What Is Dual-Band Wireless Networking? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 235 235 people found this article helpful
What Is Dual-Band Wireless Networking?
Two frequency bands offer advantages over single-band networks
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 24, 2021 Reviewed by Chris Selph Reviewed by Chris Selph Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Benefits History Routers Adapters Phones In wireless networking, dual-band equipment is capable of transmitting in one of two standard frequency ranges. Modern Wi-Fi home networks feature dual-band broadband routers that support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels. Benefits of Dual-Band Wireless Networking
By supplying separate wireless interfaces for each band, dual-band 802.11n and 802.11ac routers provide maximum flexibility when setting up a home network. Some home devices require the legacy compatibility and greater signal reach that 2.4 GHz offers, while others may require the additional network bandwidth that 5 GHz offers. Dual-band routers provide connections designed for the needs of each. Many Wi-Fi home networks suffer from wireless interference arising from the prevalence of 2.4 GHz consumer gadgets, like cordless phones, which use Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum modulation. This is where the signal jumps all around the 2.4 GHz spectrum rather than sitting on one channel. Microwave ovens may also interfere with wireless signals due to the radio signals they 'leak' during operation. The ability to use 5 GHz on a router avoids these problems because the technology supports 23 non-overlapping channels. linksys.com Dual-band routers also incorporate Multiple-In Multiple-Out radio configurations. The combination of several radios on one band with dual-band support provides higher performance for home networking than single-band routers offer. History of Dual-Band Wireless Routers
First-generation home network routers produced during the late 1990s and early 2000s contained a single 802.11b Wi-Fi radio operating on the 2.4 GHz band. At the same time, a significant number of business networks supported 802.11a (5 GHz) devices. Starting with 802.11n, Wi-Fi standards included simultaneous dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support as a standard feature. This inclusion means that nearly every modern router is considered a dual-band router. The first dual-band Wi-Fi routers were built to support mixed networks having both 802.11a and 802.11b clients. Dual-Band Wireless Routers
For homes that have many competing wireless devices, Google Wifi is considered one of the top router choices. Its system consists of up to four satellites, called Google Wifi points, each of which covers 1,500 square feet for a total of up to 6,000 square feet of blanketed coverage. It uses beam-forming technology, which automatically routes devices to the strongest signal. Read the full list of dual-band router recommendations Dual-Band Wi-Fi Adapters
Dual-band Wi-Fi network adapters contain both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless radios, similar to dual-band routers. In the early days of Wi-Fi, some laptop Wi-Fi adapters supported both 802.11a and 802.11b/g radios so that a person could connect their computer to business networks during the workday and home networks on nights and weekends. Newer 802.11n and 802.11ac adapters can also be configured to use either band, but not both at the same time. See examples of Wi-Fi USB adapters Dual-Band Phones
Similar to dual-band wireless network equipment, some cellphones use two or more bands for cellular communications separate from Wi-Fi. Dual-band phones were created to support 3G GPRS or EDGE data services on 0.85 GHz, 0.9 GHz, or 1.9 GHz radio frequencies. Phones sometimes support tri-band or quad-band cellular transmission frequency ranges to maximize compatibility with different kinds of phone networks, which is helpful while roaming or traveling. Cell modems switch between different bands but do not support simultaneous dual-band connections. Read the our list of smartphone recommendations Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Ultimate Router Buying Guide Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? Wireless Standards Explained: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android The 9 Best Linksys Routers of 2022 How to Fix It When Your PS4 Wi-Fi Is Slow 5G vs 5 GHz Wi-Fi What Is the Range of a Typical Wi-Fi Network? Get Better Wi-Fi: Here's The Best Place for Your Wireless Router The 9 Best 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless Routers of 2022 The 9 Best Ways to Boost a Wi-Fi Signal Using 802.11ac in Wi-Fi Wireless Networking The 9 Best Wireless Routers of 2022 TP-Link RE505X Wi-Fi Extender Review Why Changing the Wi-Fi Channel Number Avoids Interference Wireless FAQ - What Is 802.11? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies