Simultaneous dual-band routers are capable of receiving and transmitting on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies at the same time. This provides two independent and dedicated networks which allows more flexibility and bandwidth.
The idea is to spread out your devices over the two bands so that there's less competition for the same channels. Separating your personal and Internet of Things (IoT) devices can also help your WiFi security. By splitting your devices between 2.4GHz and 5GHz, you can maximize your network's performance.
Once it's disabled, you're all set—your old 2.4GHz appliances should hopefully work a little better, and your Wi-Fi devices will continue reaping the speed benefits of the fast 5GHz band.
The difference between the two is pretty simple: it all comes down to range and speed. 2.4 GHz has a longer range, meaning it reaches a lot further than 5 GHz Wi-Fi. 1 However, even though you can connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi from your basement, it will have a slower speed. 5 GHz Wi-Fi is faster.
Wi-Fi 5 frequency bands differ, which affects the available throughput each Wi-Fi generation can offer. Wi-Fi 5 uses the 5 GHz frequency band for data transmission, while Wi-Fi 6 can use both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and, in turn, support better throughput than Wi-Fi 5.
The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band uses lower frequencies than the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band—that's why 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is better at penetrating solid objects and why it gives you more Wi-Fi range than the 5 GHz frequency band.
Yes, WiFi 5 access points can be in the same network with WiFi 5 access points but only WiFi 6 clients and devices will be able to utilize WiFi 6 capabilities. All other WiFi clients and devices will default to their appropriate WiFi standard.
If you're able to use most of your devices near your router, 5 GHz is your best choice to take advantage of higher speeds. Similarly, if you're doing a lot of high-bandwidth activities online, such as gaming or videoconferencing, it's best to use this frequency and move as close as possible to the router.
Both 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi are 100% safe for humans, the signal does not harm health in any way. The term “radiation” is often used to scare people.
The advantage of a 2.4 GHz is that it has a farther range and it can penetrate solid objects better. However the disadvantage that it has, is that it's more vulnerable to interference. That's because so many other devices use the same band and it's also slower than the 5 GHz.
5 GHz: Many wireless devices do not rely on this wireless frequency, and signal interference is less likely to occur. A 5 GHz Wi-Fi network has narrower signal coverage than a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, but its signal strength may weaken due to nearby obstacles.
With these being just a few of the features coming with 802.11ax, it is clear that the 2.4 GHz band of wireless is not dead by any means. Utilizing these features will allow for this band of wireless to be revamped and more reliable in the modern business network environment.
Using a 5Ghz frequency, you will get about 50 feet or about 15 meters of reach. The reach of your signal will be impacted by the manufacturer of the equipment that you are using, the location your router is installed, and the obstructions that might block the signal in your home or business.
It depends on your device. Older devices might not be able to connect to the newer 5GHz band at all, while others will flip seamlessly between them. That's not always a good thing, though: most devices will pick the stronger network, regardless of what's better for what you're doing.
With two separate Wi-Fi profiles, the clients are unable to switch quickly - or in some cases even at all - from using 5 GHz for capacity, to 2.4 GHz for range. Switching between bands occurs far more often than one would expect, even for stationary devices such as printers.
The reason is that because 2.4Ghz bands overlap, 2.4Ghz is usually very overcrowded with neighbour networks. 5Ghz allows a faster speed too depending on the specifications.
5 GHz networks do not penetrate solid objects such as walls nearly as well as do 2.4 GHz signals. This can limit an access points reach inside buildings like homes and offices where many walls may come between a wireless antenna and the user.
Conclusion: Long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases originated from the alteration of some miRNA expression and more studies should be devoted to the effects of RF radiation on miRNA expression levels.
These guidelines recognize that too much exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation can harm the human body, particularly at close distances. While maintaining a safe distance from the WiFi router can greatly reduce your exposure to its radiation, keeping the router in your bedroom is not recommendable.
There is no outright better choice when it comes to using 2.4GHz or 5GHz. 5GHz should give you better internet speed while 2.4GHz works better if the signal has to travel through obstacles.
A clock speed of 3.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz is generally considered a good clock speed for gaming but it's more important to have good single-thread performance. This means that your CPU does a good job of understanding and completing single tasks.
Frequency bands
One clear difference between Wifi 5 and Wifi 6 is the frequency bands of both technologies. Wifi 5 uses only the 5GHz band, which offers less interference. The downside is that the signals have a shorter range and decreased ability to penetrate walls and other obstacles.
Click Advanced Setup > Customize WiFi Network. Under the Customize Your WiFi- Create a separate 2.4GHz WiFi network section, select Customize 2.4 GHz WiFi Network. Enter a network name (SSID) for your 2.4GHz network. Select a security option for your 2.4GHz network.
Wi-Fi 6 (otherwise known as 802.11ax) brings faster throughput speeds, better battery life, and less bandwidth congestion than what you get with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology.
Since the 2.4 GHz wavelength is longer and pierces through walls and material more easily, devices will use the 2.4 GHz band as they get farther away from the router or AP. However, sometimes they get stuck on the 2.4 GHz band even when they are close enough to use the 5 GHz.