2.4GHz or 5GHz? See the difference between Wi-Fi frequencies

2.4GHz or 5GHz? See the difference between the Wi-Fi frequencies available on your wireless router and which you should connect to.

Almost all routers on the market support at least two wireless frequencies that the user can connect to. 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies.

To know which is better to connect to with your mobile phone, laptop, computer, TV or wireless printer, you need to understand the differences between 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency.

2.4GHz or 5GHz? See the difference between Wi-Fi frequencies

Many users are confused when it comes to choosing which Wi-Fi network to connect to. At 2.4GHz or at 5GHz. Before you turn on the 5GHz band or connect to 2.4GHz, let's see what the difference is between the two types of band.

The 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band are two different frequencies on which Wi-Fi networks can work. Each of them has specific advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your needs and usage environment.

2.4GHz or 5GHz?
2.4GHz or 5GHz?

Characteristics of the 2.4GHz band

The 2.4GHz band has a wider coverage and can penetrate walls and obstacles better, making the signal more effective in larger spaces or obstacles between the router and your device.

Depending on the Wi-Fi standard of the router, the maximum download and upload speed of the 2.4GHz band varies significantly.

For STANDARD Wi-Fi 802.11n, maximum theoretical download speed is about 300 Mbpsand full speed theoretical of upload is about 150 Mbps.

For STANDARD Wi-Fi 802.11g, maximum theoretical download speed is about 54 Mbps, and the maximum theoretical speed of upload is also approx 54 Mbps.

The download / upload speed also varies depending on the quality of the signal, given in particular by the distance between terminal and router, the number of devices located in the 2.4GHz spectrum, but also physical obstacles that stand in the way of the signal (furniture, walls).

It is a band with wider coverage and better penetration of obstacles, the 2.4GHz band being recommended for wireless printers, laptops at a greater distance from the router and mobile phones. On the other hand, Being an older and more widespread frequency, it is more susceptible to interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, Such as cordless phones, microwave ovens or other nearby Wi-Fi routers.

Characteristics of the 5GHz band

The 5GHz band offers a higher data transfer rate compared to the 2.4GHz band, which makes this band ideal for applications that require heavy data traffic, such as high-quality video streaming or online gaming. The 5GHz band also offers a more stable connection with less interference, as few home devices use it.

There is a big downside to using it though. The coverage of the 5GHz band is less than that of the 2.4GHz band, and the signal has poorer penetration through walls and solid objects.

In terms of download / upload speed, the 5GHz band supports several Wi-Fi standards and is clearly superior to the 2.4GHz one.

standard Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wave 1) supports maximum theoretical download speed of approximately 1.3 Gbps (Gigabits per second), and maximum theoretical upload speed of approximately 1.3 Gbps.

standard Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wave 2) can ensure a maximum theoretical download speed of up to 2.34 Gbps, and the maximum theoretical upload speed is approximately 2.34 Gbps.

Also known as Wi-Fi 6, the standard Wi-Fi 802.11ax brings significant improvements in bandwidth and efficiency, and maximum theoretical download and upload speeds can reach up to 9.6 Gbps.

In conclusion, the choice between 2.4GHz or 5GHz is quite simple.

Related: 5G vs. 5G+. See what the difference is between these technologies

The 5GHz band generally offers better performance and faster speed than the 2.4GHz band, making it preferred for applications that require heavy data traffic, such as high-quality video streaming or online gaming. On the other hand, the 2.4GHz band offers more coverage and better penetration of existing obstacles in a house or apartment. It is preferred when working on a laptop that is far from the router, smart air conditioners, wireless printers and other devices that do not need to transfer large volumes of data.

Passionate about technology, I enjoy writing on StealthSettings.com since 2006. I have a rich experience in operating systems: macOS, Windows, and Linux, as well as in programming languages and blogging platforms (WordPress) and for online stores (WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop).

How to » Internet » 2.4GHz or 5GHz? See the difference between Wi-Fi frequencies
Leave a Comment