As a business, having a reliable and high-speed wifi connection is essential to make your customer happy. Understanding the basics of frequency for WiFi is valuable for business owners looking to optimize the customer experience.
In this article, you will learn everything you need about WiFi frequencies. Moreover, you will get a few tips to improve your internet performance.
Frequency for WIFI: What Is It?
A frequency for WiFi is a specific band frequency within a WiFi band used for wireless networking. WiFi frequencies allow computers, smartphones, and other devices to connect to the internet wirelessly.
WiFi was invented in the late 1970s, but it was in the 1990s that it became widely available to consumers.
The first WiFi standard, 802.11b, was released in 1999. Since then, there have been several updates to the WiFi standard, including 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n.
WiFi operates mainly in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, both portions of the radio frequency spectrum that have been allocated for use by WiFi and other wireless technologies.
Within these bands, multiple frequencies can transmit data over a WiFi network. For example, the 2.4 GHz band is divided into frequencies, such as 2.412 GHz, 2.432 GHz, and 2.457 GHz. Each of these frequencies can transmit data and affect the range and speed of the WiFi connection.
TThe Difference Between Bands and Frequency for WiFi
Regarding frequency for WiFi, frequency and bands are used as interchangeable terms. However, they are different concepts that are important to understand.
WiFi bands refer to the specific portions of the radio frequency spectrum used for WiFi networking. There are different WiFi bands, including the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 3.6 GHz band, and the 60 GHz band.
On the other hand, WiFi frequency refers to the specific frequency within a WiFi band that is used to transmit data.
To summarize, a WiFi band is a broad portion of the radio frequency spectrum used for wireless networking. In contrast, a WiFi frequency is a specific frequency within that band used to transmit data.
Which Are the Most Used Frequencies for WIFI?
The most widely used frequencies for WiFi are the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 2.4 GHz band is the original WiFi frequency band. It is primarily used because it has a longer wavelength that covers large areas and can pass through solid objects like walls.
The 5 GHz band is also often used because it is less crowded and can provide faster speeds. However, it struggles in congested environments.
In addition to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, there are also other frequency bands. However, these are used only in particular situations due to their properties—for example, the 3.6 GHz band and the 60 GHz band.
Let’s dive deeper into the two most common frequency bands for WiFi: 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
Frequency for WIFI: The 2.4GHZ Bands
The 2.4 GHz band is one of the most common frequencies for WiFi. One of the main advantages of the 2.4 GHz band is that it has a longer wavelength that penetrates walls and other solid objects. The longer wavelength makes the 2.4 GHz band the go-to choice for frequencies for WiFi.
2.4GHz frequency is the best solution when you need a strong signal that can reach through walls and other obstacles. Due to these properties, it is largely used by enterprises for implementing their internet connection.
However, the 2.4 GHz band is also more crowded than the 5 GHz band, which can lead to interference from other devices and networks. This can cause slower speeds and less reliable connections.
How to Find the Best WiFi Channel for a 2.4 Ghz Frequency
You need to try a few channels to find the best WiFi channel for 2.4 GHz frequency and see which works best. Moreover, it would be helpful to use a WiFi analyzer app to quickly verify which channels are not congested.
The 2.4 GHz band is divided into 11 channels, each 20 MHz wide. The channels are:
- 2.412 GHz
- 2.417 GHz
- 2.422 GHz
- 2.427 GHz
- 2.432 GHz
- 2.437 GHz
- 2.442 GHz
- 2.447 GHz
- 2.452 GHz
- 2.457 GHz
- 2.462 GHz
On average, the least congested channels are 1, 6, and 11. However, it might depend on your location.
Frequency for WIFI: The 5GHZ Bands
The 5 GHz band is the second most common frequency for WiFi. It has more channels than 2.4 GHz, each 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz wide.
The 5 GHz band is typically less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band. This situation can lead to faster speeds and more solid connections. It is also the best choice for those situations where you need a high bandwidth connection ( streaming video or online gaming.)
