2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz: What's the Difference? - Intel
The availability of newer frequencies is regulated by governmental bodies primarily to ensure usability across newer generations of technology. Countries do not want newer technology to be hindered by contention with older devices on aging networks. The 2.4 GHz band offered adequate performance ... The availability of newer frequencies is regulated by governmental bodies primarily to ensure usability across newer generations of technology. Countries do not want newer technology to be hindered by contention with older devices on aging networks. The 2.4 GHz band offered adequate performance in the early days of Wi-Fi with fewer devices and more basic usages like email and web surfing.In addition to channel characteristics, typical data transfer speeds are influenced by factors such as other devices using the band, physical objects or walls reducing signal strength, or limitations imposed by an internet service provider (ISP). 2.4 GHz can deliver a typical over-the-air max speed of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). 5 GHz can deliver up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). ... 2.4 GHz has been available on the market the longest, so most legacy devices still use this frequency, generating a lot of network clutter.With fewer devices currently on the 6 GHz band and more available channels, users will experience less congestion and interference from legacy Wi-Fi devices. So how can you reduce the impact of interference, network clutter, and signal congestion on your speed and transfer rates?Access points will try to avoid channels that are occupied by other neighbor networks, but with many networks, they may have to select smaller channels to avoid interference or, in the worst-case scenario, choose the same channel as another network if that’s all that’s available. Additionally, you can choose devices that connect to a range of frequency bands to give you more connectivity and performance options.
