What are the primary differences between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands?

For most use cases, the primary differences between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands are the range (coverage) and bandwidth (speed). Higher frequencies like 5 GHz and 6 GHz allow data to be transmitted faster than lower frequencies (2.4 GHz). However, wireless range decreases with higher frequencies because higher frequencies can’t efficiently penetrate solid objects like concrete walls and floors.

• The 2.4 GHz band provides the most coverage but transmits data at slower speeds.

• The 5 GHz band provides less coverage but transmits data at faster speeds.

• The 6 GHz band, exclusive to Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 and newer Wi-Fi standards, provides the least coverage but transmits data at the fastest speeds of the three frequencies.

Your Wi-Fi connection, no matter which band you’re connecting to, can be interfered by other nearby electronic devices. Many household devices and IoT sensors still use the 2.4 GHz band. When more devices attempt to use the same radio space, Wi-Fi channels become more crowded. By contrast, the 5 GHz band and 6 GHz band have more channels than the 2.4 GHz channels, allowing more devices to use and therefore, they tend to have less interference and network congestion.

Note: The 6 GHz band is a key feature of the Wi-Fi 6E standard and successive Wi-Fi versions including Wi-Fi 7. Visit D-Link website for more information on D-Link Wi-Fi 7 routers.