Updated: May 17, 2026 | Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
Are you unsatisfied with the speed of your ALFA R36 router? Here are a few practical tips to get even more performance out of your hardware.
The Best Settings for Maximum Speed
- Disable "b" mode: The outdated 802.11b standard slows down the entire network. Set the router to "g/n mixed" or "n only".
- Enable 40MHz: A channel width of 40MHz theoretically doubles the bandwidth compared to 20MHz (works best in areas with low WiFi interference).
- Use WPA2 and AES: Old encryption methods like WPA-TKIP severely throttle data throughput. You must use WPA2-AES!
- Keep Channel Distance: Do not use the same or adjacent channels for the R36’s local WiFi as the hotspot you are receiving.
- Antenna Distance: Do not place the external USB WiFi antenna (e.g., Tube) too close to the R36 to avoid interference. If necessary, slightly reduce the R36’s transmission power.
Adjusting Hotspot Encryption
The tips above apply to the R36’s internal WiFi. For the connection to the remote hotspot, changing from WPA-TKIP to WPA2-AES can also work miracles (sometimes doubling the speed).
Note: The R36 typically uses whatever the hotspot offers. If the connection drops entirely after switching to AES, it means the hotspot does not support this newer encryption method.
FAQ: ALFA R36 Optimization
Why is TKIP so slow?
TKIP is a deprecated protocol technically limited to a maximum of 54 Mbps. You need AES to reach the full speeds of the 802.11n standard.
What if enabling 40MHz causes dropouts?
If you are in a crowded area (like a busy RV park), the wider 40MHz channel is highly susceptible to interference. In this case, switch back to 20MHz for a much more stable connection.