What is wi fi band

It happens that the laptop does not see the connected device. In this case, it is worth looking for drivers on the manufacturer's website or another forum. But you should not download files from unknown sources, so as not to infect your computer with malicious software.

2.4 GHz or 5 GHz: Which Wi-Fi band should you use on your Android?

The main differences between the two frequencies are how far your data can travel and how fast it can travel, with speed being the biggest of the two.

In conceptual terms. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi will support up to 450 or 600 Mbps depending on depending on the class of router, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi will support up to 1300 Mbps . As you understand, the higher frequency band supports higher theoretical speeds, but at the expense of range.

In terms of distance traveled, the 2.4 GHz band provides more coverage at 150 feet (46 m) indoors indoors and at 300 feet (92 m) indoors. outdoors, whereas the 5 GHz band provides less coverage, typically by 10 to 15 feet, or 3 to about 4.5 meters .

Related post: Updated guide to connecting to a Wi-Fi network

The explanation for the lower range in the 5 GHz range is that the higher frequencies make it harder to penetration through solid objects such as walls and floors. But on the other hand, higher frequencies actually transmit data much faster than lower frequencies, so with the 5 GHz band you can upload and download files faster than with the 2.4 GHz band.

Interference from other devices

Interference from other devices also affects Wi-Fi connection speeds in a certain band. Many Wi-Fi enabled technologies and consumer devices use the 2.4 GHz band, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and garage door openers. When multiple devices try to use the same radio space, it causes congestion as these devices add noise to the environment, reducing wireless speeds.

The 5 GHz band tends to be less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band because it is used by fewer devices, primarily because it has 23 channels for devices, whereas the 2.4 GHz band has only 11 channels . However, the radar and military frequency is also 5 GHz, so little interference can occur. Many countries require that wireless devices operating on it support Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) и Transmit Power Control (TPC) .

What frequency does wi-fi work on?

Many users wonder how to find out what frequency Wi-Fi works. Currently, network equipment operates in only two bands – 2.4 and 5.

In the vast majority of cases the 2.4 GHz frequency is used, because it appeared first. Each remote access point on this frequency functions on channels from the first to the thirteenth inclusive.

As a rule, problems with Internet connection occur if there is a working router nearby. Thus, on the same channel they simply share the speed between them. By default, network equipment automatically connects to the most free channel, so in case of Internet problems it is recommended to reboot the router.

Please note! Such manipulation is not able to unload the range even slightly. That is why experts strongly recommend buying dual-band routers, which will allow you to use the second wave length of 5 GHz, which is more free because it is new.

Now it is worth familiarizing yourself with the principle of setting a particular frequency when operating network equipment.

2.4 GHz.

The Wi-Fi signal frequency is set quite simply in the router's web interface. After logging into the system the user has to go to the "Wireless 2.4 GHz" section. Then the sequence of actions looks like this:

1. Go to "Wireless Setting" and specify the name of the wireless network.
2. Among available parameters it is necessary to pay attention to the used channel, by default it should be set to "Auto" mode.
3. Set Mode 11 b/g/n mixed.
4. Set the channel width to "Auto".
5. For the changes to take effect, you must "Save" them.

How frequency ranges differ from each other

Each frequency band has its own individual characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest differences between the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channels are the data rate and the coverage area.

• The 2.4 GHz frequency provides a larger coverage area, which implies a wider signal coverage and range compared to the 5 GHz band.
• As for the 5 GHz band, it provides a smaller coverage area, but a higher data rate.

These features of the frequency ranges are due to the characteristics of electromagnetic waves. The fact is that the higher the frequency, the radio waves attenuate more, becoming more susceptible to obstacles in the form of walls, ceilings, doors, furniture and household appliances.

A noticeable reduction in coverage area is especially noticeable in multi-room offices and apartment buildings. For example, a door made of wood reduces the signal level at 5 GHz by almost 1.5 times compared to a lower frequency. The high data rate at 5 GHz is due to the extended frequency band of 80 mHz.

Take note! Another major difference between the frequency bands, which affects the speed of the Internet – it's less congestion on the radio frequency 5 GHz, therefore, the user has the opportunity to use a greater number of channels. This inevitably leads to improved speed and stability of the wireless connection.

What you need to use 5GHz wi-fi

Before you can connect to the new frequency and enjoy a faster Wi-Fi network, you need to know if there is support from your gadgets. To do this, you need to know which devices can catch 5GHz Wi-Fi, because it's not enough to simply connect. The standard is considered newer, so it requires other modules, circuits, equipment, etc.

What are the wi-fi standards, and which ones work at high frequencies

There are four main modes of 802.1 Wi-Fi network operation. The types differ in their characteristics – the maximum speed of information transfer.

For the record! 802.11 is a kind of authentication method. That is, it is a standard that allows a device to allow a user into the network.

