When connecting your home to WiFi, ensuring you have the right speeds to get the job done is important. Different tasks require different broadband to provide top-quality service. But is 2.4 GHz Or 5 GHz Better For WiFi?
Devices that are required to be stored far away from an internet router should use a 2.4 GHz connection, as this type of connection provides broader coverage. Devices that require fast, sustainable, and reliable internet should use a 5 GHz connection.
Now that you know the types of connections you need for certain circumstances, it is time to translate them into specific scenarios and examples. After all, understanding the practice is different than using it. Keep reading to discover more.
2.4 GHz Connections
When you connect a smart device, like the Ring Doorbell, to your smart home, you need to use a 2.4 GHz connection. This connection is meant for devices placed farther away from the source of an internet signal.
This means that the farther away a device is from the router, the wider the bandwidth and signal needed for the internet connection.
A 2.4 GHz connection is known for its more extensive coverage.
2.4GHz connections can connect more devices on one frequency and send out frequency through obstacles. Additionally, the max output is relatively strong at 150 megabytes per second.
This type of connection is ideal for office use or public use. It is not the ideal speed for most in-home internet connections.
Many baby monitors, like the VTech, require a 2.4 GHz connection to work properly.
5 GHz Connections
A 5 GHz connection offers top-tier reliability instead of range.
A 5 GHz connection is ideal for streaming large data files, sharing PDF files, and downloading documents in real-time. It will not crash while performing these functions, whereas a 2.4GHz connection would.
Although this connection is more reliable, it does not transmit as much data as a 2.4 GHz connection. This connection speed transmits 1 gigabyte of data per second.
Although the connection is technically slower, it still has a lot of advantages. For example, there is less of a chance that there will be interference in the downloading process.
Fewer devices will be connected, so it will speed up the process. The coverage is denser, although the distance is limited.
This connection is ideal for working at home, playing video games, or watching YouTube or movies on a streaming device.
Determining Your Connection
When you go to connect to an internet connection, you may be wondering which one you should choose.
After all, most internet providers provide botch connections when you buy an internet package. Below we have a chart to help you decide which connection to use.
Using the table above can help steer you in the right direction to ensure you have the device connected to the right speed.
If you are still unsure, it is important to read the owner’s manual that comes with the device for the best results.
Some smart doorbells, such as the Nest Hello, can use either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
Troubleshooting Your Bandwidth
After connecting to the right bandwidth, it is important to test it out. This will help to prevent issues in the long run and allow you to troubleshoot issues you may encounter.
If you have never had to troubleshoot bandwidth issues before, keep reading to learn some of the best tips and tricks to troubleshoot your 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz connections.
Restart the Router
The first step for any good troubleshooting session is to restart the device, or in this case, the router.
Most routers have a power button located on the front of the device. If you cannot discern the power button, simply unplug the power cord from the wall.
Once the power is cut, wait about one minute. Once the minute is up, plug the router back in or turn the power back on, depending on your chosen process. Let it reboot.
Once the router has fully power cycled, try to connect the smart device to the 2.,4 GHz, or 5 GHz connection again and see if it makes a difference.
Enable 2.4 GHz on Your Router
If you have bought a new router and hooked it up to your internet on your own, chances are it has many functions you are unaware of. One such function is the ability to enable 2.4 GHz on the device.
Not all routers come pre-programmed to have 2.4 GHz switched to the on position. You must log in and access your router’s interface if this is the case.
Go into the settings and switch the 2.4 GHz band back on.
Once the band is back on and running, connect your smart devices. Wait a moment and try them to ensure they are functioning as expected.
Change the WiFi Mode
Another function that may not come pre-programmed on a router is the WiFi or wireless mode.
This setting is buried in the router interface and is important for the proper functionality of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections.
Go to the router interface and find WiFi options within the menu.
Within the menu, find the mode area and select the proper option for your circumstance. Do some trial and error to see if one works better than the other.
Change The Channel
If you initially set your device up on a 5 GHz channel and it does not work, this may indicate that you need to change the channel.
Disconnect the device from its current bandwidth and reconnect it to the 2.4 GHz bandwidth.
Once this is complete, try using the device once more. If it works, you will know that it requires the opposite bandwidth. This is often the case for many smart home devices.
Update Firmware
Even routers and internet providers push out updates regularly. If these updates are ignored, the firmware stops working, resulting in a faulty product.
To avoid this, ensure auto-update is selected and allow the updates to finish every week.
Connecting For Better Functionality
When selecting the right bandwidth for a smart device, the most important factor to consider is connecting to the right bandwidth for proper functionality. Always read the user’s guide to gain insight into the right bandwidth, and you will have a smooth connected journey.
