2.4GHz or 5GHz? How to get the best Wi-Fi performance 【 】

Most Wi-Fi routers are dual-band, meaning they broadcast a Wi-Fi signal on both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. But what does this really mean? Are they both part of the same Wi-Fi network? Why do you need two different Wi-Fi signals? Is one better than the other? Discover 2.4GHz or 5GHz? How to get the best Wi-Fi performance

2.4GHz or 5GHz

What is 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi?

First things first: 2.4GHz and 5GHz are part of the same Wi-Fi network. Think of them as two different channels on your TV broadcasting the same show. In the case of a dual-band router, the Internet source is the same, but there are two different ways of dialing: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Since these two bands operate on different frequencies, they do not interfere with each other. This is why many modern routers can broadcast both at the same time without negatively affecting Wi-Fi signal strength. Also, many modern routers automatically broadcast on both channels right out of the box with no configuration required.

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2.4GHz vs. 5GHz: What’s the Difference?

The difference between the two gangs comes down to two things: speed and range. Simply put, 5 GHz Wi-Fi is faster than 2.4 GHz, but has a shorter access range. So depending on your position (relative to the router), you may want to switch between 5GHz and 2.4GHz to connect.

This also explains why modern routers offer both channels. Basically, dual-band routers give users the ability to choose which channel best suits their needs.

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When should I use the 5 GHz band?

As we mentioned earlier, 5GHz Wi-Fi is faster than its 2.4GHz counterpart. This is due to a couple of factors. First of all, the 5 GHz frequency supports higher data rates. The ability to transmit large amounts of data to a device translates into a faster connection.

Second, the 5GHz band is less congested than the 2.4GHz band. This means that a 5GHz connection is more stable and less prone to interference from other devices. On the other hand, the 2.4 GHz frequency is used by various devices in your home, such as microwaves and baby monitors. Unfortunately, this causes unwanted competition between your devices, resulting in poor performance. Think of your wireless bands like a highway. The more devices trying to use that road, the more traffic there will be, which can slow everything down.

That said, 5 GHz has a more limited range compared to 2.4 GHz. Therefore, because 5 GHz is faster, we recommend that you use it for activities that require more data. This includes activities like streaming HD video or playing video games. That said, if you have large stationary devices, like a desktop PC or smart TV, and they’re pretty close to the router, feel free to use the 5GHz band on those too.

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When should I use the 2.4 GHz band?

We have established that 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is slightly slower than 5GHz; however, it offers a higher range. Also, when talking about wireless transmissions, you have to remember that your home or office is full of impedance. Walls, floors, ceilings, closed doors – all of these can block or slow down your wireless network. The 2.4 GHz frequency is better at getting through these obstructions than the 5 GHz, thanks to the use of longer wavelengths.

In general, you’ll want to stick with 2.4 GHz if you’re doing anything other than streaming video or other data-intensive tasks. Surfing the web, checking email, shopping online – these will all work just fine on 2.4 GHz. Since they typically don’t consume a ton of data, you probably won’t even see a difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Also, the further away a device is from your router, the more likely it will need to use the 2.4 GHz band. This is particularly true if you have a large home or office. So if you have a device that is having trouble connecting to the 5 GHz frequency, try 2.4 GHz.

Wrapping up on how to get the best Wi-Fi performance

Having two Wi-Fi bands allows you to distribute your devices across these channels. This helps reduce congestion and improve network performance on all your devices. Some of the newer routers even allow you to set the same Wi-Fi SSID for the 2.4 and 5 Ghz channels and automatically switch between the two to give you the best speed and coverage.

Since everyone’s requirements are different, we recommend that you experiment with your devices and what Wi-Fi band they use to determine what works best for you.

Finally, if you’re having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection, don’t rush out and buy a new one; there are some easy router fixes you should try first. Also, if you have recently upgraded to a dual-band router, you can still use your old one. Do you use a dual band router? Are you a 5GHz converter or do you swear by 2.4GHz?

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