghz device will see 3 SSID's. No guarantee which is which.

I'd use the format of band_name followed by the speed of the band, like 2, 5-1, and 5-2. For instance as an example home2, home5-1, and home 5-2. Guest SSID's I'd use g before the SSID name.

The added benefit beside you know what you are connecting too, is the ability to be sure you get the devices you want on each band without guessing.

@IrvSp Honestly the only real reason to turn off Smart Connect was to specify the 2.4 ghz channel because I noticed it was choosing one with interference - and to enable MU-MIMO. But I'm not really having issues with 2.4 ghz devices, and I'm assuming MU-MIMO is turned on by Smart Connect?

Vexir wrote

Did not know this. Such a hidden trap! Anywhere I can find a guide on other easy config traps to avoid?

@Vexir 

Don't know what 'traps' you expect?

Basically keeping the like devices (Speeds, G, N, AC, AX) on individual bands is best. Router when they have different speed devices on a band will work generally at the slower speed, so if you mix N and AC devices, the AC devices will not operate at the max. possible speed all the time.

Some reading link for you:

https://lifehacker.com/which-wifi-band-should-i-use-for-my-devices-1832635625

https://www.hellotech.com/blog/why-is-my-wifi-so-slow

https://www.maketecheasier.com/24ghz-5ghz-band-steering/

@IrvSp I would define trap as anything important to know or configure that isn't obvious to the layman by just looking at the configuration options.

Also how do we feel about airtime fairness? So far I've kept it off because I want my 2.4ghz PS4 to operate as quickly as possible for online gaming, but if there's a way to exempt it from Airtime Fairness or prioritize it within the AF scheme, that would help AF reduce priority for the other devices I've got, like smart speakers and smart washers.

Vexir wrote

Also how do we feel about airtime fairness? So far I've kept it off because I want my 2.4ghz PS4 to operate as quickly as possible for online gaming, but if there's a way to exempt it from Airtime Fairness or prioritize it within the AF scheme, that would help AF reduce priority for the other devices I've got, like smart speakers and smart washers.

@Vexir 

Before I could even answer that, first you need to read this, https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/stories/detail/203

Next, it would help to know 2 things:

1. Are you actually having a problem with On-Line gaming?
2. What is your Internet Speed?

Why the 2 questions, well, the first should be obvious. Second is because if you have insufficient speed, there might not be much you could do about it?

What I'm thinking is the use of QoS, Quality of Service. The A20 allows DEVICE PRIORITY:

That will work for what you request, no matter what other settings you have.

However, NOTHING will help if your Internet is SLOW. Check this link, https://broadbandnow.com/guides/how-much-internet-speed-do-i-need

Now assume you know what the game requires (have to Google the game name and speed required) you still need 'more', espectially is something else is happening on other devices during game play. Don't forget, may programs 'call home' or automatically check for mail even. Some, like Windows will d/l updates while the PC is on without you starting it.

You can also try QoS Application Priority:

Either Select Gaming which is basically featuring Gaming for bandwidth, or use Custom and create your own profile.

One thing, in most cases, QoS is almost useless if your Internet Speed is 200Mbps or more.

I have mine set to Standard, but I wish I had an OFF, I'm sure I don't need it, and I suspect that Standard is really what Custom defaults to.