I decided to prepare a short article on dual-band routers. Tell us what kind of devices they are, how they differ from ordinary routers, what is Wi-Fi 5GHz, and is it worth buying a dual-band router now. I think this article will be relevant now more than ever, since Wi-Fi 5GHz is just beginning to enter our lives. Almost all new devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) already have support for the new 5GHz networks. And network equipment manufacturers have already released several models of dual-band routers. And most importantly, there are already models at a very affordable price.
Dual band router Is a regular router that can simply broadcast two Wi-Fi networks (that's why it's Dual-Band). Like all conventional routers, it distributes Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz (it is now the most common, and almost all Wi-Fi networks operate at this frequency). But it is also dual-band, therefore, it also broadcasts a Wi-Fi network at 5GHz. This is the main feature of a dual band router, and what makes it different from a regular router.
We found it out. Let's now figure out what Wi-Fi 5GHz means.
What is Wi-Fi 5GHz?
As I wrote above, now basically all Wi-Fi networks operate at 2.4GHz. Since this frequency is already very busy, and Wi-Fi technology is developing, we have developed support for Wi-Fi networks at 5GHz. This made it possible not only to switch to a frequency that is practically free, but also to increase the speed of Wi-Fi. Simply put, there are more opportunities.
When it comes to wireless networking standards, the newest and fastest 802.11ac standard only works in the 5GHz band. 5GHz only supports 802.11n and 802.11ac.
The main benefits that an ordinary user will see: almost complete absence of interference, which means stable operation of the Wi-Fi connection, and higher speed of the Internet over Wi-Fi. And if you are not planning to switch to a new frequency, then you can try to increase the speed of your wireless network with the tips from this article.
But, if you have a lot of neighboring Wi-Fi networks, and because of this, constant connection drops, and low Wi-Fi speed, then switching to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network is the right decision.
How does a Wireless Dual Band router work?
It works like a regular router. It will simply broadcast two Wi-Fi networks. And if your device that you want to connect to Wi-Fi can work with networks at a frequency of 5 GHz, then it will see two wireless networks. One of which will be on the new frequency. We connect to it and get all the benefits of the new technology. This is usually more speed.
And those devices that do not adhere to 5GHz will connect to the 2.4GHz network. That's all.
As for any differences, there are none. Unless, in the control panel of the router, you will need to set the settings (name, password) for two Wi-Fi networks. If you do not need a 2.4GHz network, for example, you can turn it off. All this is done in the router settings.
I already wrote about setting up a TP-LINK Archer C20i dual-band router. You can view.
What do you need to switch to Wi-Fi 5GHz?
We only need a dual-band router, and devices that support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz / 5GHz). All this can be seen in the characteristics of your smartphone, tablet, etc. On the support of new networks, I wrote a separate article: why a laptop, smartphone, or tablet does not see a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.
If your devices do not support dual-band Wi-Fi, then it's okay. They will connect to a 2.4GHz network.
For a stationary computer, or even for a laptop, you can purchase an external Wi-Fi receiver with dual-band Wi-Fi support.
As for the dual-band routers themselves, there is already a choice at the moment, and not small. Almost every manufacturer has models from different price categories. The same Tp-Link Archer C20i. Inexpensive, interesting router. It costs about $ 40. There are cheaper models, for example: Xiaomi Mini Wifi, Netis WF2710, Belkin Wireless N450 Dual-Band Router F9K1105ru. There are, of course, more expensive models: Asus RT-AC51U, TP-LINK Archer C50, D-Link DIR-825 / AC, Zyxel Keenetic Extra, Asus RT-N56U, etc.
The choice is really big. A little more, and only Dual-Band routers will remain.
Should you buy a dual band router and upgrade to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
I believe it is definitely worth it. I recently bought not a cheap Asus RT-N18U router. So, it does not support 5GHz networks. And after the purchase, I realized that I was wrong with the choice. After all, for this money it was possible to choose a dual-band router that would have been relevant much longer than this one.
Therefore, I believe that there is practically no point in buying regular routers without 5GHz support. I think many will agree with me. Especially if you buy a router for more than $ 40. If you want to take an inexpensive router, for example TP-LINK TL-WR741ND, then yes, you cannot buy a dual-band router for this money. And if you want to spend a decent amount, then take only a router with support for 5GHz networks. Otherwise, it's just a waste of money. Indeed, after a year, or maybe even earlier, you will already want to switch to Wi-Fi 5GHz, and you will buy a new router.
And if everything is working well for you now, there are no problems with Wi-Fi and speed, then I see no reason to buy a new router. Better to wait a little longer. More new models will appear, and the price of dual-band routers should drop slightly.
Share your opinion on Dual-Band routers in the comments.
