For most home Internet users, establishing high -speed Internet speed is usually upgraded to a high -speed project or sign up for a new service. However, the high speed can be a straight path, and even the maximum amount of money can be saved in the long run. Understanding this small technical detail about your router can change the standard of your Internet connection.
Determining what kind of Wi -Fi band you have can provide more insights about ways to improve your Internet connection. Most routers are either 2.4GHz or 5GHz (both in some cases) equipped, but if you can only choose between the two, CNET recommends 5GHz because it has a speedy and less interference than other devices.
Sandeep Harpalani, Vice President of Product Management in Net Gear, has told CNET that more than 20 connected devices are operating at any time in the United States at any time. “It includes static IOT devices, which cannot be strong enough or is not needed,” Harpalani said.
When you choose the right Wi -Fi band for their router, Harpani suggests that home internet users use their internet speed, the number of equipment at home and their online activities. Let’s dive into the details.
What is a WiFi band?
Your Wi -Fi connection uses the strength of radio waves to transmit data wirelessly from your router to other connected devices. Most Wi -Fi routers are equipped with 2.4 GHz or 5GHz frequency band and, in some cases, both. According to Britanika, Hearts is a measure of waves. For example, a Hearts can translate a wave in a second, while a gigartz can be equal to one billion waves per second.
Do not let these technical terms or numbers be confused. The key to knowing is that each rotor has a Wi -Fi band that can send a certain amount of data to other devices. These Wi -Fi bands can affect various factors, such as speeds, limitations and possibilities of nearby devices that interfere with your contact.
Which WiFi band do you have?
The easiest way to explain what Wi -Fi band you have is to access your Wi -Fi network panel through your mobile device or computer. Visit through WiFi networks available. If you see more than one similar network names associated with 2, 2G, 2GHz or 5, 5G, or 5GHz, it can identify the specific Wi -Fi band used. Sometimes, without any of these terms, the network name can identify the 2.4GHz network.
As a Windows user, I have pledged that my Wi -Fi band is 5GHz to access my Wi -Fi network panel settings.
However, if it is unclear checking the names of the Wi -Fi network on your mobile device, it will have a more effective solution to using your computer.
- Macos users: Click on the Wi-Fi icon, holding option or Alt, then find the channel category. Next to the channel category, you should see that your Wi -Fi band is 2.4 or 5GHz.
- Windows users: Open the network panel from your task bar, then click on Wi -Fi. Next, click on Properties and scroll down the network band details. Then, find the mention of 2.4 or 5GHz.
2.4GHz vs 5GHz: What’s the difference?
Now that you know what kind of Wi -Fi band you have, let’s discover each band’s abilities. When comparing Wi -Fi technology equipped with 2.4GHz and 5GHz, consider the limit, speed and intervention from nearby devices.
The network limit
If your network shows a Wi -Fi band of 2.4GHz, your Internet connection will cover a wider area, which will make it suitable for large homes. While with 5GHz, the limit is likely to be limited and less efficient to penetrate through the walls. CNET’s broadband expert, Joe Sopan, visited CNET labs in Kentucky’s Louis Will, where we test the routers to test the boundaries of each band. After conducting a series of signal power tests, it was decided that the 2.4GHz band offered a better range than the 5GHz band. Read more about how we check the Wi -Fi routers here.
Nevertheless, the 5GHz band can provide suitable coverage for a small home, especially if the router is in the main location. According to the Century Link, if you have a 5GHz Wi-FI band, it is best to use the equipment near the router. As an alternative, domestic Internet users can invest in Wi -Fi Extendors to reach more areas throughout the house. I put it in the exam while addressing the speed of my slow gigabat at home.
Internet speed
Despite a limited limit, the 5GHz Wi-Fi band will be proud at a speeding. This is an ideal option for activities that requires high -speed bandout. If you stream at 4K, game online or hold video conferencing, you can benefit the most from the 5GHz band. This is due to the ability to move high -speed 5GHz technology rate rate. 2.4GHz Wi-FI band will not produce the same speed, but it should be enough to support basic web browsing and checking emails.
Read our comprehensive Internet speed guide to find out how fast your home needs.
