Why is the AEXn Range @ pure 5GHz only 30 feet?

Question

I recently went through the hassle of upgrading to wireless N twice - the first time not realizing the problems present in 2.4GHz channel bonding. After realizing this and upgrading all my hardware to 5GHz compliant hardware including the AEXn Gigabit Edition, I was pretty happy that I got 5GHz and 300Mbps connections.
However, I've always seen that N is touted as a faster and farther range alternative. However, in a space where there are no walls, my 5GHz signal range is only about 30 feet. After that, it drops off sharply - even more so when I move slowly up the stairs. Once I reach the top of my stairs, the signal is gone.
On 2.4GHz N only mode, I get range all over the house and consistently achieve a 13 to 30Mbps in the farthest reach of the house at well over 200 feet through walls and such. While within decent range of 50 feet or less, I achieve the maximum 130Mbps for 2.4GHz. Why is the signal degredation so ridiculously high when using 5GHz? I was trying to find the power output for the 5GHz antenna but have been unable to find it. Alternatively, is there a way to mod the AEXn to transmit both 5GHz and 2.4GHz simultaneously? Or is that a hardware limitation that cannot be adjusted?
As a side note, I've eliminated all 5GHz handsets and cell phones from the house while running my tests. In addition, I have also replaced all our house phones with 1.9GHz phones with the only 2.4GHz device being a baby monitor, which is off most of the time. There is also about 500 feet from my router to neighbors on both sides of my house - so it's hard to picture them causing 5GHz interference. any suggestions?
Message was edited by: Chuck H.

Answer 1

I pretty much have the same experience. To get 5GHz channel service on my third floor I had to "extend the network" with a second AEBSn, which drops the effective rate from 300 to 108. Still better than 54, but not as good as 300. On the first floor get 300.