2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz WiFi (2024)

FAQs

2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz WiFi? ›

The 2.4 GHz band provides longer-range coverage but transmits data at slower speeds. The 5 GHz band offers less coverage but transmits at faster speeds than the 2.4 GHz band. The 6 GHz band provides the least coverage but transmits data at superfast speeds.

Yes, 5Ghz WiFi can go through walls, but it is more likely to be weakened or blocked by obstacles like walls, floors, and ceilings. 5Ghz WiFi is best suited for smaller areas with fewer obstacles, where the signal can reach further, and speeds can remain higher.

With a dual-band router, you can set it to transmit at both frequencies concurrently. In this case, you typically have two networks (SSIDs) that appear in your network list, with identical names except for a "5G" or "2.4G" at the end. You can then choose to connect each individual device to either network.

For devices that benefit from a faster Wi-Fi connection such as 4K smart TVs that are capable of connecting to 5GHz, this option will provide a seamless experience for all the family. For streaming devices that are further away from the router, it may be a more reliable option to connect them to the 2.4 GHz.

Using the latest Wi-Fi standard and the best router, 2.4 GHZ Wi-Fi can reach up to 600 Mbps under absolutely ideal conditions. But for your average home network, a max speed of 150 Mbps is more likely from a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. A 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection can reach up to 1,300 Mbps—more than double the speed.

Disadvantages - Shorter Range, Cost, Old Component Replacement. There are some disadvantages to going to a 5GHz wireless network. One is that the higher the frequency of a wireless signal, the shorter its range. For example, 2.4 GHz networks cover a substantially larger range than 5 GHz wireless networks.

In general, the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz boils down to wireless range vs. speed. If you want better range, use 2.4 GHz. If you need higher performance or speed, use the 5GHz band.

If you want to switch your WiFi bands, you will have to do so manually. The answer to “Does my router automatically switch between 2.4 and 5?” is a resounding no.

Separating the two frequencies as two different SSIDs has more benefits. The 2.4GHz travels further but is more susceptible to interference, while the 5GHz offers faster speed. In reality, all your devices hang on the 2.4GHz connection and never switch back to the 5GHz.

If it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, you will need to check if there is a toggle button on your router which conveniently allows you to switch between the two. If there is no toggle switch, you might need to separate the two signals or disable the 5GHz frequency band.

What happens if I turn off 5GHz WiFi? ›

In some cases, turning off 5GHz may improve WiFi because it can reduce interference and improve the stability of the connection. However, in other cases, turning off 5GHz may actually worsen WiFi because it can limit the available bandwidth and reduce the overall performance of the connection.

Theoretically, multiple devices connected to Wi-Fi doesn't slow down the internet speed. But in practice, more the number of devices are connected to the internet, the bandwidth is being shared thus affecting the speed.

A wireless transmission at 2.4 GHz provides internet to a larger area but sacrifices speed, while 5 GHz provides faster speeds to a smaller area. Splitting your WiFi frequencies can help improve your network coverage.

Wireless-- Simultaneous vs Selectable Dual Band

Simultaneous Dual Band supports two separate WiFi networks simultaneously using both 2.4- and 5-GHz frequency bands. It not only doubles the available bandwidth but also allows for a more reliable dedicated WiFi network for video and gaming (5GHz) to be created.

Yes, 5GHz Wi-Fi can go through walls, but its range and ability to penetrate walls are generally less effective compared to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. 5GHz signals have a shorter wavelength, which makes them more susceptible to attenuation and interference from physical barriers like walls and floors.

5GHz: This band has much faster speeds than the 2.4GHz band but shorter ranges, maxing out at around 150 ft (≈ 45 m).

The longer waves used by the 2.4 GHz band are better suited to longer ranges and transmission through walls and solid objects. The shorter waves used by the 5 GHz band makes it less able to penetrate walls and solid objects.

It's generally not recommended to place your router next to a window or a mirror, either. Wi-Fi signals can't pass through windows, glass, and mirrors because these materials contain a thin layer of metal that reflects the radio waves back instead of allowing them to pass through.