Which WiFi 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band should be used?

If you have changed routers or connected to WiFi in some places in recent years, you may find that there are two available networks under some routers - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. But what does that mean? Which should be used?

Every few years, relevant associations will develop updated WiFi standards for public use. At present, most WiFi routers are dual band, supporting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time, and some even add updated 6 GHz and WiFi 6E.

2.4 GHz WiFi was introduced in 1999 and has always been the first choice for home use. Even modern dual band and tri band routers still use it today. Although 2.4 GHz was introduced very early, 5 GHz is not a new technology. It was also introduced in 1999, but its technology has been improved recently.

Compared with the two standards, a 5 GHz network is much faster than a 2.4 GHz network, but this speed comes at a cost. Because 5 GHz uses shorter wavelengths to transmit data, it is more susceptible to signal attenuation. When encountering the need of signal passing through the wall, the signal coverage of 2.4 GHz can reach twice that of 5 GHz.

So, which band you choose depends largely on what you need to do.

If you have many devices connected to the same network through WiFi, and the router supports dual band, please connect laptops, TVs, smartphones and other high bandwidth devices near the router to the 5 GHz network, and devices in other rooms to the 2.4 GHz network. Some devices with low bandwidth requirements, such as smart plugs, lights, and cameras, can also be connected to the 2.4 GHz network.