Hertz (Hz, MHz, GHz): Measuring Wireless Communications GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 67 67 people found this article helpful
Hertz (Hz, MHz, GHz) in Wireless Communications
Different frequency bands govern different applications
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 February 28, 2020 Tweet Share Email Heinrich Hertz. Ullstein Bild / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Home Networking Wi-Fi & Wireless The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading In wireless communications, the abbreviation Hz — which stands for hertz, after the 19th-century scientist Heinrich Hertz — refers to the transmission frequency of radio signals in cycles per second: 1 Hz equals one cycle per second.1 MHz (megahertz) equals 1 million cycles per second (or 1 million Hz).1 GHz (gigahertz) equals 1 billion cycles per second (or 1000 MHz). Wireless computer networks operate at different transmission frequencies, depending on the technology they use. Wireless networks also operate over a range of frequencies (called bands) rather than one exact frequency. A network that uses higher-frequency wireless radio communication does not necessarily offer faster speeds than lower-frequency wireless networks. Hz in Wi-Fi Networking
Wi-Fi networks operate in either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. These are ranges of radio frequency open for public communication (i.e., unregulated) in most countries. The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands range from 2.412 GHz on the low end to 2.472 GHz on the high end (with one additional band enjoying limited support in Japan). Starting with 802.11b and up to the latest 802.11ac, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks all share these same signal bands and are compatible with each other. Wi-Fi began using 5 GHz radios starting with 802.11a, although their mainstream use in homes started only with 802.11n. The 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands range from 5.170 to 5.825 GHz, with some additional lower bands supported in Japan only. Other Types of Wireless Signaling Measured in Hz
Beyond Wi-Fi, consider these other examples of wireless communications: Cordless phones operate in a 900 MHz range, as does the newer 802.11ah standard Bluetooth network connections use 2.4 GHz signaling, similar to Wi-FI, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are incompatible. Several 60 GHz wireless network protocols have been developed for special applications that involve very large amounts of data traveling over very short distances. Why so many different variations? For one, different types of communications must use separate frequencies to avoid colliding with each other. In addition, higher-frequency signals such as 5 GHz can carry larger amounts of data (but, in return, have greater restrictions on distance and require more power to penetrate obstructions). FAQ What does hertz mean in gaming? Hertz in gaming refers to the refresh rate, or the number of times the display refreshes per second. In gaming, lower refresh rates can lead to blurring or ghosting, which creates the effect of multiple images on top of each other. The general recommendation is a monitor with a baseline of 60Hz, but refresh rates of 144Hz or 240Hz could provide better performance. How many hertz is my monitor? To check your monitor's refresh rate in Windows, select Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display or Advanced display settings. In the refresh rate section, check to see what setting is active. You can also change the refresh rate to a higher or lower setting from this menu. 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 5G: Everything You Need to Know Wireless Standards Explained: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n 5G vs 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6G: What It Is & When to Expect It 5G Internet: The High-Speed Replacement for Cable? How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android Why Changing the Wi-Fi Channel Number Avoids Interference RF Interference With Wireless Home Automation Devices How to Fix an Xbox That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi What Is the Range of a Typical Wi-Fi Network? How to Fix It When a 5 GHz Network Isn't Working How to Measure Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength How to Fix It When Chromecast Isn't Working How to Fix It When Your PS4 Wi-Fi Is Slow How to Fix It When a Tablet Won’t Connect to a Mobile Hotspot 5G Spectrum and Frequencies: Everything You Need to Know 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