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How to know what devices should be on 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ? Read on to find out. The use of wireless devices continues to increase. Many people now have wireless routers in their homes or offices, and many businesses continue to provide wireless services for customers. The devices on todayโs market come with different frequencies of operation, which can impact how well they work together
In the article below weโll explain what the two most important frequencies are, why they exist and what they are used for. Weโll also discuss some tips for using your wireless devices together in a way that will allow you to maximize the benefits of each frequency.
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So, what are 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ?
2.4GHz and 5GHz are the two most widely used frequencies for wireless equipment. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies are used in many types of devices, including wireless phones and computers, baby monitors and even remote-control toys. However, today we are discussing these two frequencies in relation to Internet routers.
If you choose the 2.4GHz, you must be ready to sacrifice the fast internet speed. This is because the 2.4GHz provides internet to a relatively larger area at the expense of internet speed. On the other hand, the 5GHz frequency will provide faster speeds in a small area.
All modern routers are made to deliver certain desired sets of frequencies. This will mean that you will have to consider which Wifi Band and channel suits your office or home needs.
Range vs Speed: 2.4GHz vs 5GHz
When it comes to range vs. speed, thereโs no tumbling thought. It will all depend on the userโs specific needs and requirements. For people that want a longer range for the devices, especially those living in a large home, then 2.4GHz is the best option.
For people in offices where the range is not a concern, then you can use the 5GHz. The 5AGHz is the newest of the two and has the potential of cutting through common network disturbances and interferences to provide you with great speeds and internet stability. The reason for this is that it has more channels for communication.
What Devices use 2.4GHz Wifi?
There are several devices that can be connected to the 2.4GHz. If you have devices such as baby monitors, garage door openers, old cordless phones that are separated by distance, then the 2.4GHz is the best option. This is mainly because the 2.4GHz uses longer waves that are better suited for long-range transmission.
What devices use 5GHz Wifi?
All the devices that are heavy internet users such as personal computers, laptops, the latest tablets and phones, Gaming consoles, streaming devices and smart TVs. This is mainly because 5GHz is best for high-bandwidth devices and activities.
2.4GHz vs. 5GHz: Which Frequency should I use?
There are many factors that you have to consider before settling with any of these two frequencies. Here are some common considerations for selecting the best suit for you.
Size of your home
This is one of the first considerations when choosing between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. A large home would need at least 2.4GHz, while a small home can get by with 5GHz. 2.4GHz transmits over an area of about 1,500 sq ft, so a relatively big home would require it to have around this area to provide coverage.
Distance from your router
This is another consideration that you should consider before choosing between the two frequencies. The reason for this is that the longer distance will obviously need frequencies that can cover a relatively large area. If the distance from the router is way above 30 meters, you will have to consider 2.4GHz.
Count of interferences/Network disturbances
Users living in an area surrounded by a lot of electronics would be happy to know that they can get better performance from the 5GHz. This is because it has more channels (more communication lines between devices) compared to 2.4GHz. Congestions and interferences are common when using 2.4GHz frequencies for wireless networks, but with 5GHz you will be able to work around them.
How many devices will be connected?
The reason why you should look at the number of devices connected to your wireless network is that the more devices that you have, the more channels need to be used. More tiers will increase the chances of getting channel conflicts.
The 2.4GHz can handle up to four devices while 5GHz can accommodate up to 20 devices. This should be considered when choosing which one best suits your network needs. If you are using 2.4GHz, you have to connect devices for basic browsing and not streaming or gaming.
FAQs
Do all devices support 5GHz Wifi?
No, not all smart devices support 5GHz Wifi. However, all the online devices that have 802.11a or 802.11n wireless network adapters are compatible with the 5GHz network band.
Does 5GHz go through walls?
No, the 5GHz networks might not penetrate solid objects such as walls. The 2.4GHz signals are better at that. This is the reason why 2.4GHz is for long distances and 5GHz is for high-speed internet use.
Is it better to connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz?
The choice of frequency to use depends on a number of factors. How many devices do you have connected? What is the size of your premises? How strongly do you want your internet to be? Do you use your internet for streaming, gaming, or just basic browsing? 2.4GHz compromises internet speed but improves internet range. The 5GHz does the opposite.
Now you know the difference between 5GHz and 2.4GHz and understood the benefits of each of them. We have also covered different factors that you can consider in choosing between these two frequencies.
