Dual band routers come in two flavors.
Wifi 5 ghz band.
A dual band router is one that broadcasts both a 2 4 ghz and 5 ghz signal from the same unit essentially providing you with two wi fi networks and the best of both worlds.
Because in radio frequencies the higher the frequency the shorter its range.
From the list of drivers you see in the device manager expand network adapters and locate your wireless adapter see its name and see whether it says anything about the radio bands it supports.
5 ghz wifi channels frequencies.
If it shows 2 4 ghz as the band then it likely means that the driver isn t automatically band steering to 5 ghz.
You can check to see which band your client is using by clicking on clients wifi clients from the sidebar.
One typically hears of the 2 4 ghz and 5 ghz bands in the same breath becaus.
5 9 ghz 802 11p the 802 11p amendment published on 15 july 2010 specifies wlan in the licensed band of 5 9 ghz 5 850 5 925 ghz.
There are a few exceptions so if you can t find the preferred band then there s nothing you can do.
A 5 ghz network can carry more data than a 2 4 ghz network and is technically faster assuming the electric power to the higher frequency radio is maintained at a higher level.
Home devices that generate or consume the largest amount of network traffic like video streaming units or game.
On 23 april 2020 the fcc voted on and ratified a report and order to allocate 1 2 ghz of unlicensed spectrum in the 6 ghz band 5 925 7 125 ghz for wi fi use.
6 ghz 802 11ax united states.
This not only provides more spectrum but it is not as widely used for other appliances including items such as microwave ovens etc.
Most adapters allow you to set a preferred band.
The 5 ghz band has a lower chance of picking up interference because most wireless devices such as bluetooth devices cordless phones microwave ovens and computers use the 2 4 ghz frequency.
Microwave ovens.
The waves of the 2 4 ghz band can travel a greater distance than those of the 5 ghz band if your phone does not have the ability to switch wi fi bands try to move farther away from your router and points until your phone moves to the 2 4 ghz band.
While one would assume 5 ghz is better the reality is that 2 4 ghz can cover larger areas and even penetrate objects that could cause interference better.
Range the 5 ghz band has a shorter range compared to a 2 4 ghz band.
A selectable dual band router offers a 2 4 ghz and 5 ghz wi fi network but you can only use one at a time.
If your router supports 5ghz connectivity the next thing to do is to check your adapter open device manager by pressing the windows key on your keyboard typing device manager and opening the result.
5 ghz radios support higher maximum data rates in network standards 802 11n 802 11ac and 802 11ad.
5 ghz band definition.