The major difference between 2g and 5g wifi is the band they operate on. Most routers currently employ two different radio wavelengths (commonly referred to as “bands” or “frequencies”) to broadcast wifi connections. If your wireless router is newer than 802.11n, it probably has two independent bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They are called dual band router.
The majority of users have no idea which radio frequency will best suit their network requirements and frequently choose the incorrect one. 2G wi-fi has a broader coverage area and provides less data transfer but 5G wi-fi has a limited coverage area and provides higher data transfer.
The wireless router transmits the internet to WiFi-enabled devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, iPads, and other devices using radio frequencies.
Many gadgets only use the 2.4 GHz frequency, and all of these devices are attempting to use the same “radio space,” which can lead to channel overpopulation. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and garage openers are all examples of gadgets that might produce interference.
- Also Read: Difference Between Wi-Fi And Hotspot
What Is 2G Wifi?
With a maximum speed of 150 Mbps, the wifi router’s 2.4 GHz frequency provides a wide coverage area and is better at penetrating solid objects. There are three channels available for devices to use. The most popular radio frequency used by the majority of electrical appliances is 2.4 GHz. The 2G frequency was decommissioned in the majority of developed countries.
What Is 5G Wifi?
The 5 GHz frequency allows customers to have a greater data range with less interference, and it provides a great deal in terms of internet speeds for home wifi. It has a maximum speed of 2 gigabits per second, although it takes up less space than 5G. It’s advisable to use this frequency and get as close to the router as possible if you’re doing a lot of high-bandwidth activities online, such as gaming or videoconferencing.
Difference Between 2G and 5G Wifi : 2G VS 5G Wifi
| 2G Wifi | VS | 5G Wifi |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11b/g/n | Wifi technology | 802.11a/n/ac |
450 Mbps or 600 Mbps | Speed(Ideally) | 1300 Mbps |
150 feet (Indoor) 300 feet (Outdoor) | Space(coverage) | 50 feet (Indoor) 100 feet (Outdoor) |
| Universal compatibility | Compatibility | Limited compatibility(a, n,ac device only) |
| More disturbance | Disturbance | Less disturbance |
| Better penetration (longer wavelength) | Penetration | Lesser penetration(shorter wavelength) |
| More interference | Interference | Less interference |
| Lesser bounce | Signal Bounce | Greater bounce |
| More congestion | congestion | Less congestion |
| 2.4 GHz | Band | 5 GHz |
| 3 non-overlapping channels. | Available channels | 24 non-overlapping channels. |
Conclusion
Whether you choose 2.4GHz or 5GHz, one thing to keep in mind is your network requirements, and then make the appropriate decision. Dual-band Wi-Fi routers are available if you want to utilise both of these frequencies. In broad spaces, 2.4 GHz wifi routers are used for best results, whereas in smaller rooms, 5 GHz wifi routers are recommended.
- References: kb.netgear.com
- References: en.wikipedia.org