Which 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands provide the highest speed, and what are the differences between them?
Getting good Wi-Fi speed is a very important factor today. This is true because we're connecting an increasing number of devices wirelessly, and we also need those devices to perform better. We're talking about TVs designed for streaming high-quality content, video games, cloud computing, and more. Therefore, we'll discuss the different bands—2.4, 5, and 6 GHz—to clarify which will give you the best speeds.
Today, Wi-Fi 7 is the latest protocol. It allows devices to connect to any of these three frequencies, so you can choose, either manually or automatically, which frequency you want your devices to connect to and achieve the best possible performance. There are speed differences, as we'll explain.
On the other hand, there's the 5 GHz frequency. It's also widely used, and almost all routers today are at least dual-band, allowing you to choose between 2.4 and 5 GHz. It's faster than the previous option, allowing for a channel width of up to 160 MHz. It's also less sensitive to potential interference, despite its shorter range.
If you're using Wi-Fi 7, you can choose the 6 GHz frequency. This is the fastest band, with a channel width of 320 MHz. It's ideal for maximizing your contracted internet speed and avoiding restrictions. It has very little interference, as the channel is so wide and there aren't many devices that can affect it. However, the operating distance also decreases.
Therefore, from highest to lowest speeds, you should connect to either the 6 GHz, 5 GHz, or 2.5 GHz frequencies. To get the most out of your wireless connection, it's best to use a router that supports all three bands, with the option to choose the 6 GHz frequency. Of course, you should be aware of its limitations, such as its limited range and incompatibility with many dual-band devices.
Do you always need the maximum speed, or, in other words, the 5 or 6 GHz frequency? The truth is no. If you plan to connect home automation devices, such as sensors, the most important thing is to get good coverage. When connecting them far from the router, it may be a good idea to use 2.4 GHz to avoid problems you may encounter with other frequencies. In fact, many smart devices only operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency for this reason.
In short, as you can see, there are differences between the different Wi-Fi 7 frequencies. If you want the fastest speed, the 6 GHz band is the best option. However, if you want to be able to connect devices from a farther distance and still achieve the same speed, the 2.4 GHz band is the way to go.