Routers broadcast radio frequencies that your wireless devices connect to for internet access. Many modern routers are capable of dual-band networking, which means they can broadcast two frequencies simultaneously, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
2.4 GHz overview
Pros:
- Larger coverage area
- Better at penetrating solid objects
Cons:
- Lower data rate
- More prone to interference
5 GHz overview
Pros:
- Higher data rate
- Less prone to interference
Cons:
- Smaller coverage area (except 802.11ac)
- Worse at penetrating solid objects
Which frequency should you choose?
A 2.4 GHz connection travels farther at lower speeds, while 5 GHz frequencies provide faster speeds at shorter ranges. Your choice of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz will depend on where and how you use your WiFi connection most.
Many electronic devices and appliances use the 2.4 GHz frequency, including microwaves, baby monitors, security cameras, and garage door openers. If you have many of these in your home or live in an apartment or condo, that 2.4 GHz band is likely to be congested, damaging speed and signal quality.
Use 5 GHz for a device closer to the router
If you can 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 streaming video, it's best to use this frequency and move as close as possible to the router.
Use 2.4 GHz for a device farther from the router
On the other hand, on a device that moves around a lot throughout the day, especially if you have a large home, the 2.4 GHz frequency is your best bet. This wavelength has a longer range and can penetrate solid objects more easily than the 5 GHz band, making it ideal for devices taken from room to room or more distant from the router.
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