Do you have problems with your WIFI connection? A weak WIFI signal can happen for a number of reasons.
You might be able to get a faster and more stable connection by switching to another WIFI frequency.
The main difference between 2.4 GHz WIFI and 5 GHz WIFI is the frequency they operate on.
2.4 GHz WIFI operates on a lower frequency band and is more commonly used, while 5 GHz WIFI operates on a higher frequency band and is less common.
You can try this free (Open Source) app called WIFI Analyzer to check what kind of WIFI networks that reach your Android device. And also what frequency they’re using.
Benefits of 2.4 GHz WiFi:
- Longer range: 2.4 GHz WIFI signals can travel further than 5 GHz signals, which makes it better for larger homes or buildings.
- Better at penetrating walls and other obstacles: Because of its longer wavelength, 2.4 GHz WIFI can better penetrate walls and other obstacles, making it more reliable in areas with interference.
Benefits of 5 GHz WiFi:
- Faster speeds: 5 GHz WIFI can support faster data rates than 2.4 GHz, making it better for streaming video or gaming.
- Less interference: Because it operates on a less crowded frequency band.
5 GHz WIFI is less likely to experience interference from other devices.
(Thanks to Andresmantana for the image)
Some routers have support for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WIFI networks.
You can set up either one or both on most WIFI routers, but you can also check if you can change some settings on your Android phone or tablet first.
How to change the network settings on Android:
1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2: Tap on the WIFI option.
3: Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
4: Select Advanced from the drop-down menu.
5: Look for the WIFI frequency band option and select it.
6: Choose the 2.4 GHz option to disable the 5 GHz WiFi.
These steps may vary depending on your Android device and the version of Android you’re using.
Keep in mind that lots of WIFI networks might just use 2.4 GHz or just 5 GHz, so this solution may not work for you.
But it’s worth a try if you have a bad WIFI connection. Check if you can switch to another WIFI frequency band, It will only take a couple of seconds.
Check the settings of your router:
If the router only use one frequency. Try to login to your router and check if you can enable another frequency. Some routers have settings that can change the routers WIFI signal strength.
Another solution would be to use a WIFI repeater or a WIFI extender.
Both devices are used to extend the range of a WIFI network by amplifying and rebroadcasting the signal. However, some manufacturers may use the term “WIFI extender” to refer to devices that create a new network with a different name and password.
And a “WIFI repeater” may refer to devices that simply amplify and rebroadcast the existing network signal without creating a new network.
Ultimately, the main purpose of both devices is to improve the coverage and reliability of a WIFI network.
