Every WiFi router is built to deliver a specific range of frequencies. 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5GHz refer to two different radio wavelengths, which are also called bands or frequencies, and these two are currently used by a majority of routers to transmit WiFi connections.
Which frequency is best to use?
WiFi routers normally transmit only one of these bands — the 2.4GHz, which are also known as single-band routers. However, some newer WiFi routers can transmit both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, which are called dual-band WiFi routers. In addition, as newer routers have both, you have a choice of which band to use.
To maximize your connection, it’s best to know what band works best with it for optimal performance. That’s why we’re going to dig deeper into the differences between the two!
2.4GHz Band
First, let’s talk about the 2.4GHz band. It’s the standard band that can go up to a maximum speed of 600 Mbps (depending on the router), which can penetrate solid objects that allow it to cover larger areas.
The problem here is that it’s not just a standard band that’s used in WiFi routers, but it is also used in a lot of other devices such as microwave ovens, phones, Bluetooth devices, and other wireless devices.
This becomes a problem because with many other devices using the 2.4GHz band, the signal becomes congested, causing a lot of interference with WiFi signals. When this happens, it slows down the network speed and makes it prone to disconnection from the WiFi router. This is why the 5GHz band came in.
5GHz Band
The 5GHz band is a newer band that allows users to have a greater data range (up to 1Gbps) with less interference, and it provides a great deal in terms of internet speeds for home WiFi. On the flip side, it has a smaller coverage area and has difficulty penetrating solid things.
Which frequency should you choose?
Here are the factors that you have to consider:
- Size of your home – Is it big or small?
- Inferences and obstacles – What’s the layout of your house? Do you have thick walls?
- The devices you will use and how they will be used
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2.4GHz
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5GHz
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SPEED
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Lower data rate (Up to 600 Mbps)
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Higher data rate (Up to 1Gbps)
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RANGE
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● Larger coverage area
● Has efficient wall-passing capability
● The recommended distance is up to 150 feet indoors.
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● Smaller coverage area
● The recommended distance is up to 50 feet indoors.
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CONGESTION
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● More prone to interference
● Usually used on more devices
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● Less prone to interference
● Fewer devices use this frequency
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Go 5GHz if…
- You use devices near the router
- You are doing a lot of high-bandwidth online activities, like gaming, video streaming, etc.
- You are in a home with a lot of 2.4GHz band devices
From TP-Link Official Website
Go 2.4GHz if…
- You use devices that are farther from the router
- You use devices that you frequently move around with throughout your home
- You live in a large home
Since a lot of electronic devices and appliances use the 2.4GHz frequency, it is likely to be congested, which affects your WiFi’s speed. On the other hand, the 5GHz is less prone to inference as fewer devices such as laptops and smartphones normally use this frequency.
To sum things up
Wireless range vs. speed is the major difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If you are in the same room as your router and do not require efficient wall-passing capability, the 5GHz WiFi network is ideal for a faster and more stable connection. Use 2.4 GHz instead if you want a wider coverage.
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