If you are faced with buying and setting up a new modem you will be certain to find your self setting up a wireless network. Implementing a wireless network has become a necessity in every household. When you are faced with a WiFi installation you are always prompted to set up one of two wireless networks (or frequencies). The first one being 2.4GHz or 5GHz being the second.
The primary differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies are their range and speed The 2.4GHz frequency is able to reach farther than the 5GHz frequency yet the 5GHz can typically transmit at faster speeds. This is a result of the basic characteristics that waves attenuate much faster at higher frequencies. So if you are more concerned with the coverage, you should select 2.4GHz rather than 5GHz.
In summary:
2.4 GHz
- Long-range, better obstacle penetration
- Used by most devices
- High traffic makes it prone to interference
- Good for email, some browsing and similar low-bandwidth consuming functions
5 GHz
- Short-range, can’t easily penetrate solid objects
- Less congested and higher throughput for streaming functions
- Not all the devices are 5GHz compatible.
- Ideal for use indoors.
As the number of wireless networks and network users have grown, the limits of 2.4GHz are starting to show. In more densely populated areas with more and more wireless networks, conflicts and interference can develop from the sheer amount of traffic, access points, and network cards.
In a nutshell, the 2.4GHz band gives you a longer range, whereas the 5GHz band offers more channels that are less likely to be polluted with interference.
By default, a router should have 2.4GHz of Wifi Connection activated as a default. If a router has a 5Ghz connection, just simply enable it thru the interface of the router and have your devices connected on the network name configured for the 5GHz WiFi. For more information on how to optimise your home WiFi, visit my helpful articles – How to Set up and Optimise Your Home Network or Top ways to boost your home WiFi signal
