5 GHz Wi-Fi is better, so why aren't we letting go of 2.4 GHz?

Discussion in 'hardware' started by ronjor, Apr 21, 2017.

  1. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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    By Dirk Gates
     
  2. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

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    Thanks Lone Ranger.

    True enough. Never have been able to understand why they never expanded beyond the few channels by now at least on 2.4Ghz.

    On android handsets with the right scanning app to actually measure this, the constant overlap just driving a short trip is mind boggling.

    On Windows in a stationary locale, depending on HOW MANY devices are around/near you, the same thing.
     
  3. snerd

    snerd Registered Member

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    I live in an apartment building, everyone uses cable modems at 2.4ghz, it's very crowded. I hope they all never realize I'm all alone up here on 5.8 lol!!
     
  4. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

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    Oh that would be horrible on 2.4, yikes.

    Let them battle it out over signal congestion and never tell :rolleyes:
     
  5. trott3r

    trott3r Registered Member

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    I thought 2,4ghz had better penetration through walls?
    in comparison to 5ghz and thus was better if you are not in a congested area.
     
  6. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

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    It sort of does. That's why the congestion is always heavy where those signal channels are commonly in use.
     
  7. trott3r

    trott3r Registered Member

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    easter:
    thanks, thats, what i thought.
     
  8. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

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    I am (so far) just fortunate enough that at least where i am right now the 2.4Ghz signals all around me from other residents devices are on the other channels and doesn't cut into my wireless device(s) but only on a rare occasion. Those overlaps knock down the full potential and so where there are even a few you can actually measure them and watch all the bouncing up and down as they compete for wireless 2.4 airwave time.
     
  9. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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    For the record 3 channels are allowed in US only (due to interference laws or something), I have disabled 5 GHz and I have 13 channels to choose from.
     
  10. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

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    Thanks for that.

    I only just this past winter been utilizing wireless of 2.4 locally mostly due to Microsoft's feature built-in to it's Platform.

    Works pretty good so long as there's no nearby overlap.
     
  11. xxJackxx

    xxJackxx Registered Member

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    Why?
    1. Legacy devices.
    2. It isn't better. It can be faster. For a very short distance. My 450n adapter is good for about 6 feet. Then it's 300. For about 15 feet. Then it's 150 for about 15 more. Then it drops. It seems to have about half the range of 2.4 and drops connections a lot more easily.

    This may not be everyone's experience, but at home and work it is the same for me.
     
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