: yaktwok September 22, 2011, 12:32:31 AM
Does anyone know why the Buffalo WZR-HP-G450H TX Power is capped at 15dBm? I've tried setting the TX Power in the web GUI to anything higher than 15 but it refuses to increase. When I SSH into the router and run "iwconfig ath0 txpower 20" (or anything greater than 15dBm) i get the error:
SET failed on device ath0 ; Invalid argument.?
The strange thing is that when I type in "iwlist ath0 txpower" i get:
ath0 unknown transmit-power information.
Current Tx-Power=15 dBm (31 mW)?
It's usually supposed to list the available powers that can be set.
I have a feeling this is another one of those TX Power debacles again just like the WZR-HP-G300NH and WHR-HP-G300N. Why can't Buffalo & DD-WRT get their tx power settings right?!?! It's unfortunate that the TX power on this device is capped since it's got great RX capabilities and the 3x3 antennas make it so promising!
: iceonu December 15, 2011, 09:57:17 AM
Same issue here. Only reason I purchased this router was for it's "advertised" high power output. With DD-WRT it is the worst performing router I have had, and that is alot. As soon as I am more than 10ft away the signal is below -60!. My neighbors signals are far higher than this router. I know it must be firmware related as the user friendly firmware seems much better. If DD-WRT is not going to solve this with an update, can Buffalo at least add WDS to their firmware?
Every chance I get I am giving this router 'Buffalo WZR-HP-G450H' bad reviews on all the shopping sites and review sites.
: Aveyer December 16, 2011, 11:17:11 PM
Update to DD-WRT 17798, and ignore the displayed output power and test the actual signal you're receiving.
: douglasjboehme December 26, 2011, 01:51:58 PM
If you're having problems, have you tried contacting Buffalo first (after updating your firmware)? If you haven't, it is not fair to slander them on other sites without giving them the chance to address your questions.
: Aveyer December 29, 2011, 03:11:47 PM
From what I've seen, everyone is being paying too much attention to the reported output power rather than looking at the actual range. People report better range after updating to dd-wrt 17798 even though the output power never changed, it was only "reported" higher than previous firmwares, unless the different wireless driver has helped in other ways. Same story as the WZR-HP-G300NH, supposedly stock firmware had much better range than DD-WRT, I tested it myself and it was the opposite even with 14998 firmware.
: mattetti January 02, 2012, 07:45:05 PM
I'm sorry but I think you are wrong. I updated to the dd-wrt 17798, erased the nvram, rebooted the device and tried a lot of things to get a better coverage. Unfortunately, the transmission power doest seemed capped. If you choose the 40 MHz channel width as shown below, the tx power is actually capped at 10dBm.
$ telnet 192.168.11.1
Trying 192.168.11.1...
Connected to dd-wrt.
Escape character is '^]'.
DD-WRT v24-sp2 std (c) 2011 NewMedia-NET GmbH
Release: 10/31/11 (SVN revision: 17798)
DD-WRT login: root
Password:
==========================================================
____ ___ __ ______ _____ ____ _ _
| _ \| _ \ \ \ / / _ \_ _| __ _|___ \| || |
|| | || ||____\ \ /\ / /| |_) || | \ \ / / __) | || |_
||_| ||_||_____\ V V / | _ < | | \ V / / __/|__ _|
|___/|___/ \_/\_/ |_| \_\|_| \_/ |_____| |_|
DD-WRT v24-sp2
http://www.dd-wrt.com
==========================================================
BusyBox v1.19.2 (2011-10-31 16:56:36 CET) built-in shell (ash)
Enter 'help' for a list of built-in commands.
root@DD-WRT:~# iwconfig ath0
ath0 IEEE 802.11bgn Mode:Master Frequency:2.417 GHz Tx-Power=10 dBm
Retry long limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
Power Management:off
Switching the channel width to 20MHz boosts the TX-Power value to 14 dBm.
Based on your comments, I triple checked the rates, signal strength and SNR for a few clients located in various place in my house and I can assure you that the signal is weak whatever settings I use. Trying to set the tx power manually isn't taken or gives an error depending on the value:
root@DD-WRT:~# iwconfig ath0 txpower 15
root@DD-WRT:~# iwconfig ath0
ath0 IEEE 802.11bgn Mode:Master Frequency:2.417 GHz Tx-Power=10 dBm
Retry long limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
Power Management:off
root@DD-WRT:~# iwconfig ath0 txpower 16
Error for wireless request "Set Tx Power" (8B26) :
SET failed on device ath0 ; Invalid argument.
