There has been much confusion regarding the Wi-Fi routers’ frequency bands with the ‘dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz features. These are simply the frequency bands a Wi-Fi router can transmit. If we ignore the technical explanation of frequency, we can say the data is transmitted at the speed of 2.4 GHz per second or 5 GHz per second.
If you have an old router for more than a couple of years and low end, it is 2.4 GHz. If you are upgrading your router, make sure you choose the one with dual bands.
When it comes to routers, speed is not the factor to be considered. Here is a brief description of the crucial factors in choosing a router and how to get the best performance and speed from your router:
Speed:
When it comes to the Wi-Fi signal’s speed, the value of the frequency directly affects it. The higher the frequency, the higher the speed, and vice versa.
Thus, it’s clear that when we use the 5 GHz frequency band in our Wi-Fi router, the uploading and downloading speeds of the internet will be higher compared to that of the 2.4 GHz frequency band. You can stream videos, make a video call or download larger files easily with the 5 GHz frequency band, unlike with the 2.4 GHz band, which might allow you to browse and do very light things on the internet.
Range:
Another factor that these two frequency bands differ from is obviously ‘Range’ or the ‘Coverage’ of Wi-Fi signal. Don’t get captivated by ‘speed’ as there will be something you will have to miss out for higher speed, and that is the ‘coverage.’ Here, the high speed will cost you the range. If your frequency band is high, then the range of the Wi-Fi signal will be low. The reason is that the higher frequency signals cannot penetrate the walls and obstructions on its way. Thus, the 5 GHz frequency band will provide you lesser coverage than 2.4 GHz.
Interference:
We have to keep in mind while comparing the speed differences, we should consider the signals’ interference. The interference depends upon the number of channels that a frequency band can hold. In the 2.4 GHz frequency band, there are only 11 channels available, and since most of the devices we use to support this frequency band often tend to use the same channels, and creates overcrowding. That’s how the signals interfere with each other causing high latency in the internet speeds. However, in the case of the 5 GHz frequency band, there are 23 channels available. Because fewer electronic devices use this band, less traffic and lesser interference result in high internet speeds.
Which frequency band should you use?
Both of the frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, have their pros and cons. Ask yourself the following questions, and the answers mentioned here shall be helpful for you.
Is it the speed of the coverage that matters to you the most?
If you need high internet speed and accept the low coverage, then 5 GHz should be the answer you want. Should you wish to expand the Wi-Fi signal coverage to be wider even if the internet speed drops by some amount, you should go with the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Is your Wi-Fi network being shared with others or not?
Well, suppose your wireless network will be shared with others on different floors of a building or even with neighbors. In that case, you should choose 2.4 GHz right away because of its capability to cover a broader range and penetrate walls and floors. However, if it’s only you using the Wi-Fi network, then, without a doubt, you should go with 5 GHz frequency bands.
Lastly, if you have many other electronic devices that use 2.4 GHz and expect a high level of interference, then, 5 GHz frequency band should be the right choice.
How to find out if your router supports the 5 GHz, frequency band?
Most home Wi-Fi routers (usually older models and cheaper variations) support only one frequency band; 2.4 GHz. But, if your router is of newer models, it supports both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz. It will indicate on the router or its specification’s manual that it supports dual bands. If the specifications list includes the wireless standards like 802.11a or 802.11ac, it supports 5 GHz, while if the standards are 802.11b/g/n, it will not. However, the standard 802.11n might have an optional feature to support 5 GHz as well.
The other option is if your router is set up, you will see on your phone or laptop the -2.4 or -5 after the SSID when you are trying to connect to your home or office Wi-Fi.
Most of the latest mobile phones, laptops, tablets, or iPads, must support both frequency bands. In closing, if you are close to the router or there are not many walls or barriers obstructing the signal, go for 5GHz and ask your provider to upgrade your modem if it does not have it.
Hopefully, this sheds some light on the differences and pros and cons of each. For additional information or to have your question featured in a future column, please call us at: 855-448-2178 or email us at info@it21st.com.
