What is 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz?Updated a day ago
What is 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz?
Routers are devices that send out wireless signals to connect your devices to the Internet. Modern routers can broadcast multiple WiFi frequencies at the same time, most commonly 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and on newer routers, 6 GHz.
2.4 GHz
The 2.4 GHz frequency has a few advantages. It covers a larger area, so it works well in bigger homes or for devices that are further away from the router. It is also better at passing through walls and solid objects, which helps maintain a connection in harder-to-reach places.
The downside is speed and congestion. 2.4 GHz is slower than other bands and is more likely to suffer from interference because many household devices use it, such as microwaves, baby monitors, and even neighbouring WiFi networks.
5 GHz
The 5 GHz frequency is designed for speed. It can transmit data much faster, making it ideal for activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls. It is also less congested than 2.4 GHz, so connections are often more stable in busy environments.
However, 5 GHz has a shorter range. It does not travel as far and does not pass through walls as easily, so performance drops off more quickly as you move away from the router.
6 GHz (WiFi 6E and WiFi 7)
6 GHz is the newest WiFi band available on modern routers. It offers very high speeds, extremely low interference, and excellent performance for demanding uses like high-resolution streaming, gaming, and multi-gigabit connections.
Because the 6 GHz band is new, it is much less crowded than 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The trade-off is range. Like 5 GHz, it has a shorter reach and does not penetrate walls well, so it works best when you are close to the router.
Which one should you use?
Most devices will automatically choose the best frequency based on signal strength and performance. As a general guide:
Use 2.4 GHz for longer range and devices further away
Use 5 GHz for faster speeds when you are closer to the router
Use 6 GHz for the best performance when supported and close to the router
If you have a larger home or struggle with coverage in certain areas, a mesh WiFi system can help provide consistent coverage throughout the house by placing multiple access points around your home.