With such a weak signal, boosting the antennas doesn't make a big difference.
I will contact support tomorrow, but I really regret having bought this device, especially considering that it's called the AirStation™ HighPower N450 Gigabit Wireless Router - WZR-HP-G450H.
- Matt
: mattetti January 04, 2012, 10:14:42 PM
Just a quick update to let you know that the tech support hasn't been useful, they asked me if I was running the device at 40MHz and that's it.
(They didn't even read this thread which was indicated in my email and which clearly shows that my device is setup at 40MHz)
I'm afraid I'm stuck with this device and I will have to use the AT&T modem/router which has a better coverage than this Buffalo device :(
- Matt
: Aveyer January 07, 2012, 10:40:42 AM
What kind of "High Power" was everyone expecting?
: mattetti January 07, 2012, 11:33:39 AM
| 23 dBm | 200 mW | EIRP for IEEE 802.11n Wireless LAN 40Mhz-wide (5mW per MHz) channels in 5Ghz subband 4 (5735-5835 MHz, US only) or 5Ghz subband 2 (5470-5725 MHz, EU only). Also applies to 20Mhz-wide (10mW per MHz) IEEE 802.11a Wireless LAN in 5Ghz Subband 1 (5180-5320 MHz) if also IEEE 802.11h compliant (otherwise only 3mW/MHz=>60mW when unable to dynamically adjust transmission power, and only 1.5mW/MHz=>30mW when a transmitter also cannot dynamically select frequency). |
So I expected to be close to the 23dBm limit set by the FCC. Seeing 10dBm tx power and an EIRP of 15.5 dBm is very disappointing.
If we put asides the numbers, I expected the device to be at least as powerful as the cheap modem/router provided by AT&T and provide better coverage in my house. Turns out, it's not the case and that is yet another disappointment.
Let's add to that the fact that the tech support was useless, didn't pay attention to the email I sent them and never got back to me after the first reply. This is more than likely the last Buffalo product I purchase.
: drjp81 January 12, 2012, 07:40:56 AM
Though I cannot answer the existential question as to "why" it is so, but I can confirm that the stock dd-wrt firmware offers better power and range than the alpha build they now have for download.
In essence, by making sure the wireless settings have the maximum power tx values ( I put in 20) , get the band at 40 mhz, 5 dbi antennae gain, CTS-RTS on, I get the best results. These are very comparable to the "user friendly" version. Both user friendly versions give very similar range results as well. So, all in all, I would say the alpha version is to be avoided.
Other things: I only use wpa2, AES encryption and am in a mixed NG mode.
@50 feet and flooded in a 2.4 Ghz device rich environment I get a whopping 85 mbps average download rate and -49 RSSI signal.
Hope this helps someone.
: mattetti January 12, 2012, 11:36:29 AM
Thanks a lot @drjp81 for the feedback, when you say the "stock dd-wrt firmware", do you mean another one than the one provided by Buffalo? Or the non alpha version provided on the Buffalo web site?
Thanks
: drjp81 January 13, 2012, 06:02:15 AM
That would be the non-alpha version/17140 (or somehting llike that) but, to be sure, it's the one on the CD, so one could downloda the cd image. I know I should have noted the revision number, but I've been going back and forth between versions like crazy trying to make sense of the changes.
Over on the dd-wrt forums there are similar complaints about the power restrictions in the latest firmware. Since the alpha is still a work in progress I'd tend to avoid it completely, just because of the "use at your own risk" clause". If a revision is meant to "fix" problems, you don't publish it with a disclaimer like that. You can publish it as a jumping board for enthusiasts, but not relying on it to get it to work properly.
After further testing, I'm still having QOS issues with the dd-wrt firmware using VOIP applications. However the User friendly image has 0 performance issues. Just not as many features. VPN plays good with windows and printer support seems a bit flakey.
: mattetti January 15, 2012, 01:43:16 PM
You are absolutely right, thanks a lot!
I flashed my device with the origina ddwrt firmware and the tx power is capped at 15dBm and not 10dBm wich means that the coverage in my house is now really much better. I finally get stable wifi reception in my upstairs rooms.
I would still not recommend this device, but at least by following your advise, I can somewhat use it.
: agustaf4 January 15, 2012, 08:17:10 PM
: drjp81 January 16, 2012, 09:46:45 PM
Keep in mind that you should be setting an extra 5dbi (per antennae), so it should actually work out to very close to 30 (15+(5+5+5)) if I understand the propellerheads a DD-WRT forums. That is how I have it set and it is still not as powerful as the "user friendly" firmware, but only by a few (5~8) RSSI
: Sergius14 January 27, 2012, 08:46:36 PM
This router is so disappointing.
