Wireless 2.4GHz or 5GHz

[weelzSA]

Hi all.

I apologies if this question has been answered before. I have just installed anew router and in the wireless settings there is 2.4GHz and 5GHz. On my TV and iPad I can see both the wireless connections and have selected the 5GHz but on my laptops ect I only pick up the 2.4GHz. If I understand correctly only devices that support the 5GHz will pick up that connection correct?

Secondly, is it advisable to use the 5GHz connection on the devices that support it - I won't have any speed drawbacks or any other problem will I?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[ElecEng]

5Ghz usually has a higher throughput rate than 2.4ghz and less interference from neighbours, Bluetooth devices etc. however, due to the higher frequency its penetration of walls is not as good and can mitigate all its benefits. Use whichever gives you better results.

 

[SauRoNZA]

You'll have higher speeds on 5Ghz.

But as is your case if your devices don't support it, then it's utterly useless to have it running on 5Ghz instead of 2.4Ghz.


If you have the option rather return the Router and get one that can do 2.4 and 5Ghz SIMULTANEOUSLY and not just either or.

*****

Oh hang on I re-read that and it seems you do have them running simultaneously, it just doesn't show up on the 2.4Ghz devices.


Yes use the 5Ghz whenever possible, you can get up to 450mbps out of it depending on the devices in question.

 

[weelzSA]

You'll have higher speeds on 5Ghz.

But as is your case if your devices don't support it, then it's utterly useless to have it running on 5Ghz instead of 2.4Ghz.


If you have the option rather return the Router and get one that can do 2.4 and 5Ghz SIMULTANEOUSLY and not just either or.

*****

Oh hang on I re-read that and it seems you do have them running simultaneously, it just doesn't show up on the 2.4Ghz devices.


Yes use the 5Ghz whenever possible, you can get up to 450mbps out of it depending on the devices in question.

Yeah the router allows them to run simultaneously but only displays the 5GHz on the supported devices (iPad 3, LG Smart TV ect), so in the future when I purchase new products I should make certain they support the 5GHz frequency then.

Cool thanks for clearing that up then. I thought it be best to run the 5GHz where ever possible but just wasn't sure if there be any complications but glad there's none.

Thanks for the help.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Nah, should be less complicated as the 5Ghz range is less congested and I believe only WiFi uses it as present.

Unlike 2.4Ghz which is used by microwaves and cordless phones etc.

All brand new 802.11N devices should support 5Ghz now, but it's a good idea to keep it in mind when purchasing new products.


The iPhone 4S shockingly does not support 5Ghz, while the old (in comparison) iPad 2 does. Sadly my Router only does 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz and not both.

 

[weelzSA]

Nah, should be less complicated as the 5Ghz range is less congested and I believe only WiFi uses it as present.

Unlike 2.4Ghz which is used by microwaves and cordless phones etc.

All brand new 802.11N devices should support 5Ghz now, but it's a good idea to keep it in mind when purchasing new products.


The iPhone 4S shockingly does not support 5Ghz, while the old (in comparison) iPad 2 does. Sadly my Router only does 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz and not both.

Yeah not too many of my devices support it. Got two laptops that only do 2.4GHz, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 on 2.5GHz. Only my LG TV and iPad 3 support the 5GHz so far. Surely all new laptops ect will support the 5GHz?

 

[Hummercellc]

I heard Intel will be dropping support for 5GHZ wifi support on their pro networking cards, not to sure how true it is, but I know many people who complain about 5GHZ signal being very patchy compared to 2.4GHZ.