Which one should you choose?
To broadcast the internet to Wi-Fi-connected devices like smartphones, laptops, and a wide variety of other wireless devices, a wireless router uses radio frequencies. Wireless routers typically provide Wi-Fi on two distinct bands or frequencies, notably 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
The primary differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi comes down to speed and range.
Should you select a particular frequency?
The preference for a specific frequency will depend on the prevailing conditions as well as the Wi-Fi connection’s intended use and application.
2.4GHz
2.4 GHz is a lower frequency and therefore transmits data at slower speeds compared to higher frequency bands. The maximum speeds that 2.4GHz routers can offer range from 450 Mbps and up to 600 Mbps in a few exceptional cases. On the other hand, lower frequencies have a better signal range than higher frequencies.
Lower frequencies have lower attenuation or signal decay levels and are therefore better for transmitting signals over longer and larger distances or through and around obstacles. Thus, the signal range and data speeds are in trade-off with one another.
Apart from slower data rates, 2.4 GHz frequencies are more prone to interference because there are always a large number of devices and applications using this frequency. The 2.4 GHz frequency is used by common electronic gadgets including microwaves, baby monitors, garage openers, older routers and security cameras. Particularly in populated places like apartment complexes or business buildings, this can result in congestion, which negatively impacts the signal quality.
Because of its penetration capabilities, 2.4 GHz can be used by mobile devices like smart phones and laptop computers that are further away from the router, especially in a large home or workplace with obstructions like walls and floors. 2.4 GHz would still function satisfactorily for low-bandwidth activities like browsing the internet and low-resolution streaming.
5 GHz
5 GHz is a higher frequency than 2.4 GHz and can therefore transmit data at faster rates. On the other hand, higher frequencies attenuate faster as they travel through a medium, thus lowering their range and ability to penetrate obstacles.
This means that although 5 GHz routers may support rates of up to 1300 Mbps in ideal circumstances, their range is somewhat constrained, and they have poor obstacle penetrating capabilities.
However, because there are fewer devices and applications using 5 GHz, this frequency is less prone to interference. In addition, it has 24 non-overlapping channels available as opposed to 2.4 GHz, which has 11 channels and only 3 non-overlapping channels, which eases congestion as it eliminates channel overlap.
Devices and applications that demand high-speed data rates, like gaming and HDTV, can be used as close to the router as possible in order to benefit from faster speeds and mitigate the drawbacks of 5 GHz. Additionally, 5 GHz can be utilized to avoid wireless congestion in crowded areas like residences and office buildings.
One option for extending the 5 GHz signal range is to use Wi-Fi network extenders and repeaters.
6 GHz
The 6 GHz band, exclusive to the newest Wi-Fi standards, provides the least coverage but transmits data at the fastest speeds of the three frequencies.
The Wi-Fi 6E standard introduces the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, which is only accessible by devices that support Wi-Fi 6E and more recent standards like Wi-Fi 7 and subsequent Wi-Fi versions.
As a result, Wi-Fi networks operating at 6 GHz don’t have to slow down in order to support older devices. Additionally, the 6 GHz spectrum offers almost twice as many channels as the 5 GHz band. Less interference and network congestion are the results of fewer devices, more spectrum, and more bandwidth. In locations where many Wi-Fi networks are broadcast, this can be of great advantage.
Frequency settings
The options for choosing 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies will depend on whether the router supports both. Most routers are dual-band, i.e., they support and transmit both frequencies. The settings can be accessed by logging onto the router’s user interface or checking the specific model for compatibility and frequency capabilities.
There is no alternative in situations where a device only supports 2.4 GHz, such as with most security cameras, baby monitors, and IoT devices.
Some newer routers have channel scanning abilities enabling a user to determine and choose and change to the most optimal channels as needed.
Internet/ WI-FI Speeds: Theoretical vs. Real World
While frequencies do have an impact on internet speeds, other significant elements also have a direct impact on data rates. There can be a significant difference between the speed potential listed on a Wi-Fi device and what that device can really do in everyday use. Understanding the factors at play will help in optimizing devices for the best speed and performance possible.
The maximum speed, which is typically indicated on the box, is known as the theoretical speed. Even under ideal circumstances, this speeds might not always be achieved, therefore this labels can be deceiving. This is so because real world factors like network overhead, distances and signal interference are not taken into account when calculating speed.
The most important thing to consider is that depending on the internet service speed that the users are paying for, Wi-Fi speeds for the house or workplace will differ.
Conclusion
Spreading out your devices across the two bands will reduce competition for the same channels. Your Wi-Fi security may also be improved by separating your personal and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. You can increase the performance of your network by dividing your devices between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Better yet, if practicable and practical, devices having LAN ports or that allow for wired Ethernet connections should ideally be directly connected to the router because wired connections are invariably more dependable and secure.
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