Find out what they are, what types of bands we distinguish and how they differ from each other (taking into account their advantages and limitations).

What are WiFi bands and how do they work?

They are specific radio frequency ranges used for wireless data transfer between a router and selected devices (smartphone, laptop, desktop computer, etc.). Each band operates at a specific frequency. The higher the frequency, the more data can be transferred in a given unit of time.

The main types of wireless network bands

Today’s networks operate on three main frequencies. These are: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. Each has different parameters and, consequently, different applications, which we will discuss in a moment. It is worth knowing that many new routers are capable of supporting two (2.4 and 5 GHz) or even three frequencies.

2.4 GHz band

It covers a range of 13 channels, although only three of them (1, 6 and 11) do not overlap. This phenomenon is one of the main problems of this band. In addition to this, there are certain limitations, such as lower bandwidth, the effect of ‘congestion’ (caused by other devices connecting to the network), and potential interference from devices that are not connected to it.

On the other hand, it offers the greatest range (among all bands), works well in buildings (passes through walls, ceilings, etc.), connects to virtually all devices, and is also cheaper to implement.

5 GHz band

This option offers much more, up to 25 channels. The main advantage? No channel overlap, plus high transmission speeds, significantly less congestion and… high performance in dense urban areas. However, it has a shorter range, copes less well with barriers (walls, etc.) and may have compatibility issues, especially when considering slightly older end devices.

6 GHz band

The latest (provides up to 59 channels). Specific benefits include: high speeds, no congestion and compatibility with the latest technologies. Disadvantages? Practically none.

How do the different bands differ?

The most important differences concern aspects such as bandwidth, transmission delay, range and width.

• Bandwidth – determines the amount of data transmitted per unit of time. The slowest band is 2.4 GHz, while the fastest is 6 GHz.
• Range – indicates the distance the signal can reach. Paradoxically, 2.4 GHz performs better here (compared to both 5 and 6 GHz). It also has more effective signal penetration.

Channel width – affects speed (the wider the channel, the higher the speed).

Which WiFi band should you choose? Classification and recommendations according to application.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of the appropriate band should be tailored to specific needs, space, number of users, and finally, the type of tasks performed.

• For gaming (where, among other things, the absence of delays, connection stability and high bandwidth are important) – the 5 and 6 GHz bands work well.
• For streaming, it is worth considering the quality of the content being viewed. More demanding content (e.g. 4K or 8K streaming) requires higher bandwidth (offered by the 5 or 6 GHz WiFi bands). However, basic HD streaming can usually be handled by the 2.4 GHz band.
• When working remotely, you have more room for manoeuvre. The 5 GHz band is a good choice, as it allows you to perform most activities, including stable video conferencing and screen sharing.
• IoT and smart home devices. For most smart home devices, the 2.4 GHz band is sufficient. However, monitoring or more advanced systems require 5 or 6.

Do you need professional help in choosing and configuring your company’s WiFi network?

Choosing the right WiFi band is just the beginning. Beyond that, what matters is the professional design, implementation and optimisation of the entire wireless infrastructure. At House IT, we specialise in creating efficient WiFi networks that fully utilise the potential of each band.

Our experts will help you choose the optimal solution. Thanks to our experience, you can be sure that your network will run stably and efficiently for years to come. Schedule a free consultation.