Renaming the 5GHz wifi channel

Question

Hi
I've had issues connecting my iMac to the HomeHub5 for months and eventually stumbled across some advice which suggested turning off the sync between the 2.3Ghz and 5Ghz, then renaming the 5GHz SSID. 
I've done this and it seems to have fixed the issue, but I've no idea what the implications of this might be for my general wifi access around my house. I assume there's a good reason why there are two frequencies? 
I now have two seperate wifi names in the house and appear permanently connected to the 2.3Ghz one. 
Any potential issues?

Answer 1

You need 5GHz adapters to use the 5Ghz signal - not all PCs will have a 5Ghz adapter.
because 2.4Ghz is getting very crowded in areas, the 5Ghz range can help a lot to stop interference , otherwise no real issue 
to look at the implications - if you could post a screen shot of xirrus we could see what potential interference you may have and advise on a channel change
Run Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector 
Download and install
If you cannot access the internet with this PC, then you will need to copy the program across to the faulty PC
Save the file to a USB flash drive or other removable media. Plug it into the working computer with internet access and copy the file and install the program.
You will now need to take a screen shot and copy that back to the working PC and attach the screen shot in a reply on the forum here.
If you do not have another PC - do you have a phone connected to the internet - can you photograph the result and post the image in a reply
http://www.xirrus.com/Products/Wi-Fi-Inspector.aspx
( the site now appears to require a business email, and does not allow webbased emails like gmail,hotmail or yahoo etc )
Use the links below
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_download/fid,77196-order,4/download.html
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Xirrus-Wi-Fi-Monitor-Download-99109.html
Then run and install the program - on a wireless enabled PC/Laptop
if you get an error - You will need to have [URL="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17851"]NET Framework[/URL] installed for the WiFi Inspector to function.
On windows 8 - (i do not have windows 8) but, it would appear that, When you first try to run, you may get a message that .net framework is needed, and included in that message is a link to download/install.
Run the program
A user guide is available here
http://www.xirrus.com/cdn/pdf/xirruswifiinspectorguide1-2-0
post a screen shot of the program running.
if there are a lot of networks showing can you click on "networks" top lefthand area - so we can see all the network information.
post which SSID name is yours, its located in the list, under network "Adapter Name" (1st column)
Note:
For a reliable (or robust as the Xirrus user guide says) wireless connection you need a signal of about -70 dBm or better. "A desirable signal level for a robust Wi-Fi connection will be green".
note: the signal level is a negative number, so for example -88 is worst and -40 is better
To post a screen shot of the active window.
Windows XP
Hold the Alt key and press the PrtScn key. Open the Windows PAINT application (Start> All Programs> Accessories> Paint) and Paste the screen shot. You can then use PAINT to trim to suit, and save it as a JPG format file.
Vista or Windows 7
you can use the "snipping tool" which is found in Start> All programs> Accessories> Snipping Tool
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-use-the-windows-snipping-tool/
Windows 8
you can use the snipping tool > Open Snipping Tool (From the Windows 8 Start Screen, type "snip" and press enter.
>Press the Esc. key.
>go back to your Windows 8 start screen - Swipe from left or press Window Button
>Press Ctrl+PrntScr button to use Snipping Tool
see here
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/opinion/windows/3415854/how-take-screenshot-in-windows-8/
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/3405830/how-take-screenshot-in-windows-8/