Wi-Fi has become an indispensable component of our fast-paced life. We no longer need to be connected to the internet via cords thanks to Wi-Fi. But have you ever given it any thought as to how it works?�?
How Does Wi-Fi Work?
Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit frequencies between your gadget and a router.
A router is a device that sends data packets (information) from one computer to another. The modem’s job is to serve as an entryway to the WAN (Wide Area Network) or the internet, while the router acts as a hub for your devices, routing information to each other.
Your modem converts the analog signal from your service provider, which comes in a phone line, into the digital signal you use.
Depending on the quantity of data delivered, two radio-wave frequencies can be used: 2.4 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz. But what exactly does that imply? A hertz is just a frequency measurement.
A hertz is the unit measurement for the frequency of one wave per second. On the other hand, one gigahertz is the equivalent of one billion waves per second. The quantity of data transferred per second increases as the frequency rises.
The two Wi-Fi frequencies get separated into several channels to avoid excessive traffic and interference. Computer science comes into play when exchanging data across different channels. You are the one who initiates the first step in the procedure (the user).�?
When you use your device to access the internet, it turns the information you’ve requested into binary code, which is the computer’s language.
�?Binary code, or a collection of 1s and 0s, underpins all a computer performs. Your request is converted into a series of 1s and 0s when you click on the internet.�?
The Wi-Fi chip built in your device converts these 1s and 0s into wave frequencies if you’re utilizing Wi-Fi. The frequencies go over the previously described radio channels and get picked up by the Wi-Fi network to which your device is connected.
The router then transforms the frequencies to binary code, which then translates into the Internet traffic you requested, which it gets via a hardwired Internet cable. The procedure continues until you’ve loaded whatever data you were looking for or anything else that requires Internet access. All of this happens at high speed; most routers function at 54 Mbps (megabits per second), which means that 54 million 1s and 0s are taken in or sent out in a single second as they translate and transmit binary data.
What Are The Main Differences Between A 5 GHz And A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Signal?�?�?
The experiences provided by these two frequency ranges are significantly different.
While you’ll probably obtain a steady Wi-Fi connection with either of them, the quality of service will be different.
One band may perform better than the other depending on where you reside, what devices you use, and the internet speeds you require.
1. Speed
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi can handle up to 450 Mbps or 600 Mbps in optimal situations, while 5 GHz Wi-Fi can support up to 1300 Mbps. But be cautious! The maximum speed is determined by whether a router supports 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.11ac wireless standards.
Files will download and upload quicker with more bandwidth, and high-bandwidth applications like streaming video will run smoother and faster.
Higher frequencies, also known as bandwidth, allow for speedier data transfer.
2. Range
The range of your data is how far it can go. The higher the wireless signal frequency, the shorter its range is in most circumstances. The Wi-Fi router’s 2.4 GHz frequency provides a large coverage area and better penetrates solid things. The main reason behind this is that higher frequency signals cannot pass through concrete items such as walls and floors. As a result, the 2.4 GHz frequency has a more excellent range than the 5 GHz frequency.
2.4 GHz Or 5 GHz?
1. 5GHz is typically a better option than 2.4 GHz if you prioritize quicker speeds.
2. If you care more about wireless range, 2.4 GHz is typically a better option than 5 GHz.
3. If you have a lot of 2.4 GHz devices and you’re having problems with interference or internet access, 5 GHz is generally a better choice.
Many gadgets only use the 2.4 GHz frequency, and they all want to occupy the same “radio space,” which can cause channel overcrowding. Compared to the 2.4 GHz frequency, the 5GHz spectrum offers 23 open channels for devices to utilize.
Slower speeds and intermittent connectivity difficulties might result from overcrowding and interference. Interference-causing devices include: Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and garage door openers are just a few of the items that may be found in a home.
What’s The Best Way To Convert A 5 GHz Wi-Fi Signal To A 2.4 GHz One?
A dual-band router, as previously said, should deliver a wireless signal on both frequencies.
It’s a different issue if the device you’re attempting to connect to your router prefers a 2.4 GHz connection and won’t connect.
You may need to segregate the two signals or turn off the 5 GHz frequency band (though this isn’t usually necessary).
