Differences in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wireless Network

Some models of Keenetic routers have a dual-band Wi-Fi access point, i.e., support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
Each frequency band has its features, advantages, and disadvantages. This is the subject of this article.

The main differences between the two bands are the coverage area and the data rate.

NOTE: Important! The 2.4 GHz frequency band provides a larger coverage area (signal range or wider signal coverage) than the 5 GHz band, but with lower data rates possible.
The 5 GHz band provides a smaller coverage area than the 2.4 GHz band but with a higher data rate.

This is due to the main characteristics of electromagnetic waves and occurs as a result of the fact that at higher frequencies (5 GHz), waves attenuate stronger, and the signal is more sensitive to various obstacles (walls, floor, ceiling, doors, and others). The reduction of the coverage area in the 5 GHz range is particularly noticeable when the router is used in apartment buildings or multi-room offices. For example, a solid wood door reduces the signal level by about one and a half times stronger in the 5 GHz range than in the 2.4 GHz range. However, when operating at high frequencies, faster data transmission is possible than at low frequencies (due to the extended 80 MHz band).

NOTE: Important! Another significant difference between the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands is that due to the smaller use of 5 GHz devices, this band has freer radio air and more channels (17 working channels vs. 13 in the 2.4 GHz band), which results in higher stability and connection speed.

Nowadays, the 2.4 GHz band is becoming congested due to the widespread use of Wi-Fi networks. Most access points in the area around your router also use the 2.4 GHz frequency. When multiple access points operate on the same frequency, there is usually interference that can affect the characteristics of the signal at the receiving point and therefore reduce the connection speed.

So, if there are a lot of neighbouring access points operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency at the location of your Keenetic router, try using a less congested 5 GHz frequency band.
Use a 5 GHz frequency band to increase the speed of data transmission over a network (e.g., for media traffic). The best connection to a 5 GHz access point is provided in the line of sight (within one room), with a minimum of obstacles in the signal path. For more information, see 'How to maximize Wi-Fi speed' instruction.
If you want to provide more signal coverage, use the 2.4 GHz frequency instead of 5 GHz or install additional Keenetic routers in the Access Point or Repeater mode.

NOTE: Important! To use the 5 GHz frequency band at an access point, a wireless network client (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or USB adapter) must support this frequency.

For more information on using the 5 GHz band and increasing data rates, see the article 'A brief description of the IEEE 802.11ac wireless network standard'.

TIP: Tip: The technology of dynamic detection of the best Band Steering access point is implemented in dual-band models of Keenetic routers. This technology balances Wi-Fi connection for clients between 2.4 and 5 GHz networks, depending on network conditions (for clients supporting both bands). For example, if the signal is strong and stable, the client will connect to a 5 GHz access point, and if the signal is weak or interference occurs, the client will automatically switch to a 2.4 GHz access point to save the best data transfer parameters.


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