Many netizens find that when connecting to Wi-Fi, there are two signals appearing simultaneously: one with a “5G” suffix and the other without. Why does the same Wi-Fi show two signals? Does a Wi-Fi name with “5G” mean faster internet speed?
What Does ‘5G’ in the Wi-Fi Name Mean?
In fact, the “5G” in the Wi-Fi name refers to the 5 GHz frequency band; while the 5G in mobile phones refers to the fifth generation of communication technology, where “G” stands for generation. The two “5G” are not the same.
Commonly, Wi-Fi operates on two frequency bands: 2.4G and 5G. In the past, routers only had a single 2.4G Wi-Fi signal, which had limited bandwidth. Many devices worked within this band, leading to significant interference and lower speeds. With the widespread adoption of fiber broadband, dual-band routers emerged, capable of simultaneously transmitting signals on both 2.4G and 5G bands.
What Are the Differences Between the Two Bands?
2.4G refers to the signal frequency band between 2.4GHz and 2.4835GHz, which has strong wall penetration and longer transmission distance. However, 2.4G Wi-Fi has a narrower bandwidth, is older, and many devices use this band, leading to a lot of interference and congestion, similar to experiencing heavy traffic during rush hour, resulting in slower speeds.
On the other hand, the 5G signal frequency band ranges from 4.910GHz to 5.875GHz, which has poor wall penetration and a shorter transmission distance compared to 2.4G; however, it has a wider bandwidth, less interference, and offers faster and more stable speeds, akin to driving smoothly on a highway.
How to Choose Between the Two Wi-Fi Signals?
If you are using Wi-Fi close to the router with little movement, you should connect to the 5G Wi-Fi first, as the signal is stable and the speed is faster.
If you frequently change locations and there are many walls between you and the router, prioritize connecting to the 2.4G Wi-Fi, as it has better coverage and smoother connectivity.
Note: To use 5G Wi-Fi, your devices such as mobile phones and laptops must support dual-band Wi-Fi. Most older desktop computers and televisions can only detect 2.4G Wi-Fi signals.
How to Speed Up Your Wi-Fi? A Few Tips to Help You
1. Place the Router in the Center of the House
The placement of the router is crucial; it should ideally be located in the center of the house. If it’s a two-story building, consider fixing it to the wall or placing it in a corner closer to the ceiling. Generally, the signal tends to disperse downwards, so it can be beneficial to set it up on the second floor.
2. Avoid Signal Obstruction
Although signals can penetrate walls, thicker walls will significantly attenuate the signal. Additionally, if the house is made of brick or concrete, the walls will absorb the signal, causing a major reduction in wall penetration. Similarly, sinks can absorb and weaken the signal significantly, hindering its propagation. Moreover, materials like metal and mirrors can reflect signals.
3. Keep Away from Interfering Appliances
Microwaves and routers emit electromagnetic waves at the same frequency of 2.4GHz, so using a microwave can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Metal can also absorb signals, so the router should be kept away from refrigerators, stoves, and other metal objects.
In fact, adding “5G” to the Wi-Fi name does not necessarily mean faster speeds; the specific Wi-Fi connection should be chosen based on the situation.
Editor: Anna
Source: Wuhan Science and Technology Daily Comprehensive
