If you’re looking at replacing your old router, you may come across terms like dual-band, which refers to your router having 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Curious about what these bands all about or what are the right Wi-Fi frequency bands that help you achieve a faster and more reliable internet connection?
Your router probably has both 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and 5 GHz Wi-Fi which refer to frequency bands used by wireless routers to carry Wi-Fi signals or both the frequency bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are used by wireless routers to carry Wi-Fi signals. So, now let us see What’s Better, 5G or 2G Wi-Fi along with Reliable 4G Tester, 4G LTE Tester, 4G Network Tester and VOLTE Testing tools & Equipment and Reliable Best wireless site survey software, site survey tools for wireless networks & Wifi site survey software app in detail.
Here are the differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals.
- Wi-Fi speed: Max ~300 Mbps (From our tests) in 2.4 GHZ whereas 5GHZ has max ~1 Gbps (From our tests)
- Range: Max ~110 feet (From our tests) in 2.4 GHZ whereas 5GHZ comprises maximum ~90 feet (From our tests)
- Interference: 2.4 GHZ is more susceptible and 5GHZ is less susceptible
- Obstructions: Less affected in 2.4 GHZ and more affected in terms of 5GHZ
- Number of devices: Fewer devices are used in 2.4 GHZ and more devices in 5GHZ
If we come to the question, which band is better – 5G or 2G Wi-Fi?
There is not any specific answer to this question because every band is better at different perspectives. For instance, if you need speed and faster connectivity, go with 5 GHz Wi-Fi, whereas 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is better at getting through tough obstacles over a wider area; the 2.4GHz band offers coverage at a longer range but it transmits data at slower speeds and the 5GHz band gives less coverage but sends data at faster speeds. Below are some examples of 5G Wi-Fi (5GHz) and 2G Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz):
- If you have a small cafe with an open floor plan where a lot of guests use your space for work, business meetings, and events, then 5 GHz is the suitable option for you.
- If your establishment is in a crowded commercial building with dozens of wireless routers and other 2.4 GHz band devices, then you should consider the 5 GHz bands.
- If you’re a lodging establishment where you must provide Wi-Fi connection to individual rooms on different floors, the 2.4 GHz band remains the better option.
5GHz:
The 5 GHz Wi-Fi band is faster as it delivers a maximum speed of even 2 GB per second, and it broadcasts Wi-Fi on higher frequencies than the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. a Wi-Fi router running on 5 GHz radiofrequency will only cover a smaller area, and they don’t travel through walls and solid objects as well as the lower frequencies of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The 5GHz band is also an ideal yet reliable choice for users who want to play video games, stream movies, videoconferencing, etc. With 5GHz, you won’t have to worry about unexpected network interruptions as you will get fast Internet speed, and large documents/PDF files can be downloaded without crashing or overloading your devices. Some of the benefits of 5GHz are as follows –
- Higher data rates with lower chances of interference.
- Fewer devices can be connected which makes for more privacy and protection.
- A more limited coverage area.
2.4 GHz Overview:
The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band is the most common radio frequency that uses lower frequencies hence, it is more useful when attempting to cover a wide area with the transmission, such as supplying a Wi-Fi connection to an entire building having too many devices with only one wireless router. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is better at penetrating solid objects, so it gives you more Wi-Fi range compared to the 5 GHz frequency band and is excellent for occasional part-time use at a large office or public area. Some of the advantages of 2.4GHz frequencies are –
- Can reach a larger area of coverage.
- The ability to go through any physical obstacles such as walls.
- More devices can be connected and use the frequency at once.
Conclusion
Nowadays, almost all the new routers have 2.4 GHz (has a longer range but is slower) and 5 GHz (is faster, limited by obstructions, can connect more devices, and can’t reach as far) bands. If you are thinking about which band is best when you’re getting a new router, either you analyze your network requirements to make the right decision accordingly or get a dual-band unit for the best of both.
Whether it’s 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz, make sure the modem/router and device are set to use the same frequency for better performance of the Wi-Fi connection. To get stable network connectivity, network monitoring and a testing tool such as RantCell plays a great role in the telecom industry as many of our clients are already using this tool. RantCell is a SaaS-based software compatible with Android phones, which will help you in performing network tests and QoE-related problems so that you will be able to fix the network issues and enjoy uninterrupted internet services.