In general, there are the following standards for Wi-Fi: b, g, n, ac. It is also customary to allocate a fifth standard – a (11a).

What standards work on the range you need

5 GHz supports 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac. There are no problems with the network except for 802.11n. Hence the sad news is that most routers work with this standard. So the first thing you need to do to use the new network band is to check if this option is available, especially if it is 802.11n. To do this, it is recommended to look at the inscriptions on the device itself, go to the settings of the router or find the model on the Internet.

It is also worth remembering the following rule: If one of the devices does not use 5 GHz, you will not be able to access the Internet. But there are dual-band routers for such purposes. They give out two types of radio waves at once, for example, TP-Link Deco. It is a whole Mesh system, allowing you to cover a large area and use different hertz. But the cost of the device is high.

How to know if the device supports Wi-Fi 5 GHz

Based on the rule above, to work on the new frequency, you need both devices to support it. Accordingly, you need to check the router and the laptop itself. To find out whether the router is equipped with the necessary characteristics, you can do the following:

1. Go to the settings (the address to enter the parameters is written on the device: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Enter the login and password (the data is also specified there).
3. Open the tab with the wireless network settings.
4. Find the frequency switch button.

Note! Another method is to go to any online electronics store and find your router. The specs column has a list of supported bands. You can also open the manufacturer's website. If there is a list of router models, there will probably be the necessary device and information about it.

How do I know if my laptop supports the 5 GHz band?

There is no such way. But it is worth opening the Windows Device Manager. To do this, you need to click on the "Start" menu and write there "Device Manager". You can also press the shortcut "Win + R" and write in the input field "devmgmt.msc" (without quotation marks). In the list you will need to find the network adapters. In the branch that opens, select the wireless network module. As a rule, the name is Wireless, Wi-Fi, WAN. Next – find the adapter specifications in the search engine. If it works with the a or ac standard, the desired frequency is definitely supported.

Note! To determine whether there is support from the smartphone, you can connect the device to the wi-fi. If everything works, the gadget is equipped with the necessary module.

Laptop does not see Wi-Fi 5G network

The cause of the malfunction in 90% of cases is the laptop's lack of support for a higher frequency. If one device works with 5 GHz, but others do not, and you want to use a faster Internet, it is worth buying a dual-frequency router.

2.4GHz or 5GHz: Which one's your best bet?

Your choice depends primarily on your needs. Choose the 2.4 GHz band if you need wide coverage or if you live in a house with thick concrete walls that can cause interference. The 2.4 GHz band is also ideal for surfing the Internet without claiming high speeds.

The 5 GHz band is ideal for streaming video and online gaming. You should also use this band if you want to connect many home devices to wifi.

If a wide range of Wi-Fi is not required, 5 GHz is ideal to use. But you can also use Wi-Fi signal repeaters to extend your coverage.

Which router to choose?

When buying a router, or router, you don't have to make a tough choice by choosing one of the two bands. That's because modern Wi-Fi routers usually use both bands.

A dual-band Wi-Fi router Transmits a signal on both the 2.4 GHz frequency and the 5 GHz frequency. With this type of router, you can connect both 5 GHz devices for higher speeds and 2.4 GHz devices for a wide range.

There are also Tri-band routers.. They broadcast three different signals: one 2.4 GHz signal and two parallel 5 GHz signals. As a result, tri-band routers allow you to connect even more devices without affecting your Wi-Fi speed. You also get less interference, and you can dedicate each band to a different device in your home or office.

You'll also soon be considering a router with 6 GHz Wi-Fi. Nowadays, tri-band usually means 1x 2.4 GHz and 2x 5 GHz. However, when 6 GHz routers become the norm, tri-band will refer to a router with 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands.

As Wi-Fi speeds are shared between your connected devices, a separate 5 GHz band means you get more bandwidth. Dual-band routers offer twice the bandwidth, while tri-band routers offer three (or more) times the bandwidth of single-band routers.

Sergey Sandakov, 42. Since 2011. I write reviews of useful online services and sites, programs for the PC. I am interested in everything that happens on the Internet, and I am happy to tell my readers about it.

Advantages and disadvantages of WiFi 5GHz

In order to start using 5GHz WiFi, you only need to meet two conditions:

Surely, having read to this point and convinced yourself of the benefits of using 5GHz WiFi, you have a question about choosing a router. I can, of course, recommend you some inexpensive models, but there is a BUT!

In my experience – and I have had lots of them – I have found that cheap routers and adapters supporting this band tend to be very unstable if they simultaneously broadcast at 5 and 2.4 GHz. If not all of your laptops, phones, set-top boxes, and other devices are dual-band, it is better to spend a little more money, but buy a good universal router.

