TL;DR
The Netgear CBVG834G is limited in its wireless capabilities. You likely can’t directly enable a 270Mbps mode or significantly expand the frequency range without upgrading your hardware. However, you can optimise existing settings and consider alternative solutions like Wi-Fi extenders or a new router.
Understanding Your Router
The Netgear CBVG834G is primarily a modem/router combo designed for fibre optic internet connections (FTTP). Its wireless performance is typically 802.11g/n, which has maximum theoretical speeds lower than 270Mbps. It operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band and may have limited or no support for the faster 5GHz band.
Checking Current Wireless Settings
- Access Your Router’s Interface: Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and type http://192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You may need to enter your username and password. (Default is often ‘admin’ for both).
- Navigate to Wireless Settings: The exact location varies, but look for sections like “Wireless”, “Wi-Fi”, or “Setup”.
- Check Mode/Channel Width: Look for settings related to wireless mode (802.11b/g/n) and channel width (e.g., 20MHz, 40MHz). The wider the channel width, generally the faster the speed, but also more prone to interference.
Optimising Existing Settings
While you can’t force a 270Mbps mode, these steps may improve performance:
- Channel Selection: Use a Wi-Fi analyser app (on your phone or computer) to find the least congested channel on the 2.4GHz band. Change your router’s wireless channel accordingly in the settings.
- Wireless Mode: Ensure it’s set to ‘802.11b/g/n mixed’ or just ‘802.11n’ if older devices aren’t used. Avoid using 802.11b as it slows down the network.
- Channel Width: Try setting the channel width to 40MHz (if available). Be aware this can cause more interference, so test thoroughly. If you experience issues, revert to 20MHz.
- Firmware Update: Check Netgear’s website for firmware updates for your CBVG834G model. Updates sometimes include performance improvements. You usually find the update section in the router’s administration settings.
Why 270Mbps is Unlikely
- Hardware Limitation: The CBVG834G’s wireless chipset isn’t designed for speeds exceeding its standard capabilities (typically around 150-300 Mbps theoretical maximum).
- Frequency Band: 2.4GHz is more crowded and slower than the 5GHz band. Your router may not support 5GHz at all.
- Interference: Other devices, walls, and distance significantly reduce actual Wi-Fi speeds.
Alternative Solutions
- Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender can boost the signal range but won’t increase overall speed beyond what your router provides.
- Powerline Adapters: Use your home’s electrical wiring to create a wired network connection in areas with poor Wi-Fi.
- Mesh Wi-Fi System: A mesh system uses multiple nodes to provide wider coverage and potentially better speeds, but requires investment.
- New Router: The most effective solution is upgrading to a modern router that supports 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) capabilities. Look for routers rated at speeds of 800Mbps or higher.