Security cameras, baby monitors, garage door openers, and other tiny smart devices get frequently used in this manner. This usage is due to the lower cost of producing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi chips.
Here’s How To Turn A 5 GHz Signal Into A 2.4 GHz Signal
1. Locate Your Universal IP Address
1. The first step is to get the IP address of your router. Type it into your browser and hit Enter when you’ve located it.
2. You can try 192.168.0.1 and 192.196.1.1 because those are the most prevalent addresses.
3. You may also look for it in your command prompt:
4. Press the Windows key + “R” on your keyboard, then type “cmd” into the search box.
5. Your command prompt will open when you press Enter.
6. Type “ipconfig” into the command prompt and press Enter.
7. The “Default Gateway” may be found under “Ethernet adapter” or “Wireless LAN adapter.”
8. The number on the right is the global IP address of your router.
9. To go to the login page, type it into your browser and press enter.
2. Go To Your Configuration Page And Log In.
1. Your login page will change depending on your provider and router.
2. Your username and password will also be different depending on your Internet provider.
3. “admin,” “user,” “password,” and similar terms are common suspicions.
4. Check the back-side of your router or the box it got bought in to minimize guessing. Your login and password will both be present.
5. That is if you haven’t previously changed your login and password.
3. Split Or Disable Your Signal�?
1. Once you’ve successfully signed into your setup page, you can update your Wi-Fi connection settings.
2. Your settings page’s interface will vary depending on your provider, but you’ll almost certainly see a tab or a clickable menu that says “Wireless” someplace.
3. Click on that tab to view your Wireless options, whatever it looks like for you.
4. Then, depending on your provider, you may split your Wi-Fi signal into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands in various ways.
5. Various suppliers allow you to accomplish this in a variety of ways:
6. Within the “Wireless” category, there are different tabs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. When asked if you want to sync with the 2.4 GHz signal, click the “5 GHz” option and choose “No.” Then change its SSID name, and the next time you try to connect to your Wi-Fi, you’ll see two different signals.
7. Some providers make this a lot easier—you’ll see an option that says “Separate bands,” “Synchronize two bands,” or something similar when you go to the “Wireless” tab. The new SSID will be produced if you select (check/toggle) “Yes” or “No.”
8. For these two frequencies, some providers offer separate controls. If you desire, you might be able to turn specific frequencies on or off. This may be of assistance in resolving the issue with your “confused” smart gadgets that refuse to join your 5 GHz network.
Factors Dictating Which Frequency Band To Use
A variety of variables determines the frequency band that the devices should use. Here are the things to ponder before picking the correct band frequency.
1. Your House’s Size:
A greater region will necessitate a larger coverage area, and the 2.4GHz band, with its more extended range and penetration capabilities, is best suited for this. 5GHz will not only give faster speeds for smaller residences, flats, or apartments, but it will also assist in reducing interference from cluttered networks.
2. Interference Count:
Because of the high number of devices that use this frequency band, such as older routers, microwaves, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, garage door openers, and other decade-old equipment, the 2.4GHz band is especially susceptible to interference.
However, if you want a hassle-free frequency band for your Wi-Fi connection, you may choose 5GHz, a better option if your device is close to the router. Less device overlap means less interference, which yields a more efficient Wi-Fi connection.
3. The Frequency Band’s Use And The Gadgets That Get Connected To It
Longer transmission waves are used in the 2.4GHz band, making it more suited for transmission through walls and other solid surfaces. The 2.4GHz frequency ideally gets used to linking devices for low-bandwidth activities like web surfing. For high-bandwidth devices or activities such as gaming and streaming HDTV, however, 5GHz is the best option.
Whether the user chooses 2.4GHz or 5GHz, keep in mind that the modem/router and device get set to utilize the same frequency to make the most of the frequency bandwidth and improve the Wi-Fi connection’s performance.
Conclusion
Many of the latest router models have both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands active simultaneously. A Dual Band Router is what it’s called. It is unnecessary to disable the 5GHz band totally; instead, you may divide the two bands by going into your router’s settings and altering each band’s name (SSID).