Now for the models – from the inexpensive and at the same time not bad I can mention Tenda AC6 and Huawei WS5200. From the more expensive options, I can recommend routers of Zyxel Keenetic line with 5 GHz support and TP-Link Archer.

If you want stability and quality that you can afford to spend money on, then take a closer look at the Keenetic line. You can find it cheaper by hand on Yuletide or Avito, which is exactly what I did.

How do I connect my laptop to 5GHz WiFi?

With the second at first glance is more complicated – you're not going to change all the computer equipment in the house. But in fact, all smartphones released in the last 3-4 years, support wifi 5 GHz. For example, I have no problem connecting from my iPhone 5S, which was released back in 2013.

A computer or laptop is harder to change, but no problem here either. Just the same, go to a digital store and buy a USB adapter that supports the 5 GHz band. They also work in two bands, so you can connect to 2.4 GHz frequencies as well. Choosing a wifi adapter is dedicated to a separate article, but in short, it is advisable to choose the model of the same manufacturer as the router. Although in principle, all standards are universal and will work with any – there is only a matter of taste. Again, it makes no sense to recommend something by brand, take not the most expensive and not the cheapest brand adapter in the average price range – reviews are also full on our website.

I have TP-Link Archer T4U on my computer now, before that I used Asus, but it asks too much money for its devices. Also left a positive impression Edimax EW-7811USC

For a desktop PC even better option would be to buy a PCI adapter, which is connected to the motherboard – the antennas from it will be brought out the back of the case.

To switch to the new TV standard you can buy an inexpensive Android set-top box.

How do I know what frequency my WiFi router works on?

Many users are faced with a dilemma – how to find out what frequency the AC standard WiFi router works. If we talk about the factory data, the necessary information can be found in the instructions for the device or on the body itself. To see the real parameter, you can go two ways:

• Settings. To find out the frequency of the Wi Fi router, enter the settings panel according to the principle discussed above. There look at what mode the router is currently operating in. Several options are possible here – 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or mixed mode.

• Program. Another option to find out your router's Wi-Fi frequency is to use a special program called WiFiInfoView. It is often used to select an unloaded channel, but you can also use it to clarify the frequency range of operation. The peculiarity of the software is that it is lightweight and does not require installation on a PC. All you need to do is to download the software, unzip the archive and run the exe-file. The software starts immediately and gives the necessary information on the channel and the current Wi Fi frequency range. The advantage of the method is that you do not need to go into the settings of the router.

You can also use other programs, but a more reliable way is to enter the router's settings panel and see the selected option.

How frequency bands differ from each other

Each frequency band has its own individual characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest differences between the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands are the data transfer rate and coverage area.

• The 2.4 GHz frequency provides a larger coverage area, which implies a wider signal coverage and range compared to the 5 GHz band.
• As for the 5 GHz band, it provides a smaller coverage area, but a higher data rate.

Such features of frequency ranges are due to the characteristics of electromagnetic waves. The fact is that the higher the frequency, the radio waves attenuate more, becoming more susceptible to obstacles in the form of walls, ceilings, doors, furniture and household appliances.

A noticeable reduction in coverage area is especially noticeable in multi-room offices and apartment buildings. For example, a door made of wood reduces the signal level at 5 GHz by almost 1.5 times compared to a lower frequency. The high data rate at 5 GHz is due to the extended frequency band of 80 mHz.

Differences of frequency bands of wi-fi between each other

Please note! Another significant difference between the frequency bands that affects the speed of the Internet is the less congestion on the 5 GHz frequency, therefore, the user has the opportunity to use a greater number of channels in operation. This inevitably leads to increased speed and stability of the wireless connection.

Wireless Frequency: What It Is

In this section we will talk not only about what frequency is, but also about frequency crossover and wireless channels.

So, let's compare data packets to cars traveling in two directions: from point A (your PC) to point B (your router). The frequency is the road from the router to your PC. However, there are often many roads in our apartments, offices, and some of them intersect with each other. For example, it can be a road from the radiotelephone to the base, from the remote control to the TV/air conditioner. In addition, there are cars that drive aimlessly in one direction, such as the radiation coming from the microwave – radio interference.

What is frequency crossover

Imagine that you are sitting at your computer and you see several networks running simultaneously on it. First of all, this means that there are other cars driving down your road besides your cars. Only they are headed from your neighbors' computers to another access point. You all use the same road – the frequency – to pass cars (packet passing). Also, since the wireless environment is a distributed one, cars can often collide with each other if they have little room on the road.

To make it easier for cars to drive on the road, they divided the road with a lane. That way they don't interfere with each other. The same situation happens with radio waves: the frequency is divided into channels. This avoids collisions and traffic deterioration.

Thus, if your neighbor configures his router to another channel, you both although you will be in the same frequency range, but will not collide. Thanks to this, there will be no loss of traffic.

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