Use non `-ct` driver for R7800

[SharkScout]

After extensive testing, I see a significant performance improvement for using the packages ath10k-firmware-qca9984 and kmod-ath10k on NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S R7800. The 2.4 GHz wifi download speeds are approximately 8x as fast on the environment I tested in.

Currently, the standard build for this device uses the drivers from Candela Technologies: ath10k-firmware-qca9984-ct and kmod-ath10k-ct.

My experiments are independently corroborated by others, for example:

Changing ath10k firmware on Netgear r7800?

Did your brothers iPhone SE 2 was able to connect with WPA3? ath10k-firmware-qca9984 CT firmware I was not able to connect a Apple Ipad Model A2602. I switched to ath10k-firmware-qca9984 v20230804-1 and the same. The Ipad was still not able to connect to my WIFI at all. Then I disabled WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode and know it works. See this post here too. spoiler: we blame apple for that:

Netgear R7800 19.07.04 wifi issues

To be clear, changing the driver/firmware for your radio is not a fix per-say. You can do this on your own using opkg, remove the -ct stuff and install the non-package. You can search on my name and a key word or two to find the example to do this if you can't figure it out on your own. I think I likely posted it somewhere.

Slow download speed: Netgear R7800 Nighthawk X4S

Hi, I'm brand new to OpenWRT and this is my first time installing it on a router. My ISP claims my maximum download speed is 1000Mbps. Before installing OpenWRT, my wired (ethernet) download speed was pretty close to that, at approximately 975Mbps. I just installed OpenWRT 22.0.3, r20028-43d71ad9e, and my speeds were: Wired: 300Mbps Wireless (5GHz): 75Mbps After doing some reading, I enabled software flow offloading, and that increased my speeds: Wired: 575Mbps Wireless (5GHz): 250Mbp…

Devices connected to WiFi become sluggish to load data (R7800)

You can set Dtim via luci, it is in the Advanced settings tab of the wifi interface. I also bump the group rekey interval (GTK) to one day (86400), as some combo's of WRT drivers and mobile OSs (looking at you, Android) work better if rekeys are spread apart. Here is a well documented article on exactly why the DTIM needs to be raised: https://www.sniffwifi.com/2016/05/go-to-sleep-go-to-sleep-go-to-sleep.html In the Ubiquity forums, some guys recommend DTIM 6 on 2.4 and 3 on 5GHz. But I find 3…

Therefore, I suggest using the non -ct drivers in the standard build. This would provide a significant speed increase on the 2.4 GHz band to R7800 users, with no effort on their part.

(PS: I talked about this on another thread, but I think this category is the appropriate one for a request like this)

[Painnance]

When I tried the non ct drivers on linksys ea8300 2.4ghz stops working. What could be the problem?

[badulesia]

I'm using non-ct drivers on a MR8300 and 2.4 GHz is working perfectly. Delete wireless file and reconstruct it.

[Painnance]

How to Delete wireless file and reconstruct?

[badulesia]

Enter SSH than this. This will force wifi to reconstruct with correct devices id and default values. Than customize at will.
https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wifi/basic#regenerate_configuration

[Painnance]

Is this correct

opkg remove kmod-ath10k-ct
opkg install ath10k-firmware-qca9888
opkg install kmod-ath10k
type or paste code here

[badulesia]

You'll also need opkg update before.
Do not remove the firmware package, just kmod-ath10k-ct. Than install the non-ct.
Despite this will work, flashing a custom image rather than removing/installing packages is considered a better practice.
Last but not least, I have decided to switch to the ct drivers for better performances with WDS (read in another thread). I suggest you try both drivers and evaluate which one fits better your case.

[Painnance]

After changing to non ct I cant connect 2.4ghz.maybe I'll just stick to ct drivers. Thanks