There are different radio frequencies over which WiFi routers can send data. These frequencies are called the “band”. For example, Dual-band WiFi refers to routers that can send data over a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. The availability of an extra band enables a dual-band WiFi router to give the user a better experience than a single band (2.4 GHz) WiFi router.
It is essential to understand the basics of different bands to compare WiFi routers. So let’s start by looking at 2.4 GHz radiofrequency.
2.4 GHz Single Band WiFi
The first generation of WiFi routers could send data only over one radio frequency – 2.4 GHz band. Transmission of power signals over a larger area is the most significant benefit single band WiFi. In this case, the router sends and receives data over the same band.
Advantage – Powerful Signals
The stronger WiFi signals of a single band router penetrate through most solid objects, including floors and walls. The signals cover a larger area as compared to the signals of a dual-band router. You will suffer from weaker signals or frequent disconnections when using 2.4 GHz WiFi.
Disadvantage – Frequent Interference
Since a single band router can only use a 2.4 GHz band, the chances of interference from other devices, whether in the office or at home, are high. These devices include cordless phones, Bluetooth, microwave ovens, wireless speakers, and baby monitors. The interference results in compromised speed and performance.
Speaking of speed, a 2.4GHz network offers practical speeds that are less than 100 MB/s. This problem is commonly observed when multiple devices try to stream HD videos or play online games. And after all, these are arguably the most common uses of smartphones these days!
5GHz Dual Band WiFi
The new generation of dual-band routers has the luxury of a 5 GHz band in addition to the conventional 2.4 GHz band. This upgrade lets dual-band routers avoid device interference and maintain fast speeds.
Advantage – Fast Speed
The additional frequency band lets dual band routers handle extensive traffic without significantly compromising speed and performance. For example, on paper, 2.4 GHz WiFi routers support from 450 MB/s to 600 MB/s, whereas the labeled speed of a dual-band router is up to 2167 MB/s.
Practically, the 2.4 GHz WiFi approaches 100MB/s at its best, while a dual band router is roughly four times faster. In addition, the availability of an extra band lets the dual band router serve multiple connected devices with stable speed.
Advantage – Less Interference
The number of channels on the 5 GHz band is more than the 2.4 GHz band. This allows dual-band WiFi to avoid interference from devices that may be around.
Disadvantage – Weak Signals and Less Range
Dual band routers send weaker signals with a shorter range compared to the signals of a single band router. You will notice that 5 GHz dual band WiFi is not great at penetrating through walls and floors. Additionally, dual-band WiFi signals quickly fade as you move further away from the router.
How Does Dual Band WiFi Work?
Dual-band WiFi offers two frequency bands for connected devices. The selection of the band depends on the device’s compatibility. For instance, once you connect your smartphone to dual band WiFi, the networking configuration of the phone determines if it is going to use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
Example 1. The Connected Device Determines the Band
Brand-new smartphones tend to use a 2.4 GHz radio frequency despite the 5 GHz frequency, with many channels. Therefore, you may need to manually change the frequency setting from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz. However, once the smartphone experiences low speeds on 2.4 GHz, it will shift to 5GHz (if it supports the band) when connected to the dual-band WiFi router.
Example 2. The Dual Band WiFi Router Determines the Band
Some dual band WiFi routers set which band-connected devices will use. They do this by monitoring traffic levels on the 2.4 GHz band. If the traffic gets too high, the router will steer devices to the 5 GHz band where more channels and less traffic are available. This is technically known as “band steering”.
However, band steering only works for the devices that support 5 GHz. Some devices only support single-band WiFi, so the router will not steer them away from the 2.4 GHz band.
What is MU-MIMO?
The Multi-User – Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) is a technological advancement used in the newer generation of dual band WiFi routers. For this reason, you may not find this feature in the first generation of dual band routers. In simple terms, MU-MIMO technology enables a dual band WiFi router to focus on multiple devices simultaneously.
Older routers without the MU-MIMO feature can’t pay attention to multiple devices at any given time. Consequently, the devices connected to the WiFi suffered from speed drops. In addition, the connection may not be stable and reliable, making you frustrated as multiple devices try to consume high bandwidth.
MU-MIMO technology jumped in as a solution to this issue. It aims at maintaining a stable connection and speed across multiple connected devices at any given time.
From Dual Band WiFi to Tri Band WiFi
The next step in WiFi technology, Tri Band WiFi comes with another 5 GHz band and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands on dual band WiFi. The extra 5 GHz frequency band lets the router achieve faster speed. These routers use two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, just like a dual band router. Have one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands make it three data highways allowing more data to travel simultaneously.
Tri-band WiFi is recommended for offices where five or more devices are connected to the router and where each constantly requires more bandwidth.
Why Upgrade to Dual Band WiFi?
Families spent a lot of time at home during 2020 and realized that conventional 2.4 GHz WiFi is not sufficient when everybody is trying to use the internet simultaneously. Streaming apps and multiplayer games have been the most popular activities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us remember frustrating times when our internet speed has dropped suddenly, or the connection has dropped out in recent months. This is because single-band WiFi cannot take the pressure of multiple devices demanding high bandwidth simultaneously.
Dual-band WiFi and its latest variations are here to stay. So if you want to keep your blood pressure in check, stay calm, and enjoy a fast, uninterrupted connection, you need dual-band WiFi.
You can go camping and get off-grid for a few weeks, but that is not a permanent solution since you will ultimately have to return to our hyper-connected world of virtual communication and entertainment. You have to live online, so why not live with more comfort and ease!
Ultimately, despite its weaker signals and smaller range, dual band WiFi is a better option overall than single band WiFi, as long as your devices support 5 GHz!