Not only is not High Power, in fact, is LOW Power.
Expect to have very low coverage at home (barelly covers a 2 root apt with mobiles/tables, and you may have blackouts), no matter the channel you choose, the dbi, gain.... etc. etc. it is limited and you can't do anything about it. And that's the fact.
The thee bulky 5 dbi antennas are just decorative.
There is no reason to buy this router at all. DD-WRT? There are many other options that runs the free edition, with internal antennas and TWICE coverage.
Buffalo MUST do something about this. They sell and advertise this product as High Power, and it is a lie (at least until their fix this).
: drdemento January 28, 2012, 03:02:23 AM
Yes a real bummer,
additionally i bought it here in europe and cant even see the USA or Canada settings. Even the router i had before got higher power than this dead-beat combination of alpha-firmware and "high-power" router model. You could try the 1.86 firmware from buffalo, got me little bit better reception than dd-wrt. But not many options inside this firmware. Seems to have a bug in port forwarding additionally.
: drjp81 January 28, 2012, 08:16:35 AM
1.86? Where?
: drdemento January 28, 2012, 03:34:46 PM
: SecureNetworX February 18, 2012, 09:30:15 AM
Guys, frustrating indeed.
I see references being made to a DD-WRT build 17789. All we could find is the 17140 which was on the CD. Nowhere is there any firmware posted on the product download pages (http://www.buffalo-asia.com/cgi-bin/support/download.cgi?country=hk&to=wzr_hp_g450h).
We have the 17789 running on an WZR-HP-G300NH2, but didn't see anywhere options for the WZR-HP-G450H. At least not in Asia...
Any pointer would be helpful.
Thx
: Sergius14 February 19, 2012, 06:12:14 PM
It was available just at the download page (not anymore).
Seems that has been removed.
: SecureNetworX February 20, 2012, 01:18:15 AM
Sergius,
Could you sent me the .bin flash file via Dropbox?
Thx
: neostrider69 February 22, 2012, 01:45:56 AM
Here ya go....
I've done all the digging and searching for everyone...
http://www.buffalotech.com/support/getfile/wzrhpg450h-pro-v24sp2-17798-alpha.zip
USE AT OWN RISK. REPORTED TROUBLED FIRMWARE.
: REOALEXKING August 27, 2012, 02:44:07 PM
Using the above posted link, I get: "The page you are looking for was not found. You may have used an outdated link or may have typed the address (URL) incorrectly."
I do note that I have seen indicated TX power on my device as high as 26.5dbm. I am using a couple of these devices between buildings, about 500 ft, no problem.
: REOALEXKING August 27, 2012, 02:54:28 PM
At the Buffalo download page for the WZR-HP-G450H (otherwise called the N450), you will presently find a DD-WRT firmware posted: v24sp2-18795 That's what I am using on my several devices, no problems.
: REOALEXKING August 27, 2012, 03:47:08 PM
On the subject of setting TX power on Buffalo Broadcom-based products, anyone interested should check out this DD-WRT Forum link: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 and part-2 of the article at http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=39529
Of particular note is this quote from part one:
"Do not raise your TX value if you are having signal quality issues. First of all, TX isn't working in many routers.
Second you should fix signal issues with better antennas not power. Many routers do much better with LOWER TX
values, around 40-50 especially those with the crappy internal antennas (linksys ashtrays). Buffalo HP units should not be
higher than 30."
I leave mine set to 20 and let the firmware dynamically adjust power output.
: osocoloso August 27, 2012, 04:37:45 PM
These "high power" routers are a joke. They are indeed low-powered when running DD-WRT. Compared to the Amped Wireless routers, they're an embarrasment. Too bad those don't run DD-WRT. Heck, even my old linksys puts out a better signal than the "high power" Buffalo.
Their tech support is awful - their customer rep baiscally told me to return the unit and buy a competitor's better product. I should have returned mine when I had the chance. Instead, I opted to give Buffalo a chance, wait for a firmware update, etc... Now I have a $100 ugly-looking doorstop. But, hey, at least it's a conversation starter - visitors come in and go "how nice IS THAT LEANING AGAINST YOUR DOOR?!?!"
Can't wait for the class-action lawsut that they deserve for adverstising these products as "high power DD-WRT routers".
