The debate about 5GHz vs 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency bands is ongoing, and understanding their differences, advantages and drawbacks helps operators to understand what frequency in which to operate.
Advantages and disadvantages
5GHz
The 5GHz band provides higher data rates, making it best suited for bandwidth-intensive applications such as high-definition video streaming and real-time data analytics. With more available channels and less congestion, the 5GHz band offers a signal with reduced interference, which helps to provide reliability for critical IoT functions. It can also handle more devices simultaneously without a significant drop in performance.
Disadvantages include the 5GHz band having a shorter range, which means it consequently struggles to penetrate solid objects, making it less effective in large homes or buildings with many walls. Additionally, not all IoT devices support 5GHz, particularly older or low-cost models, which can limit its adoption. Devices operating on 5GHz tend to consume more power, which can be a no-go for battery-opted wireless devices like sensors.
2.4GHz
The 2.4GHz band offers several advantages. Its range and penetration capabilities allow it to cover larger areas and penetrate walls and obstacles effectively. This makes it an ideal choice for large homes or environments with lots of walls.
2.4GHz is also universally supported by most IoT devices, including older, legacy models, so there’s more compatibility. Devices operating on this frequency often consume less power, suitable for battery-operated devices.
On the other hand, the 2.4GHz band also has significant disadvantages. It is more crowded due to its use by several devices, which can include microwaves, phones, and Bluetooth devices. This congestion can lead to interference and reduced performance. The 2.4GHz band supports lower data rates compared with 5GHz, which can limit its suitability for high-bandwidth applications like video streaming.
Impact on smart home devices
Devices that use the 2.4GHz band, such as smart thermostats, security sensors, and light bulbs, benefit from its better range and lower power requirements. However, they may experience performance issues in environments with high interference. While many smart cameras and streaming devices can operate on 2.4GHz, they may not deliver optimal performance due to the band’s lower data rates and the potential for congestion.
High-bandwidth applications, such as smart TVs, video doorbells, and high-definition security cameras, benefit from the higher data rates of the 5GHz band. This provides smoother streaming and faster data transfers. In homes with numerous connected devices, 5GHz can better manage network traffic, reducing the likelihood of congestion and ensuring more reliable connectivity.
Optimising networks
Selecting the appropriate frequency band depends on a whole host of factors, including device type, usage scenario, and the environemnt. In large homes or buildings, a mixed network approach is recommended, such as using a dual-band router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Connecting low-bandwidth, widespread devices like sensors and light bulbs to the 2.4GHz band and reserving the 5GHz band for high-bandwidth applications and devices located close to the router is an example of how this can be approached.
For high-bandwidth applications, it is advisable to prioritise the 5GHz band. Devices that require high-speed Internet should connect to the 5GHz network.
In dense device environments, segmenting devices between the two bands can balance the load, such as using 5GHz for devices that need fast, reliable connections and 2.4GHz for devices that benefit from longer range and lower power consumption.
In an article for IoT Insider on Wi-Fi 6, Nick Wood, Director, Sales & Marketing at Insight SiP wrote: “Wi-Fi 6 can utilise the less congested 5GHz band and in certain territories, the 6GHz band.”
For battery-operated devices, their power consumption must always be considered. Battery-operated sensors and gadgets may perform better and have longer battery life when connected to the 2.4GHz band.
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