Home internet is a basic necessity, but with so many different options on the market, choosing the right solution can be complicated. If you’re confused by the terminology and tech-speak, you aren’t alone.
This article aims to provide clarity around dual-band routers, including how they work and how they compare to similar products. We’ll cover the basics to help you determine if a dual-band router is right for you.
What is a router band?
When you connect a phone, tablet or another WiFi-enabled device to your router, the router transmits a wireless signal to your device. To get there, the signal travels along one of two frequency bands: 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
What is a dual-band router?
As the name might suggest, a dual-band router emits wireless signals on two separate frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz). By leveraging two bands, dual-band routers give you more flexibility in terms of how you want to connect to the internet.
Specifically, more devices rely on the 2.4GHz band to connect, so you will likely to get low internet speed when compared with 5GHz band and also covers long range. This is exceptionally true if you live in a densely populated area.
On the other hand, only more modern digital devices are compatible with 5GHz. Here, you need a dual-band to use the 5GHz band (we’ll delve deeper into that later in this article). As a result, fewer connections operate on this band, and you’ll experience faster internet speeds.
Dual-band routers allow you to split your internet usage between these two bands, offering improved speed and reliability. Essentially, each band takes on a smaller volume of traffic, so you can have broader coverage while maintaining acceptable speed and connectivity across your devices.
What’s the difference between a single band, dual-band?
Single-band routers
As the oldest type of router on the list, single-band routers only include a single 2.4GHz frequency band. If you have one of these routers, all of the internet-connected gaming consoles, phones, tablets and other devices in your home will run on this band.
This can slow down your WiFi speed — especially since other homes or apartments in your area are also relying on 2.4GHz bands.
Dual-band routers
Dual-band routers leverage both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. With traffic split across multiple pathways, you’re able to browse the internet or play games with less interference. As a result, you’ll find that dual-band routers offer improved speed and reliability when compared with single band versions.
Pros and cons of a dual-band router:
Pros:
- Faster speed and reliability than single-band routers.
- Devices automatically connect to the best frequency band (if they’re compatible)
- Ability to connect to newer and older devices.
Cons:
- More expensive than single-band routers
- Higher-speed 5GHz band might not be compatible with your older devices
- Unnecessary features if you’re only using WiFi for basic tasks, like internet browsing and checking email.