Device interference and a crowd of network
The disadvantage of the use of 2.4GHz Wi-FI band is that it is more sensitive to interference with other devices on the network. Some connected devices, including smart home devices, microwaves and Bluetooth speakers, can mobilize your network. Many devices can lead to a network crowd when traffic through your network is on its potential, which can significantly reduce your speed.
2.4GHz and 5GHz: Pros and Configure
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Each band offers a unique set of benefits and limits. Which Wi -Fi band works for you will depend on your home’s online activities and speed requirements, your home size, and how many devices are connected to your network.
What is a double band router?
If you don’t want to choose anyone, you can invest in a double band router. This router is perfect for various Wi -Fi -6 compatible devices, such as the latest iPhone model, Apple TV, Google Pixel 6 and 7 etc. A double band is equipped with rotor technology that can broadcast two separate frequency bands. In other words, it can support both Wi -Fi bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The use of a double band router can effectively enhance your Internet connection, which features fast, wider coverage in your home and reduce interference with nearby devices.
The bottom line
Harplani said, “When it comes to Wi -Fi in the home tools, there is always a mixture of different requirements. One size is not worth all.”
“The good news is that if you choose a router or mesh system that supports your sophisticated, highest performing device, everything else in your home will be covered.”
Determining which Wi -Fi band is better depends on the size of your home, your home’s online activities and the number of devices connected to your network. But CNET recommends going with 5GHz because it has high speed features that can support many activities such as streaming, gaming and video conferencing. Although a 2.4GHz Wi-FI band can cover the maximum area, the larger houses are the best perfect, the negative aspect is that you will likely face slow pace and you will risk interfering with other electronic devices. A 5GHz Wi-FI band provides a lower range, but you can always invest in the Wi-Fi Extendant to reach the dead locations in your home. On this note, you can also invest in a double band router to use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz technology, which increases your overall Internet connection.
2.4GHz vs 5GHz Wi-FI Band Normal Questionnaire
A Wi -Fi band is a frequency limit from your router to the nearest devices. Most routers are equipped with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi -Fi band.
Is the 5GHz Wi-FI band faster than 2.4GHz?
The 5GHz Wi -Fi band will be the best option for most families looking for reliable and fast internet connection. Although the 2.4GHz band can adjust to large homes because it offers wider coverage, it is not so fast. More importantly, a 2.4GHz band is intervened with nearby electronic devices, resulting in a network crowd. Home Internet users will face less speed at network crowded times
How can I improve my connection using a Wi -Fi band?
To maximize your Wi -Fi band, consider the following factors: range, speed and interference with nearby devices. Each Wi -Fi band has a unique set of benefits and defects. If you are looking for a fast, the 5GHz band will be a solid choice. However, large homes can benefit the most from the 2.4GHz band as it provides more coverage throughout the house.
How can I know which WiFi band I have?
An easy way to find out which WiFi band you has is to access your Wi -Fi network panel settings through your mobile device or computer. Although checking through your computer can be a more effective solution. What kind of device you use depends on it will look slightly different.
Below are instructions for Windows and MacOS users:
Macos users: Click on the Wi-Fi icon, holding option or Alt, then find the channel category. Next to the channel category, you should see that your Wi -Fi band is 2.4 or 5GHz.
Windows users: Open the network panel from your task bar, then click on Wi -Fi. Next, click on Properties and scroll down the network band details. Then, find the mention of 2.4 or 5GHz.
Should I keep my WiFi on 2.4GHz or 5GHz?
The choice of which WiFi band is right for you will depend on the size of your home and the needs of your broadband. If your home often plays sports and games, you should set your Wi -Fi to use a 5GHz band. On the other hand, if you have a big house, setting up your Wi -Fi to use 2.4GHz band will work. Depending on the router type, you may be able to broadcast both bands simultaneously, which is a matter of double band routers.
Do devices automatically switch between 2.4 and 5GHz?
Some routers are equipped to switch automatically between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Reviewing some of the best Wi -Fi routers in the market, CNET broadband expert Joe Sopon, who writes, writes that “some routers will automatically pursue your contact between many of your bands, but you can usually stop it, which will make each band a weed, weary Wi -Fi network.”