: davo August 28, 2012, 10:55:55 AM
osocoloso, anything else you would like to complain about? If you have / have had a faulty router then stfu and return it. Enough bullshít about class action lawsuits, one minute your moaning about DDWRT and then next its about something else!
I've had faulty routers in the past, some Buffalo and guess what???? I returned them and got another Buffalo router that works well.
If you want to complain some more, may i sugest the following URL: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=no+one+cares+about+what+you+have+to+say!
: REOALEXKING August 28, 2012, 06:27:12 PM
This is for all the nay-sayers who do not bother to get their facts straight. See the below screen shot of my Buffalo WRZ-HP-G450H (also called an N450), and in particular, the area circled in red. I have several Buffalo devices, and in the beginning had to occasionally deal with Customer Service, where I was treated with respect with assistance that did not end until I felt that I was satisfied. As with any such device, an occasional dud crops up, but that certainly is in the minority. I have used and at hand such devices bearing brand names from all over the world, and can state without hesitation that my Buffalo devices outperform most others - both transmit and receive. The obvious closed minds I see posting rants and raves in this forum deserve no further comment.
Shoot, I couldn't find an obvious method to add my JPG screen shot here. I will email it to any interested party that provides me with a direct email address and you can clearly see for yourself the TX power ranging from 25.5 to 29.3 dbm.
: mattetti August 30, 2012, 03:22:14 AM
It's funny how easy it is to say that others don't get their facts straight but yet not prove anything either.
We certainly all have a different experiences, we have slightly different setups and I won't make any generalities but here are "my" facts.
I purchased a WZR-HP-G450H because of its "high power" and 3 antennas as well as its firmware.I was hoping for better coverage, better performance (transfer speed). The result was that the WIFI coverage was worse than when using the AT&T uverse modem/router. I lost signal in my bedroom and other parts of the house.
I upgraded after having used a Belkin dir-825 for a little while (the belkin has a much better coverage but the firmware is limited and I had it crash/lock on a regular basis).
I ended up boxing the G450H and bought the Airport Extreme.
Since then, not a single problem, great coverage, great speed and I just have to worry about anything. The software for the router isn't that great, but it gets the work done and last time I was as pelased by a router was when I got my first Linksys.
If you think the G450H is such a great device, I'd be glad to sell mine which I plan on never using anymore (unfortunatelly I waited too long to realize I just needed to get rid of it, and I can't send it back to Amazon).
- Matt
: REOALEXKING September 01, 2012, 06:10:20 PM
Why not stick it on eBay and then I may review details and perhaps relieve you of your suffering. I have several such devices, no problems. Can always use another.
: osocoloso September 04, 2012, 11:59:38 AM
osocoloso, anything else you would like to complain about? If you have / have had a faulty router then stfu and return it. Enough bullshít about class action lawsuits, one minute your moaning about DDWRT and then next its about something else!
----------
Not moaning about DD-WRT, just about Buffalo's POS router and awful support. I can't return it because it's past the store's return policy. So, yea, I'm going to complain and warn others so they don't waste their money like I did.
If Buffalo wants to step up and offer to refund my purchase price, I'll be glad to send it back to them. But when all I get from them is "use the user-friendly software", and now users with green tags telling me to STFU (way to abuse your privileges, by the way), then no - I won't STFU.
Do not buy these "high powered" routers if you intend to use DD-WRT. They are a POS and you will waste your money, get no support from Buffalo and as you can see here, forum mods will tell you to STFU if you say anything negative. Or even worse, as you can see by Davo's post - green tags tell you that Buffalo does not care about what you have to say. Great way to represent, Davo!!
What's next, davo? Delete my posts?
**admin - no Buffalo employees, mods, or admins have used the term mentioned above**
: REOALEXKING September 05, 2012, 02:52:06 PM
Let me get this straight -
- You bought a Buffalo device which you believe to be defective.
- You waited until Buffalo's generous warranty had expired to get Tech Support involved. Of course, if you attacked Buffalo Tech Support with all the negative vibes you post here, I might understand their reluctanct to have anything further to do with you.
- Now here you are trying to get others on your bandwagon telling people to avoid certain Buffalo products.
Sure sounds childish to me!
Buffalo - any comment?