However, the 5 GHz band has a shorter wavelength than the 2.4 GHz band. As a consequence, it struggles to go through solid objects. Therefore it can be hard to get a strong signal in some situations, especially if you do not use a WiFi extender.
Best Frequency Bandwidth for 5GHZ WiFi
The situation is slightly more complicated when it comes to finding the best frequency bandwidth for 5 Ghz WiFi. The optimal solution is to use channels that are at least 40 or 80 MHz wide.
When using 40 MHz channel width, these are the best channels:
- 36 - 40
- 44 - 48
- 149 - 153
- 157 - 161
When using 80 MHz channel width, these are the best channels:
When using the 5 GHz frequency for WiFi, It is vital to notice that it might require more fine-tuning due to its characteristics. If you have trouble with your WiFi, it is wise to contact your internet provider.
How to Know What Frequency Your WiFi Is
There are multiple ways to know what frequency your WiFi is. The simplest one is checking your internet connection. Here is the procedure:
- Connect to your WiFi
- Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right
- Click on “Properties”
- Scroll until you read “Properties.”
- Check the left tab, “Network Band” - it will show your WiFi’s frequency
Check your device’s WiFi settings directly if this method does not work for you. To access this menu, you need to head to the settings page device and look for the WiFi specs.
As an alternative, you can check your router’s settings. This information might also be listed on the router itself or in the manual that came with it.
Frequency for WIFI: What Is WiFi 6
WiFi 6 is the latest frequency for WiFi. This new standard offers improved frequency for faster speeds and better connection reliability than earlier versions.
The main benefit of WiFi 6 is that it delivers higher data rates at lower latency than its predecessors. This allows more devices to connect to a single access point with less congestion or interference.
By extending the coverage range and speed capability, users can enjoy quicker downloads and smoother uploads. Additionally, the power efficiency of WiFi 6 means that battery life for connected devices is much longer than before.
WiFi 6 also aims to simplify naming conventions. For example, 802.11ac and 802.11ad are now known as WiFi 5, while 802.11ax is now WiFi 6.
Now that you know everything about frequencies for WiFi, here are a few tips to improve the speed and reliability of your internet connection:
- Choose the right frequency band: As mentioned earlier, WiFi operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Depending on your specific needs and situation, consider using one band over the other.
- Use a WiFi extender or booster: If you have a large area to cover with your internet connection, the signal might need to be stronger and reach certain areas. In a similar situation, you must consider using a WiFi extender to improve your signal. These devices amplify your WiFi signal and extend its reach.
- Update your router’s firmware: Updating your router’s firmware can help fix any bugs or issues affecting your WiFi performance.
- Change the channel: If you are in a crowded area with many other WiFi networks and devices, change your router’s channel. This will reduce interferences and improve your signal.
- Use a different antenna: if your router comes with detachable antennas that can be replaced with higher-gain antennas. Upgrading the antenna will strengthen the WiFi signal.
- Architect the environment: Physical obstacles such as walls and furniture can interfere with your WiFi signal. Try moving your router or device to a different location or removing any physical obstacles that may be causing interference.
Frequency for WiFi and WiFi Marketing
As you read so far, finding the best frequency for WiFi connections is doable but might take some time. Moreover, to improve your WiFi performance, you need to evaluate other elements like the environment or the network capabilities.
Nonetheless, offering a smooth WiFi connection to your customers is vital as it affects the overall experience at your venue.
If you want to get the most out of your WiFi, you also want to consider a WiFi marketing solution to improve your marketing results and grow your business.
Beambox is a plug-and-play device that allows you to connect, capture, and learn more about your customers and their preferences. With Beambox, you can get more reviews, grow your social media following and increase sales via targeted offers.
There are over 12,000 venues that are taking advantage of Beambox to collect data from their real customers, measure their results, and redirect their marketing efforts. Do you want to give it a try?
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