TP-Link router with altafiber 1gb – at my wits end!

Hello! I have searched the group and haven't found a solution, so I hope this post is ok. Thank you in advance!

Here is my situation:

I upgraded my internet to fiber with a 1GB plan from albafiber. I previously had a TP-Link router Archer A54. I upgraded to the AXE5400 Tri-band WiFi 6E Router because the A54 maxed out at 100mbps, so I wanted to get what I'm paying for.

I have a laptop hardwired. Speed test as of this posting shows 382.39mbps down, 236.60 up hardwired.

It is just me using the wifi 99% of the time. I primarily use my iphone, ipad, roku, and PS5 on the wifi. Also connected to the wifi are also my printer, and 2 Ring cameras. Speed test at the time of this post from my iPhone connected to the 5G band are 180mbps down, 146mbps up. I have been told my internet plan of 1GB should be more than enough for this. Altafiber confirmed from their end that my connection looks good.

Most of the time my mobile devices and laptop are just fine. Since upgrading to the AXE5400, I have been having LOADS of random lag and disconnects when playing online with my PS5. I had none of these problems when I used my old A54 router.

Here is what I have done so far:

– Elevated the router on a higher surface, and ensured there are no other devices between it and my PS5. They are in separate rooms. But again… my old, slower router was in a low spot in the same room and PS5 had no problems.

– I've been on several times with TP-Link customer service. They had me change the following settings: Turn off 'smart connect'. Primary DNS set to 8.8.8.8, secondary DNS set to 8.8.4.4. Change the 2.4ghz channel width to 20mHz from 20/40mHz, and channel from auto to 1. Change the 5ghz channel width to 20/40mHz from 20/40/80/160mHz and channel from auto to 36.

– From googling issues connecting to my online game (final fantasy XIV), it was suggested to change the following on my PS5: Force the PS5 to use 5ghz only, also tried the force to 2.4ghz only to see if a difference. None noticed. Change DNS settings on PS5 primary to 8.8.8.8, and secondary to 8.8.4.4.

– I have not tried hard wiring the PS5 yet. I think I need to get a really long cable to try it to troubleshoot that. I have not looked yet at what I need. I guess I just expected this to work on wifi since it worked with my old one.

At times, the game seems to be running fine, but when it's bad it is REALLY bad. Last night I was getting a solid 20-30 seconds between actions which makes the game unplayable essentially. I rebooted my router and it seemed to be ok after that. At that same time, I was connected to the 5ghz band and when I checked my network connection, I could not even find the 2.4ghz to try it. I looked for it on my PS5 and also look on my phone and could not locate it.

It just seems so strange to me that I'm having so many issues with this 'new' and 'faster' router when the only issue I ever had with my 'old' and 'slower' router were that it maxed at 100mbps. I'm also no network expert, so I apologize if I'm not using the right terms, etc. That's why I'm here :). Not sure where else to turn!