2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz: why Wi-Fi has bands

The three bands

• 2.4 GHz travels farthest and goes through walls best. It is also slow and crowded: older devices, neighbors’ networks, Bluetooth and even microwave ovens share it.
• 5 GHz is much faster and has more room, so there is less interference. It does not reach as far or pass through walls as well.
• 6 GHz, used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, has the most room of all and is almost free of interference, because only newer devices can use it. Its range is shorter still.

Which one should you use?

In a well-designed business network, you usually do not need to choose. The access points broadcast one network name across the bands and steer each device to the best one. Laptops and phones near an access point get 5 or 6 GHz; something at the far end of the building may fall back to 2.4 GHz.

Some devices, such as certain printers, cameras and smart devices, only work on 2.4 GHz. That is a good reason to give them their own network.

When bands cause trouble

If people complain that Wi-Fi is slow in certain spots, they may be stuck on 2.4 GHz because the faster bands do not reach them. The fix is usually better access point placement.