Difference between 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band – The difference between both the bands can be understood from their area of coverage and data rates. In 2.4 GHz a larger area is covered than in the 5 GHz band. Coverage area means the quality or strength of the signal and up to how much distance it can cover.
The 2.4 GHz frequency band has lower rates of data when compared to 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band has less usage which leads to allowing more free radio channels which are up to 17 channels making it more stable and gives access to high speed. In the 2 GHz band, you get only up to 13 channels which are comparatively less than what you get in the 5 GHz band.
We can that in these modern times, wifi has become a very important aspect of our lives and most people prefer the 2.4 GHz band which makes it over-loaded. When a large number of routers are set on the same frequency it makes the signal crowded and weak, affecting the speed and network of your wifi.
So before selecting the frequency of your kinetic router check whether most of your neighbors have selected the operating on the same access points. If most of them are on 2.4 GHz band frequency, you opt for the 5 GHz band this will give you more speed and will increase the data limit that can be shared. Also, check that your devices that have to access the wireless network support the frequency you are choosing.
With the increase in technology these days, they have the detection of the best band strengths from its access points and this was used in the Keenetic routers making them the famous dual-band models. These routers have access to both the bandwidths and can adjust their frequency from 2.4 to 5 GHz following the network conditions whichever is more stable at the specific time.
How to differ between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz in the Wi-Fi routers?
To understand the difference between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band routers you need to get a grasp on their speed and range and how they affect the frequency of your signal.
- Always remember that the speed and frequency of your signal are directly proportional. A higher frequency will lead to a higher speed. Whereas if you are facing slow speed that means the frequency of the network is very slow. So when we use the 5GHz band we get high-speed downloading, streaming, and uploading from the internet. You can also feel the difference in quality in your audio and video calls that you make via wifi on both bandwidths.
- The coverage of wifi is not similar to the speed. Just because you can get high speed on 5 GHz does not mean that it gives a higher coverage area. High bandwidths face problems to penetrate over obstacles making it difficult to cover more area. 2.4 GHz signal range can easily travel through walls making it easier to give you a larger range.
- The 2.4 GHz band has fewer channels making so the load is put on similar channels creating interference between the signals. When signals interfere with one another it causes lagging in the speed of your internet.
Need to decide which frequency band to choose? Consider the following pros and cons to make the right decision for you.
To make the correct decision weigh the following aspects with your preference and you will have your answers right away.
- What are you keen on having, the high Speed or higher coverage?
As we have read above that High speed and high coverage can not be availed together. So if your purpose is to have speed even though it gets low coverage to opt for the 5 GHz band. But if you can compromise on the speed and want to have access to a larger area then the 2.4 GHz band is your answer.
- Is your Wi-Fi for personal use or do you intend to share it with others?
When you are opting to have Wi-Fi only in your home or flat then the 5 GHz band is best. But if you will have to share it with people on different floors of your building then the 2.4 GHz band is best as it can give you a wider range.
- How many devices will be connected to this Wi-Fi?
The number of devices that will be connected plays a very vital role. If you have several high-end electronic devices choose the 5 GHz band so that it reduces interference and can give you a clear network.
Consider all these things before choosing your frequency band.
We hope this article will help you in making the right decision according to your purpose.
