What’s new?…….
- Wi-Fi router’s 5GHz band
Many routers are now dual-band, which means they support the common 2.4GHz band and the less-used 5GHz band. That 5GHz option really shines in certain respects. It may not have as much range at the original band, but there’s a lot less “noise,” or wireless tech chatter, at 5GHz. That means the 5GHz band can provide a clearer signal, and help you draw closer to those sweet gigabit-level speeds.
Most dual-band routers will urge you to create and name a 5GHz channel during setup, so check to see if you have one or can create one. You also have to remember to use it. You may mentally default to the regular band out of habit, but that can seriously downgrade the performance of your connected device.
Note:
If your router isn’t dual-band, consider a replacement. Modern routers tend to be dual-band, and many have software that can intelligently switch between bands when necessary to provide the best connection. It’s also less likely that a single band router will be 802.11ac compatible.
Note that the 5GHz band can be helpful for a clear connection in a busy area, but it also has a shorter range, so it’s more important that your devices are closer to the router.
