ARRIS Consumer Care

SBG8300: Changing the Wi-Fi Channel

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Question

How do I change the Wi-Fi channel in the SBG8300 gateway?

Answer

In some cases, wireless interference may occur when nearby wireless networks are broadcast on the same channel as the SBG8300. Changing the Wi-Fi channel in the SBG8300 may reduce wireless interference. The SBG8300 broadcasts two Wi-Fi networks simultaneously, one is broadcast on 2.4 GHz and the other on 5 GHz band. The default channel is Auto for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. The auto channel on the Wi-Fi network automatically selects the best or least congested Wi-Fi channel after restarting the SBG8300.

Before selecting the Wi-Fi network, check the Wi-Fi client that is experiencing interference to identify the Wi-Fi network being used by the device. Then use the Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzer tool (located in the SBG8300 Web Manager) to scan nearby access points and occupied Wi-Fi channels. The tool is used for identifying the least used Wi-Fi channel, then select the appropriate Wi-Fi network and change the channel. The Wi-Fi client’s Internet connection will be interrupted when changing the Wi-Fi channel.

This document describes changing the Wi-Fi channel on the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.

Changing the Wi-Fi Channel

Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key. The https:// Redirect page will appear.
The SURFboard Web Manager is begin redirected to a more secure connection, click the Proceed button to continue. The Gateway > Login page will appear.
A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager. There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager. For instructions to by-pass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.

NOTE: The Home Network Wizard will appear if this is the first time accessing the Web Manager. For assistance with the wizard, refer to article # 17969 - SBG8300: Web Manager First Time Login.
Enter admin in the Username field and enter the custom password in the Password field.

NOTE: If the Login page prompts for email address and password. Log into the Web Manager with the email and password used when setting up the SURFboard Manager app with the SBG8300.
Click the Login button. The Gateway > Summary page will appear.
On the left hand-menu, click the Connected Devices link. The Connected Devices > Devices page will appear.
Under the Online Devices section, locate the Wi-Fi client that is experiencing interference and check the SSID (Wi-Fi 2.4G or Wi-Fi 5G) it is connected to under Connection.

NOTE: The SSID can also be checked on Wi-Fi client network settings.
Once the SSID is determined, click the Troubleshooting link in the left-hand menu. The Troubleshooting > Logs page will appear.
Click the Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzer sub-menu link. The Troubleshooting > Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzer page will appear.
Click the Start Scan button. The pop-up window will appear.
Click the OK button.
- To Change the Wi-Fi Channel for the Wi-Fi 2.4G
- To Change the Wi-Fi Channel for the Wi-Fi 5G

To Change Wi-Fi Channel for the Wi-Fi 2.4G

On the Troubleshooting > Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzer page, review page 1 & 2 to determine the most congested Wi-Fi channels. The least congested channel would be best to use.

NOTE: In the example below, channel 11 is highly congested and channel 3 is moderately congested. The best available channel is 6 or the channels not in use.
On the left-hand menu, click the Gateway link. The Gateway > Summary page will appear.
Click the Connection link, then click the Wi-Fi link. Click the 2.4 GHz Radio sub-menu link. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Radio page will appear.
Select the Manual bullet point for the Channel Selection field, then select a channel from the Channel drop-down menu.

NOTE 1: It is recommended to leave the Channel default setting at Auto and restart the SBG8300. The best Wi-Fi channel will be selected upon restart. Keep in mind that the connected Wi-Fi clients temporary lose Internet connection when the SBG8300 is restarting.

NOTE 2: When choosing to set the Wi-Fi channel, it is recommended to set the channel to 1, 6 or 11 for better performance and stability because they do not overlap. Other Wi-Fi channels overlap and degrade performance.
Leave the default setting of 20 MHz on the Channel Bandwidth field to increase the amount of data that the Wi-Fi network can carry.

NOTE: The standard bandwidth for the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network is 20 MHz.

Channel Bandwidth Channels
20 MHz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
20/40 MHz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Click the Save Settings button. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi > 2.4 GHz Radio page will appear.

NOTE: Wi-Fi clients will briefly disconnect and reconnect.

To Change the Wi-Fi Channel for the Wi-Fi 5G

On the Troubleshooting > Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzer page, click the drop-down menu to select 5 GHz UNII-1 & 2 to display Channels 36 - 64. Review page 1 & 2 to determine the most congested Wi-Fi channels.

NOTE: In the example below, channel 36 is highly congested and channel 48 is moderately congested.
Click the drop-down menu to select 5 GHz UNII-2E to display Channels 100 - 144.

NOTE: In the example below no channels from 100 - 144 were detected.
Click the drop-down menu to select 5 GHz UNII-3 & ISM to display Channels 149 - 165. Review page 1 & 2 to determine the most congested Wi-Fi channels.

NOTE: In the example below channel 157 is highly congested and the best channel are 149, 153, 161, and or channels not in use.
On the left-hand menu, click the Gateway link. The Gateway > Summary page will appear.
Click the Connections link, then click the Wi-Fi link. Click the 5 GHz Radio sub-menu link. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi 5 GHz Radio page will appear.
Select the Manual bullet point for the Channel Selection field, then select a channel from the Channel drop-down menu.

NOTE: It is recommended to leave the Channel setting at Auto and restart the SBG8300. The best Wi-Fi channel will be selected upon restart. Keep in mind that the connected Wi-Fi clients temporary lose Internet connection when the SBG8300 is restarting.
Leave the default setting of 20/40/80 MHz on the Channel Bandwidth field to increase the amount of data that the Wi-Fi network can carry.

Channel Bandwidth Channels
20 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165
20/40 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161
20/40/80 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161
Click the Save Settings button. The Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi > 5GHz Radio page will appear.

NOTE: Wi-Fi clients will briefly disconnect and reconnect.