Optimize your networking experience – Pace 5268

Note: Direct wired connections provide the fastest speeds and free up Wi-Fi bandwidth. Try connecting devices you keep in one place, such as computers and game consoles, directly to your gateway using the available Ethernet ports.

Establish baseline speeds
Running a speed test will allow you to see your baseline speeds, both wired and wireless. Prior to running a Wi-Fi test, disable all other household devices that may produce wireless interference. For example, Bluetooth devices, wireless phones, baby monitors and other wireless video devices.

Use the following steps to perform speed tests for your home network.

Wired speed test

1. Go to a computer that’s connected by wire to your Pace 5268 gateway.
2. Close any other applications on your device.
3. Shut down any other Wi-Fi enabled devices including tablets, smartphones, computers, game boxes, and DVRs.
4. Run the AT&T Internet Speed Test from a desktop or laptop wired to your gateway to see download and upload speeds.

Wi-Fi speed test
Devices that use older standards like 802.11b or 802.11g will not be capable of reaching the maximum wireless speeds supported by the Pace 5268. In addition, certain 802.11n devices only have a single antenna, limiting their throughput by half.  Verify that your device is 802. 11b/g/n/ac compatible by consulting the device's service manual or by visiting the manufacturer's website.

This test should be performed with a clear line of sight and approximately 10 ft. away from the Pace 5268.

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi home network using your desktop or laptop.
2. Close any other applications on your device.
3. Shut down any other Internet-enabled devices including tablets, smartphones, computers, game boxes, and DVRs.
4. Run the AT&T Internet Speed Test from a desktop or laptop connected through Wi-Fi to see download and upload speeds.

Performance figures will vary, and you should repeat this process with various wireless devices in order to rule out device-specific performance issues. Test only one device at a time, and if only one specific device has lower throughput, update that device's wireless adapter (if possible) and re-test.

Location
Your home environment may affect performance negatively. For optimum performance, place the Pace 5268:

• Away from large metal objects such as metal racks and cabinets.
• Not near other power sources. The power supply should be at least 6 ft. away.
• Away from cordless phone bases or microwaves.
• Standing vertical with nothing resting on or against it.
• Not contained within a closed area such as a cabinet or closet.

Access and verify gateway settings
To verify your settings, follow these steps.

1. Open a Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or other browser window.
2. Enter http://192.168.1.254 to access the gateway settings screen.
3. Scroll to the Key things to do Using your Gateway and, select Wireless.
4. Verify the following for both radios:
   
   • Authentication type is set to WPA-PSK (TKIP)/WPA2-PSK (AES).
   • Wi-Fi Mode for the 2.4ghz radio is 802.11n/b/g 2.4GHz.
   • Wi-Fi Mode for the 5.0GHz radio is 802.11n/ac 5GHz.
   • Wi-Fi Channel is set to Automatic (default setting).
   • Transmit Power Level is set to 100 for maximum coverage.

Pace 5268 radios
The Pace 5268 has two radios (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz) allowing for multiple network names (SSIDs) to be supported. The default network name and password will be the same allowing the gateway to automatically switch between the radios based on which one is able to deliver the fastest Wi-Fi speeds. Although the default approach should meet your needs, you have the ability to rename your network radios by accessing the gateway settings on your computer.

If you opt to create a unique network name for each of your radios, it is recommended you use the three network radios as follows to maximize your Wi-Fi experience:

• 2.4GHz – Older wireless devices (Apple iPhone 4, etc.) that can’t connect to a 5GHz radio or doesn’t support 802.11n or 802.11ac connectivity.
• 2.4GHz Guest – Mobile devices for visitors that want to connect to the Internet without direct access to your home network devices. This Guest network is turned off by default and can be activated by accessing the gateway settings.
• 5.0GHz – Newer wireless devices (Apple iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5, Smart TVs, etc.), desktop computers, Smart TVs, and other stationary devices that allow connectivity to a 5GHz radio and support either 802.11n or 802.11ac.