In case you’re Wi-Fi connection isn’t fairly pretty much as good as you’d prefer it to be, there are a number of choices accessible.
You may need thought of switching broadband suppliers, however this may increasingly value you extra and there are not any ensures of a sooner connection. A Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system would possibly assist, or you possibly can transfer shut sufficient to the router for a extra speedy wired connection.
However there’s one other potential resolution that’s a lot simpler. Most routers have what’s often called ‘dual-band’ Wi-Fi, which means it broadcasts two separate Wi-Fi networks on the similar time.
2.4GHz is often the default, because it offers first rate speeds over an extended distance. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re dissatisfied along with your present connection, it’s price contemplating a change to 5GHz. Right here’s all the things it’s essential to know.
What’s the distinction between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Basically, it comes right down to reliability vs pace.
2.4GHz can go by means of partitions and flooring way more simply, making it a extra dependable possibility for all rooms of the home.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re close to the router or have few obstacles, switching to 5GHz is more likely to result in a a lot sooner connection.
Does my router have 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Except you already know for positive that your router is a dual-band mannequin and undoubtedly has a 5GHz radio, it’s price checking that out first. There’s no level enabling 5GHz Wi-Fi in your laptop computer in case your router doesn’t assist it.
The best means to try this is to examine its specs on-line, look within the guide, or log in to the router itself and examine the settings accessible within the Wi-Fi part.
It’s pretty frequent to mix the 2 bands and use only one community title (SSID) for each 2.4 and 5GHz. This has benefits and drawbacks. For a begin, if mixed, it’s not attainable to drive your laptop computer to solely use the 5GHz band, so it’s price splitting them out into two separate Wi-Fi networks in case your router gives this selection. Newer BT Residence Hubs have the setting:
When you could have separate networks, you’ll be able to rename them (with 5GHz on the finish of the 5GHz one, say) so you’ll be able to simply determine every community out of your laptop computer, cellphone or pill and know which one you’re related to.
In case your router doesn’t assist it, virtually the entire greatest routers do.
Does my laptop computer assist 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi specs aren’t the very first thing you consider when shopping for a brand new laptop computer, and producers don’t at all times quote them.
But when you have already got a Home windows 10 or Home windows 11 laptop computer, it’s straightforward to seek out out, and the tactic is identical on each.
- Utilizing the search bar subsequent to the Begin menu, seek for and open the Gadget Supervisor
- Broaden the ‘Community adapters’ part
- Discover the make and mannequin of your laptop computer’s Wi-Fi – both ‘Wi-Fi’ or ‘Wi-fi Community’ is often talked about in its title
- Seek for its particular title on-line
This laptop computer, for instance, has a Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 adaptor. Looking out on-line for this make and mannequin brings up loads of outcomes for its specs which present that it really works solely on 2.4GHz. In case your adapter helps Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), it’ll undoubtedly assist 5GHz. Most often, 802.11n adapters will even assist 5GHz.
It’s also possible to examine instantly from Gadget Supervisor:
- Proper-click the adapter and select ‘Properties’
- Choose the ‘Superior’ tab, then search for the ‘Property’ checklist
- If it helps 5GHz, you must see it talked about right here. If not (as is the case within the instance under), both your adapter doesn’t assist it or the fallacious drivers are put in
However even when it’s unhealthy information, there’s a straightforward repair. You possibly can add 5GHz Wi-Fi to any laptop computer which doesn’t have it by including a dongle. These are comparatively low-cost, and there are many nice choices.
How to connect with 5GHz Wi-Fi out of your laptop computer
That is the simple half. In case you can see your router’s 5GHz wi-fi community title within the checklist of accessible Wi-Fi networks, you’ll be able to click on on it after which click on ‘Join’. Enter the password and that’s it.
Right here’s what it appears like on Home windows 10, though the method on Home windows 11 could be very comparable.
Within the picture above, you’ll be able to see that there are two separate networks being broadcast from one BT Residence Hub 5 router. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in your Home windows laptop computer (then the fitting arrow subsequent to it on Home windows 11) to see all wi-fi networks in vary.
Switching to 5GHz not having the specified impact on your connection? Try extra methods to hurry up Wi-Fi.