What's the difference between 900 MHZ and 2.4 GHZ cordless phones?

[The Wildcard]

Anybody know why 2.4 GHZ phones supposedly have superior quality?

 

[GigaCluster]

The difference is obviously the frequency on which they operate. I believe that 2.4 GHz, due to its shorter wavelength, can penetrate through more matter and therefore would sound clearer/stronger compared to the 900 MHz in the same situation.

Also, less appliances/devices use the 2.4 GHz frequency, so there's less interference.

 

[ClueLis]

The higher frequency allows for more bits to be transferred in the same time period. There isn't much of a difference, and I just use the cheaper 900Mhz.

Also, you might have some minor problems if you have a wireless network (which runs at the same frequency).

 

[Lifer]

I would have to say the difference is in just the frequency.
I've had both (panasonic models) and they're equally clear, and maybe the 2.4 goes a bit further.
but definitely go 900 mhz if you have wifi.

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: GigaCluster
The difference is obviously the frequency on which they operate. I believe that 2.4 GHz, due to its shorter wavelength, can penetrate through more matter and therefore would sound clearer/stronger compared to the 900 MHz in the same situation.

Also, less appliances/devices use the 2.4 GHz frequency, so there's less interference.

I've heard the opposite. I've heard Wireless networks run at 2.4GHZ and if you use any sort of wireless home kits it can potentially cause problems with your 2.4Ghz phone.

 

[brunswickite]

no not really better quality, the higher frequency phones you get interferance with wireless devices (802.11b and 802.11g) , and also microwave ovens (also work at 2.4ghz) also range on 2.4ghz phones are less then 900mhz.

a good 900mhz Digital Spread Spectrum phone is best choice IMO

 

[brunswickite]

Originally posted by: Lifer
I would have to say the difference is in just the frequency.
I've had both (panasonic models) and they're equally clear, and maybe the 2.4 goes a bit further.
but definitely go 900 mhz if you have wifi.

higher frequency you loose range

 

[rectifire]

Originally posted by: GigaCluster
The difference is obviously the frequency on which they operate. I believe that 2.4 GHz, due to its shorter wavelength, can penetrate through more matter and therefore would sound clearer/stronger compared to the 900 MHz in the same situation.

Also, less appliances/devices use the 2.4 GHz frequency, so there's less interference.

Actually, the exact opposite is true. Higher frequency signals have a harder time penetrating though objects, and require more transmitting power (to go the same distance) than lower frequencies.

Not like this will really have a tangible effect on a cordless home phone though. Either 2.4Ghz or 900Mhz is fine. Like others said, you might wanna stick with a good 900Mhz phone if you're running a 802.11b/g network, in order to avoid possible interference. Either that or go with the new 5Ghz phones (which might not be such a good idea if you're running a 802.11a network...could cause interference)

 

[NutBucket]

Strangely enough our Panasonic 2.4Ghz phone interfers with the Logitech Wireless PS2 controller. I wonder what happens if I try to use bluetooth....

 

[brunswickite]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Strangely enough our Panasonic 2.4Ghz phone interfers with the Logitech Wireless PS2 controller. I wonder what happens if I try to use bluetooth....

i am pretty sure bluetooth runs at 2.4ghz also, so possibly would interfere

 

[Hector13]

Originally posted by: GigaCluster
I believe that 2.4 GHz, due to its shorter wavelength, can penetrate through more matter and therefore would sound clearer/stronger compared to the 900 MHz in the same situation.

like others have said, I think lower wavelength = travels farther. This is why you can hear bass from some loud-asses car twenty blocks away, but you can't hear vocals or anything else.

 

About 1,500,000,000 MHz...

 

[Mallow]

I think the distance it can travel is better. Also, 2.4ghz goes through walls better.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Mallow
I think the distance it can travel is better. Also, 2.4ghz goes through walls better.

Shorter wavelength != better penetration.

 

[0roo0roo]

besides the cost? not much in the real world. i tend to go for the ultra cheap deal 900mhz phones from officedepot or wherever. cost of the phone generally is less then the battery alone, or free disposable phones are kewl

 

[Lifer]

Originally posted by: brunswickite

Originally posted by: Lifer
I would have to say the difference is in just the frequency.
I've had both (panasonic models) and they're equally clear, and maybe the 2.4 goes a bit further.
but definitely go 900 mhz if you have wifi.

higher frequency you loose range

i dunno about that.
i know longer wavelength goes thru walls better. that's why radio waves can be received indoors easily.

when i tried out the distance of the 2.4 ghz, i was walking around outside where theres no walls.
maybe going thru walls is not the same as travel distance?

 

[GregGreen]

the shorter wavelength of higher frequencies makes it easier for the signal to slip thru walls without hitting anything that would be much of a challege for it to go through... but on the lower frequencies, the wavelength should allow the signal to go much further