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What is 2.4 GHz?
Every router uses WiFi frequencies to represent certain designated frequency bands that transmit data between devices in the wireless radio spectrum. One such WiFi frequency is 2.4 GHz.
Pros & cons of 2.4 GHz
The pros of using 2.4GHz are it covers a wide range of areas and can easily penetrate solid surfaces such as walls. The cons of using a 2.4GHz are that it has a lower data rate and is more susceptible to interferences.
What is 5 GHz?
5GHZ is the WiFi band that may not cover a wide range of areas but has a higher speed rate than the 2.4GHz frequency channel.
Pros & cons of 5 GHz
The pros of 5GHz are the higher speed rate for data transmission within a limited area and are less susceptible to interferences. The cons are that it has a small range of networks and cannot penetrate solid surfaces.
Why Are There Separate Bands?
There are separate bands of WiFi because ever since the inception of the WiFi 4 standard in 2008, the MIMO (Multiple Input and Multiple Output) architectures combined with wider bandwidth channels making WiFi dual band the basic standard for all devices.
Difference Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
1. Coverage
2.4GHz covers a large area, while 5GHz covers a smaller area. To cover a wide range of areas, 2.4 GHz is better.
2. Speed
2.4GHz has a lower speed rate than the 5GHz WiFi band. 2.4GHz has a top speed of 300 Mbps, whereas 5GHz gives a top speed of 1300 Mbps.
3. Channels
2.4GHz uses three 20MHz channels whereas 5GHz uses upto six 80MHz channels
4. Compatibility
2.4GHz is compatible with almost every device, whether cordless phones or garage doors. However, 5GHz is not compatible with many devices
5. Congestion
Since 2.4GHz is easily compatible with many devices, the congestion rate is also higher than that of 5GHz as it has more channels, so the congestion is also less.
6. Data Rates and Interference
The 2.4GHz WiFi band has a lower data rate, but as many devices like microwaves, cordless telephones etc, use it, the interference of devices are also higher. However, it covers a wider range of area than 5GHz, despite having a higher data rate and lesser interference because not many devices use the 5GHz WiFi band. Hence, the data rate is always higher.
Which One to Choose Whether 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?
The basic difference between the two WiFi bands is the speed. 2.4GHz provides a speed of 300 Mbps, whereas 5GHz provides a speed of 1300 Mbps. Other than that, 2.4GHz is better for a bigger size of home or office area because, unlike the 5GHz WiFi band, it can penetrate walls and solid surfaces.
1. Size of Your Home or Office : The WiFi band needed to be selected depending on your home or office size. For example, if the area is large and there are plenty of devices, opting for the 2.4GHz band is suitable because it covers long distances. However, if the home or office space is smaller in size, then it is better to opt for the 5GHz WiFi band for the smooth flow of the internet.
2. Interferences and Obstacles : Interferences and Obstacles are mainly found in 2.4GHz WiFi band as it tends to connect almost all devices, and it has got lesser number of channels than 5 GHz and an even lower data rate so it is advisable to stay free from interferences and obstacles, 5GHz WiFi band is the best option to go for.
3. Type of Device & Usage of them :To connect to all devices at once 2.4GHz is the better option because most devices can connect to 2.4GHz than with 5GHz. Devices like cordless phones, garage doors, and Micro-ovens can all connect with 2.4GHz WiFi band, unlike 5GHz, which doesn’t connect to all devices.
About 6 GHz Wi-Fi Band
The 6GHz WiFi band is the newest WiFi technology that is built to meet the ever-increasing demand for connected devices and data transmission. Compared to 5GHz, 6GHz provides three times the connectivity speed than 5GHz. It also provides four times the data capacity and even 75% less lagging in games and video applications.
To create a hassle-free network from interference, the WiFi Alliance in January 2020 announced a new frequency band for all consumers, extending the WiFi spectrum to a 6GHz WiFi band. However, theoretically speaking, 6GHZ is not faster than 5GHz. They both have a top speed of 9.6Gbps.
2.4 Vs 5 ghz FAQS
Ans: Yes, both 2.4GHz and 5GHz can be used at the same time if the wireless devices support both bands and if also, the router is dual-band.
Ans: No, 5GHz doesn’t penetrate walls better because the signal loses its strength if it has to pass through obstacles or cover a wider area range.
Ans: To separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals, one must follow the below-mentioned methods:
First, go to any internet browser on any of your devices that is connected to the router’s network.
Secondly, go to the router’s menu by typing in the IP address in the browser. If you are unsure of your router’s IP address in the browser, you can find all the information on the properties segment of your device or in the WiFi details. Search for “Default Gateway,” then type that address in your browser.
Thirdly, once providing the default gateway in the browser, it will open the router’s configuration page. After that, you will need a username and password to access the settings. The instructions can also be found on the back of the router or inside the user manual.
Lastly, access ‘Wireless’ and disable the ‘Beam steering,’ or any other setting that indicates the merging of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi Bands. This option may vary from router to router.
Ans: The list of devices that do not support 5GHz are mentioned below:
Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPod Touch (4th Gen), Android (v 7.0), HP Chromebook 11, HTC D100LVW, Android (v 6.0.1), HTC D160LVW, Intel Wireless-N 7260, Kindle, Lenovo YT3-850F, (v 5.0.1), LGL34C, Android (v 4.4), LGL41C, Android (v 6.0.1), MotoE2(4G-LTE), Android (v 5.1), MotoG3, Samsung SM-T280 and many more
Conclusion
To conclude 2.4GHz and 5GHz have their own uses, and depending upon the requirements, it remains a choice for the user which WiFi band to choose from their uses.
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