New Router with a 5G connection?

jazzy

I have replaced my Wi-Fi router with a TP Link brand and I now have two Wi-Fi connections one is marked 5G are there any differences between the two connections?

Neil_Jones

TP-Link make lots of routers you might want to be a bit more specific.

However you might want to read this:

https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/wireless/which-frequency-should-you-use.html

The_Fat_Controller

You have a choice of connecting to two different bands, 2.4 and 5 Ghz.

5 Ghz has worse penetration through thick walls etc but can offer faster connection speeds IF your devices have suitable WiFi adapters themselves.

Whether that is of any use also depends on the actual incoming broadband connection speed.

Lots of variables to consider.

jazzy

Neil_Jones said:

TP-Link make lots of routers you might want to be a bit more specific.

TP-Link Archer C50 AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Cable Router.

neilmcl

It's not a 5G connection, what you're referring to is the wifi frequency of 5Ghz as opposed to the more traditional 2.4Ghz.

As mentioned, you can only use the 5Ghz frequency if you have a wifi adapater capable of it.

jamesd

Use 5GHz when you can, since it's faster than 2.4GHz. Set every mobile device up to use both since 5 will fade sooner than 2.4 so you might need to fall back to that in corners of your home.

Older phones, tablets and computers as well as internet of things devices might only support 2.4GHz and for those you won't get a choice because all they will see is the 2.4GHz one.

One case where 5GHz is particularly handy is near to microwave ovens, which use around 2.4GHz for cooking. 5GHz doesn't have reception problems in that environment while 2.4 can.

Neil_Jones

To be honest unless you're using the microwave literally 24/7 its interference  on 2.4Ghz is a bit of a non issue for most people (and even when it is it would only be until your food is cooked).

jamesd

It can be quite inconvenient when your tablet is next to the microwave and you're watching it while cooking. Not on that much but when it is both devices are often in use.

Not particularly common but an interesting way to solve the interference issue.