[Wireless Router] What is difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz? | Official Support

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[Wireless Router] What is difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

Note: Supported channels of 2.4GHz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi differ according to each country’s local law and restrictions

Wi-Fi has two different frequency, 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

2.4GHz ranges from 2.4 to 2.462Hz, and in between every 5MHz is a channel, so there are a total of 11 channels. Although there are 11 channels for 2.4Ghz to use, but for example 802.11b needs 22MHz for the RF Bandwidth, so there are actually only three channels that do not overlap and interfere with each other.

5GHz ranges from 5.180 to 5.850GHz, each channel is also separated by every 5MHz, so there are 36~165 channels to use, which is why it can meet 802.11ac demands of 160MHz requirements of bandwidth.

However, since the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength, which decreases the diffraction ability, which is why it is harder for it to pass through obstacles, and also why its effective transmission range is smaller compared to 2.4GHz at the same power rate.

In terms of range, 2.4GHz can reach further than 5GHz, but the speed is slower than 5GHz. 5Ghz may have a smaller range of transmission, but its speed is faster. This is why it is important to put the router at a sweet spot where devices have a better connectivity to the router, so that transmission between device and router will not be affected by distance.

If routers are in an interior space, and only support 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n, we suggest at most setup three routers, and set the channels to 1/6/11 to avoid interference with each other.

Since other 2.4GHz devices that are using Bluetooth or wireless connection such as microwaves, refrigerator and fluorescent lamp are also using 2.4GHz channels, so it may affect the router’s wireless connection status.

Some high density materials or furniture also have an effect on Wi-Fi signal transmission, such as plaster, wood strips, steel wires, metal cabinets, metal doors, cement walls or if the router is being kept behind the sofa or closets.

We suggest you to put the router in the center of the environment that you would want wireless access, and try to put in somewhere without items or furniture clocking it from the open, or you could also place it on top of closets or tables.

How to get the (Utility / Firmware)?

You can download the latest drivers, software, firmware and user manuals in the ASUS Download Center.

If you need more information about the ASUS Download Center, please refer this link.

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