2.GHz signal or 5GHz?

[bjlockie]

Is it better to use 2.4GHz for wireless if it has better signal strength than 5GHz?
I read 5GHzz has less interference.

 

[mindbomb]

use 5ghz if possible

 

[Fardringle]

There isn't any one right answer for every situation. 2.4ghz can sometimes have better range, but is also prone to more interference from other wireless sources. 5ghz generally has less (or no) interference, but doesn't pass through walls and other solid obstacles as well as 2.4ghz signals.

 

[mindbomb]

If range is a problem, you can just have multiple 5ghz access points spread out over the area, and they'll still cause less interference than a single 2.4ghz.

Really, don't overcomplicate this. The only downside to 5ghz is having adapters that support it imo. With 2.4ghz, you are likely forced to use 20mhz channel width, which destroys your wireless speeds. Using 40 mhz channel width on 2.4ghz will generally cause interference with your neighbors and vice versa.

 

[s44]

Depends how close you are to your neighbors.

 

[JackMDS]

Even if 2.4GHz might have a stronger Signal!

Read this - http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html

Then Try both and see what works better in specific situation.

 

[alkemyst]

Have to measure you actual throughput to know for sure.

I set up both on my clients. For the most part only in the very outer corner of my home does anyone have to fall back to 2.4GHz due to going through 3 concrete block walls.

 

[bjlockie]

Depends how close you are to your neighbors.

I'm in an apartment so close.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

5ghz at good signal quality is typically better due to less chance of interference but run some speeds tests to be sure because it isnt always the case.

 

[dealguru]

5GHz has less interference but the range is poor so if you will be close to the router all the time then go for 5GHz.

 

[s44]

I'm in an apartment so close.

Try the lowest free band of 5ghz.

 

[Emulex]

5ghz is good for direct line of sight distance, otherwise invest in FLATWIRE! 1mm thick wire that goes under anything cat6 so you can rock 10gbe in a pinch up to 55meter on it!

 

[RampantAndroid]

I'm in an apartment so close.

If you have a mac, open up the network utilities and do a wifi scan. If you're on Windows, grad SSIDer. If there are TONS of 2.4 networks, use a 5ghz network. Or get a router that is dual band and can do both networks at once.

I use an airport extreme and it's dual band; I get both. I like this because I have a PS3 which is 2.4GHz only, but there's something like 25 2.4ghz networks near me. Everything else is capable of 5GHz, and there are only 3-4 5GHz networks in total, so no interference whatsoever.