2.4 GHz vs. 5.0 GHz – Learn the facts regarding these frequency bands

Have you been using a wireless router for a while now? There is a high chance that it is offering wifi on two different bands. Most modern routers use the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands.

A frequency band is used to transmit wireless data between different devices connected to wifi. Some router users wonder which frequency band to choose between these two frequency bands. According to experts, you have to assess your situation so that you can choose the right one. Apart from dual-band routers, some old version routers have a single band while the latest models are tri-band routers. This guide will inform you of how the 2.4 GHz frequency band differs from the 5.0 GHz. Read on!

What are the differences between 5.0 GHz and 2.4 GHz?

2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz -How do they compare

Speed

These two frequency bands differ in terms of speed. Since the 5 GHz band offers better speed, you can use it download lots of files from the internet within a few minutes. The maximum speed that the 2.4 GHz band is 150 Mbps, while the 5 GHz band can provide speeds of up to 1 Gbps. In terms of speed, the 5GHz radio band is faster than the 2.4 GHz band.

Wireless range and use

When it comes to the range, the 2.4 GHz frequency band has a long-range while the 5 GHz band has a short-range. If you have some internet enable devices that you don’t move around so often, you should connect them to the 5 GHz band and place them near the router. The 5GHz frequency band is ideal for high bandwidth activities such as videoconferencing and gaming.

For the device you move with a lot, you need to connect them to the 2.4 frequency band since this has a long-range. Portable devices can work well even when they are not close to the router. The 2.4 GHz radio band is also great at penetrating obstacles compared to the 5 GHz band. If you have a large house, you should consider using the 2.4 GHz frequency since it can offer great coverage than the 5 GHz radio band.

Interference

The 2.4GHz frequency band is the standard band that every wireless router uses. This band is common in routers and other devices such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, wireless cameras, and cordless phones. If you own either of these devices in your home, you should know that they rely on the 2.4 GHz band to transmit wireless data. Such devices can make the 2.4 GHz frequency band overcrowded, causing signal interference. This can negatively affect signal quality and speed. Since very few devices use the 5.0 GHz, this frequency band does not experience a lot of interference leading to strong signal quality. The 5 GHz frequency band is better than the 2.4 GHz band since it has less interference.

2.4 GHz vs. 5.0 GHz – A comparison overview

2.4 GHz

This is the standard frequency band that is used in different devices. The frequency band is a radio wave that is designed to carry data and transmit it between various devices. This frequency band may not transmit data fast, but it has a long-range. You can easily use it in a building with many floors and walls since it can penetrate such obstacles with ease.

We mentioned that many devices at home use this frequency band, causing interference in the wifi signal. You can still use this frequency band without experiencing a lot of interference by switching to a different channel. The 2.4 GHz band offers at least 11 channels that you can pick from. The problem with most of these channels is that they are overlapping. Since only three of them are not, you should choose between the three solid channels.

Pros

• Penetrates solid objects well
• Long-range

Cons

• Has only three non-overlapping channels
• Delivers slow speeds

5.0 GHz

Though most routers in the past were based on the 2.4 GHz band, manufacturers add this frequency band to modern routers to boost their performance.  Choosing a router that contains the 5GHz frequency band can help you enjoy fast internet speeds. This frequency band is crucial when you want to download multiple files from the internet.

It also covers a high number of devices connected to a single wifi network. Since not many devices use this frequency band, it is susceptible to less interference. By choosing this frequency band, you don’t have to experience connection drops that are often caused by interference from different devices.

Even though this frequency band can give you fast speed, it works better in a short-range. Being a high-frequency band also makes it hard for it to penetrate solid objects like walls and floors. If, for instance, you need a router for the office, you should avoid using the 5.0 GHz band since this may not give you the best experience since the signal does not penetrate the walls of a building well. It can, therefore, limit the range inside such a structure. The 5GHz comes with at least 25 channels that do not overlap. Less overlap leads to better performance.

Pros

• Delivers fast speeds
• Minimal interference
• Has a lot of non-overlapping channels

Cons

• It does not penetrate obstacles well
• Short-range.

Conclusion

Every wireless router has to use specific radio frequencies to transmit data to wifi-enabled devices. The most common frequencies that routers use include 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Since there are different router models in the market, you may find some based on one, two, or even three radio frequencies. Understanding how each of these two radio bands differs is essential for every user.

Verdict: So, which is better? 2.4 GHz or 5.0G Hz

After comparing these two frequency bands, we realized that they are designed for different purposes. Before you choose either of them, you should assess how you intend to utilize your wifi connection. Your specific situation is what can determine which of the two radio frequencies is better. If you do activities such as browsing on a smartphone, you can enjoy an excellent performance by using the 2.4 GHz wifi.

High bandwidth activities such as gaming and downloading files require the 5GHz frequency band. In terms of the qualities, the 2.4 GHz excels when it comes to the wireless range and penetrating obstacles while 5GHz stands out in regards to speeds and channels.

FAQs

Can 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands work together?

Yes. If you have a dual-band router with both frequency bands, you can let them work simultaneously. If you experience problems with either of the radio bands, feel free to switch to the other one.

What is a tri-band router, and how can it help?

This router comes with a single 2.4 GHz band and two 5GHz frequency bands. Choosing such a router can help you connect more devices to your network without experiencing any performance issues.