Wireless 2.4GHz vs 5GHz
5GHz
networks have been around for many years. 5GHz networks are not as popular as
2.4GHz wireless networks (802.11b or g) however, because 5 GHz equipment has
always been costlier to deploy. This has made 2.4GHz networks an easy choice
for many users, which has allowed 2.4 GHz networks to become a well-established
standard.
802.11n standard is growing in popularity and it
supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz clients. To get the most performance from 802.11n,
5GHz networks should be considered.
Dual band (5GHz & 2.4GHz) access points and
network adapters are available and dual band network cards are already built
into many laptops so switching between networks will become easier as time goes
on.
Sparklight specifically offers the Motorola SGB6580 which can broadcast in either 2.4 or 5GHz (but not
both simultaneously) as well as the Arris
DG1670A and Hitron modems which are true dual band routers, offering 2.4
and 5GHz concurrently.
The Limitations of 2.4GHz
As the number of wireless networks and network users
have grown, the limits of 2.4GHz are starting to show. In more densely
populated areas with more and more wireless networks, conflicts and
interference can develop from the shear amount of traffic, access points, and
network cards.
Another issue with 2.4GHz wireless networks is that
the frequency is also used by many cordless phones and microwaves which can
cause interference. All this traffic and interfering signals reduce the speed
of a wireless network. The interference can negatively impact users, routers
and access points.
To add
to the overcrowding of 2.4GHz networks is the newer cell phones, iPhones,
BlackBerry and Android phones. They can now access Wi-Fi 2.4GHz networks for
Internet browsing. As the number of Wi-Fi enabled phones grows, stress on
2.4GHz networks will grow as well. Still another issue with 2.4GHz is that it
is mostly unregulated so high powered antennas, high powered network cards and
access points can negatively affect nearby networks.
The Advantages of 5GHz
5GHz frequency wireless networks can offer a relief from the
overcrowding of 2.4GHz. It has a clear signal and more channels that can be
combined for higher speeds. 5GHz networks do not suffer the overcrowding that
2.4MHz networks do. Currently 5.4GHz has less traffic through use and it can
handle more traffic more efficiently as the frequency gains in popularity. 5GHz
operates on a larger spectrum with more non-overlapping channels. It has 23
non-overlapping channels vs. only 3 in the 2.4 GHz band. Each channel has 20MHz
of bandwidth which allows for much better speeds compared to 2.5GHz band (the
entire 2.4GHz band is only 80MHz wide).
·
Clearer Signal
·
More Non-Overlapping Channels
The Disadvantages of 5GHz
There are some disadvantages to going to a 5GHz wireless network.
One is that the higher the frequency of a wireless signal, the shorter its
range. For example, 2.4 GHz networks cover a substantially larger range than 5
GHz wireless networks. 5 GHz networks do not penetrate solid objects such as
walls nearly as well as do 2.4 GHz signals. This can limit an access points
reach inside buildings like homes and offices where many walls may come between
a wireless antenna and the user. Recent 802.11ac devices, however, can mitigate
some of this disadvantage by using beamforming.
Another disadvantage is compatibility, as not all older devices can
connect to a 5GHz network.
Cost is another factor. The popularity of 2.4GHz means that
wireless network components such as access points, antennas and network cards
are more easily available and costs less.
One perceived
advantage of a higher frequency is speed. However, 5GHz networks are not
necessarily faster than 2.4GHz. There are 2.4GHz products using 802.11g that
can match or can be faster that 5GHz 802.11a by using paired radios inside
access points instead of one which can increase capacity up to 108Mbps.
Updated
Aug-20 by: Training@cableone.biz
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