It’s tempting to connect every device to the 5 GHz network, but that isn’t always the best idea. If you live in a large house with lots of rooms, you may be better off sticking with the 2.4 GHz network, and switch to the 5 GHz network when you’re closer to the router. What’s more, your small house size is well-suited to the 5 GHz band’s shorter wave lengths.
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Other households’ Wi-Fi – plus baby monitors, cordless phones, and other devices – can congest the 2.4 GHz band. If you live in a smallish apartment in a busy complex, definitely go for the 5 GHz network. To get the most out of your new router, you’ll need to consider a few important points.įirst, the type of home you live in. If you opt for a dual band modem, you’ll need to decide which network to connect to with which device. These broadcast three networks at the same time: two 5 GHz networks and one 2.4 GHz network. Although a little more expensive than selectable dual band routers, we believe they’re worth the extra cost. That means you will have a choice between two Wi-Fi networks, so you can select the best network for your needs. These broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks at all times. These offer a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network, but you can only use one at a time. Most modern routers are ‘dual band’, meaning they are compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.ĭual band modems can be configured in a couple of ways: The good news is, you don’t need to pick one or the other. What does ‘Dual Band’ and ‘Tri-Band’ Mean?īoth 2.4 GHz routers and 5 GHz routers have pros and cons. You could overcome this issue by using a range extender, but that means investing more money in your Wi-Fi system. 5 GHz waves cannot penetrate walls as effectively, and will not travel as far. The 5 GHz band can become overwhelmed, and if you have multiple devices streaming HD video at the same time, you will experience slower speeds. You will only notice this benefit if you have just a few devices connected to the 5GHz network. Consequently, you will experience a more stable connection and higher speeds. The 5 GHz band does not experience the same level of congestion as the 2.4 GHz band. Plus, some older devices are only compatible with the 2.4 GHz band. If you need a longer-range router, or live in a home with lots of walls between the router and your devices, a 2.4 GHz router could be the best option.
This means they can travel further, and are better at penetrating walls. 2.4 GHz waves are longer than 5 GHz waves. The key benefit to the 2.4 GHz band is its long-reaching signal.
This makes the 2.4 GHz band quite crowded, which can have a negative impact on speed, and can cause intermittent dropouts. The 2.4 GHz band is used by all sorts of things in addition to Wi-Fi, including cordless phones, baby monitors, and garage door openers. Here is a bit more information about the two bands. That being said, under average conditions, you will still experience faster speeds on the 5 GHz band.īut, that doesn’t mean 5 GHz is the best option. You can compare your Internet speed to this average at. In fact, in 2016, Australia’s average Internet speed was 10.1 Mbps. Obviously, here in Australia, you won’t be accessing Internet speeds anywhere near 450 Mbps and 1300 Mbps. Under ideal conditions, a 5 GHz Wi-Fi router can support speeds up to 1300 Mbps.Under ideal conditions, a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router can support speeds up to 450 Mbps, some up to 600 Mbps.The basic difference between these two bands is speed. A 5 GHz router can only emit signals on the 5 GHz band. A 2.4 GHz router can only emit signals on the 2.4 GHz band. The Difference Between 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-FiĢ.4 GHz and 5 GHz refer to different ‘bands’ your Wi-Fi router can use for its signal – sort of like radio stations.
Ready? Let’s get right into the nitty gritty of it. If you understand these three Wi-Fi-related terms, you’ll be able to make an educated purchase that will aide you in your wifi setup. This article will focus on the terms ‘2.4 GHz Wi-Fi’, ‘5 GHz Wi-Fi’, and ‘dual band’. Are you ready to replace your old router? Have you been shopping around, trying to find a router that will deliver maximum speeds?Ĭhances are you’ve come across some pretty complex technical jargon in the process.