: osocoloso September 05, 2012, 05:06:38 PM
No, instead of assuming (which we all know what it does), you could ask what happened:
- I bought a Buffalo device which turned out to not work as it should (low power, dropouts)
- Returned it to the store and got another one
- Had the same results (low power, dropouts)
- Called Buffalo
- Was told to use the "user friendly" software
- Stated I wanted to use DD-WRT
- Was told to try the "alpha" software that was available at the time
- I tried the "alpha" software, didn't help
- I came to this forum, saw other ppl had the same issues
- Called Buffalo again, stated my problem
- Tech said known issue, next firmware would fix it
- I stupidly waited for the next firmware <- YES, MY MISTAKE - I SHOULD HAVE RETURNED IT
- Next firmware version came out, I tried it, same issues
- Too late to return it to the store, as their 15-day return policy was long gone
- Called Buffalo again, wondering if there was something in my settings and maybe they could help.
- Tech basically said switch to user friendly software or buy a better router
- Went back to my "low power" linksys which ridiculously outperforms this Buffalo unit
So now you know what happened, so you don't have to assume and you don't have to call other people names when you don't know what's been going on.
Buffalo's "generous warranty" does not matter. It's still under warranty. I can send it in and get another one and it will perform just the way this one does. It does not operate as a a high power wireless router when running DD-WRT. It's not just me, look at all the other posts in this forum and in the DD-WRT forums.
What they need to do is fix their version of DD-WRT so that it supports the high power feature, or stop being misleading and selling it as a "high power DD-WRT" router when it doesn't work that way. It's just that simple.
Buffalo - any comment?
: REOALEXKING September 05, 2012, 09:43:13 PM
Go to the Buffalo Downloads Web site and get a copy of their DD-WRT Pro firmware. It works just find.
Just how much help do you think you would get from any manufacturer when you go on line and bad-mouth them at every turn? I own many Buffalo devices. A couple were not up to par, were promptly replaced with 100% functional devices, receiving pristine Customer Service and Technical Support all the way down the line.
This is my final word on the subject.
: osocoloso September 05, 2012, 11:30:30 PM
No, the newer firmware available in the downloads does not fix the transmission power issue. And I do not intend to experiment with OpenWRT or community DD-WRT builds. It should be able to work properly with Buffalo's own software.
And stating facts is not badmouthing. Until the issue is fixed, people who are considering buying these devices or have already spent their money on them deserve to know not to expect the router to work as a "high power" router if they is DD-WRT.
Glad you're happy with your Buffalo products - at least one of us is.
: pfn September 19, 2012, 02:21:35 PM
I picked up a WZR-600DHP last night to replace my busted, >10yr old router at home (power cycle killed it...)
I was sold on the HP feature, but no matter what I set, in the shell or web ui, it will not go over 16/13dBm
Signal strength is lower than my POS linksys wrt54gr.
There's no info from anyone on how to improve this situation.
Can a newer kernel module be installed that would rectify this?
: pfn September 19, 2012, 02:29:53 PM
After doing a little more research, by looking at iw list, I was able to bump up my TX power to 20dBM and 19dBm on the 5 and 2.4ghz bands respectively.
It's a little better...
: REOALEXKING September 19, 2012, 07:31:57 PM
I have several of these devices and every one set up perfect, first time, every time. I get 25.5/29.5 dBm RF output. Leave the power setting at 20 and the antenna gain without an entry (blank). The device should automatically set your dBm RF output , providing you have a good coax or antenna impedance match (50 ohms). If your match is bad, you will observe much lower RF output. Make sure you are using current firmware. I use three 9 dbi gain antennas mounted direct to the RP-SMA connectors on the device. If you are using coax to feed an antenna or RF amplifier, ensure that you are using the lowest loss coax you can get your hands on for this frequency. RF loss is tremendous when you use the very skinny coax so commonly found today. I had no problem simply following the Buffalo setup instructions, although a good handle on the technical nomiinclature and jargon used should help you to avoid errors in your setting. Try the automatic setup procedure first, then when you have connections, go back and tweak your settings. Buffalo publishes some good setup info for all it's products, it would be a good move to search that plus this blog, to boot. You should also be able to get tech support on live chat. Good luck. Alex
: alexny December 01, 2012, 09:30:02 PM
pfn, I'm having exactly the same issue with the same router, can you give me some more details on what you did and what information you were able to get from iwlist.
: slybunda December 02, 2012, 03:11:43 PM
which country are you in, because if your in europe and you purchased the router from europe then the max output power you will get is 20dbm eirp, including antenna gain, so if you got 3db antenna the max power of the device will be 17dbm. no more.
if you want high output power and stability then your looking in the wrong direction you need to go for a different brand something thats specialist in high power, like ubiquiti or mikrotek.
but since your just an average user you would not have know about those brands in which case the buffalo is enough for your needs.