Your Internet and devices work hard for you, but you can make them work smarter – not harder – for you. Working smarter for these devices means choosing which wireless frequency band your devices run on. Your wireless router operates using two frequency bands: a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band.
The 2.4 GHz band uses longer waves, providing longer-reaching coverage and is known as the more flexible band of the two bands. Because of its broader range, it can penetrate walls and other solid objects making it great for larger, multi-story homes. However, a 2.4 GHz band is also more popular amongst older devices and most smart home devices to connect to, meaning it can be crowded and slower in terms of usage. You may suffer interferences and slower speeds with a 2.4 GHz band, so you may want to connect devices with low-speed needs.
On the other hand, the 5 GHz band is faster and more reliable, making it perfect for smaller homes or apartments. The 5GHz band is perfect for high-bandwidth devices or activities such as online video games, conference calls and streaming.
It all comes down to speed vs range and what your devices need. Its best to spread out your devices, based on their needs, across the two bands to maximize your home network’s performance.
Learn more about the differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands on Hitron’s Learn page or Blog articles.
