What’s the difference between 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi?
What are wireless frequencies and how do they impact speed and performance? Read on to learn about these numbers and what they mean to you.
30-second science lesson: WiFi refers to wireless internet. These wireless transmissions are actually radio waves. The waves travel at different frequencies, measured in gigahertz (GHz). Many WiFi devices these days have two or more frequency options, also called bands—2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. So, what’s the actual difference between them? The answer comes down mainly to the speed and range of the signal.
Which frequency is best?
A 2.4 GHz signal travels farther at lower speeds, while the 5 GHz frequency provides faster speeds at shorter range. Whether you (or your device) chooses 2.4 or 5 GHz will depend on where and how the device is accessing the WiFi connection.
Auto-select: If you have 360 WiFi, your WiFi pods will automatically select the best band for every connected device, based on its use and location. No need to do anything!
Many smart devices and appliances use 2.4 GHz, including microwaves, baby monitors, security cameras, and garage door openers. If you have a lot of these, or if you live in an area with many people (and devices) around you, you might notice slower speeds due to interference and band congestion.
Question: How do you change frequency settings?
Answer: With the latest WiFi technology, you don’t have to.
With 360 WiFi, the SmartNID works together with the WiFi pods and the app to choose the best frequency automatically. The network also balances traffic on different frequencies to optimize speed and performance on each device continually. Find details about your personal devices in the Quantum Fiber app.
The C4000XG broadcasts both frequencies using the same network name (SSID). In this case, each device automatically chooses the frequency with the strongest signal.
The C3000Z and similar routers broadcast two separate networks—2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In this case, you can connect each device to the frequency you prefer. Refer to the table and descriptions below for guidelines.
2.4 GHz |
5 GHz |
Larger coverage area |
Smaller coverage area |
Better at passing through solid objects |
Less able to pass through solid objects |
Lower data rate |
Higher data rate |
More prone to interference; usually more devices using this frequency |
Less prone to interference; usually fewer devices using this frequency |
2.4 GHz is the best bet in these instances:
- For devices that move around throughout the day (like smartphones)
- In large spaces or for devices that are not near the router
- In single-family housing where there are few neighbors
5 GHz is typically used in these scenarios:
- For devices that are relatively close your router
- For high-bandwidth activities, like gaming or videoconferencing
- In multi-unit housing with many other networks in the surrounding area
Want to learn more about WiFi and how it works? Check out these other great resources from Quantum Fiber support and our Explore blog!
This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. ©2024 Q Fiber, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quantum, Quantum Fiber and Quantum Fiber Internet are trademarks of Quantum Wireless LLC and used under license to Q Fiber, LLC.
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© 2024 Q Fiber, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quantum, Quantum Fiber, and Quantum Fiber Internet are trademarks of Quantum Wireless LLC and used under license to Q Fiber, LLC.