I decided to prepare a short article on dual-band routers. Tell us what these devices are, how they differ from regular routers, what 5GHz Wi-Fi is, and whether it’s worth buying a dual-band router now. I think this article will be more relevant now than ever, since 5GHz Wi-Fi is just beginning to enter our lives. Almost all new devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) already have support for the new 5GHz networks. And network equipment manufacturers have already released several models of dual-band routers. And most importantly, there are already models at a very affordable price.
A dual-band router is a regular router that can simply broadcast two Wi-Fi networks (that’s why it’s Dual-Band). Like all regular routers, it distributes Wi-Fi at a frequency of 2.4 GHz (it is now the most common, and almost all Wi-Fi networks operate at this frequency). But it is dual-band, so it also broadcasts a Wi-Fi network at a frequency of 5 GHz. This is the main feature of a dual-band router, and what distinguishes it from a regular router.
We found this out. Let's now figure out what Wi-Fi 5GHz means.
Dual-band router: what it means and why it’s needed
A multifunctional dual-band router is a type of standard Internet network equipment for a private home, capable of distributing two separate wireless Wi-Fi networks. To do this, such an Internet router for a dacha in the Dmitrovsky district uses the usual 2.4 GHz frequency and an additional 5 GHz frequency range. Let’s look at what the term “dual-band router” means, what are the differences between dual-band and single-band routers, and what models of such devices are most popular on the Russian market for the Internet in the Naro-Fominsk region for dachas.
How a dual-band router works
Dual-band options work exactly the same as regular routers, only the number of wireless Internet signal transmission channels and their frequency range differ. A device supporting the 5 GHz frequency usually creates two parallel Wi-Fi networks, which allows you to choose the best option for accessing the global network and increase Internet speed on connected gadgets by using two parallel streams. Connecting to a high-frequency channel will provide the user with high data transfer speeds and increased stability of access to the global network. Devices that do not support the 5 GHz frequency will connect to the usual communication channel.
Otherwise, the wireless 2-band router is no different from its standard counterpart. To correctly identify wireless networks by client devices, the user should specify individual name and password values for each. Adding these parameters is done through the web menu.
Why do you need antennas on a router?
Without going into the deep nuances of radio technology, we will immediately note: any radio device that receives and transmits a signal needs an antenna. Without it, the transmitter itself cannot send and receive radio waves.
The antenna is in any smartphone, in a Wi-Fi adapter and, of course, in a Wi-Fi router, even if it is not visible. Previously, phones, for example, were all produced with an external antenna. And for some, it was additionally extended to improve reception. Now you won't find such models. All modern smartphones and phones are available with built-in internal. That is, it is hidden inside the device body and is not visually visible.
The same goes for routers. If you see a wireless router without an antenna, know that it is there, just inside. In principle, there are no Wi-Fi routers without them . At the same time, the number of built-in antennas can also be different - one, two, three. Sometimes, to improve reception, it is located along the entire perimeter of the body. But the external one still works better. It has a higher gain.
Contrary to popular belief, an antenna does not make the radio signal more powerful. The signal strength depends on the transmitter. It makes it more stable and increases its range by distributing the signal in certain directions. That is, the higher the gain, the larger Wi-Fi coverage area can be provided.
Now let's figure out why a router needs so many antennas and how this affects the quality of its work.
Features of work
A functional dual-band router with the ability to distribute traffic at a frequency of 5 GHz has a number of advantages over a single-frequency option:
- high speed Internet connection;
- reduced load on the channel;
- absence of extraneous interference in high-rise buildings;
- simultaneous operation of 2 separate wireless networks.
Such devices support the AC standard, which allows multiple connections of client devices. This communication protocol is considered the most productive among its analogues.
The list of features is complemented by the presence of two connection points to the global network, operating at a frequency of 2.4 and 5 GHz. These routers usually support MIMO technology, which increases throughput.
What is the WiFi speed in the 5 GHz band?
At this frequency, the information transfer rate is much higher than at 2.4 Gigahertz (provided that the 802.11ac standard is activated). But it depends on how wide the channel is set in the router’s web interface. With a width of 40 MHz, the wireless transmission speed can reach 300 Mbit/s ; at 80 MHz – 600 Mbit/s , respectively. It is worth recalling that this speed can only be achieved on devices that support work with this range.
The maximum achieved information transfer speed in laboratory conditions is 6.77 Gbit/sec.
Rating of inexpensive dual-band routers
To correctly select the appropriate router model operating in 2 frequency bands, it is worth considering the best models of devices in the budget price segment.
Linksys EA2700
This model provides high data transfer speeds (300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band + 300 Mbps in the 5 GHz band, which provides a total of 600 Mbps and stable access to the global network. Increased throughput eliminates third-party interference The device is equipped with gigabit WAN and LAN ports, which provides a huge advantage when used to organize a combined local network.
The 2x2 MIMO antenna provides large coverage area and high signal strength anywhere in the wireless network coverage area.
Edimax CAP1200
This unique dual-band router mounts on the ceiling for better wireless coverage and strong signal strength. Power is supplied via an Internet cable, which optimizes resource consumption and reduces the number of cables supplied, but requires support for PoE technology from the PC to which the device is connected. The throughput of this equipment reaches 1167 Mbit/s. Provides simultaneous distribution of traffic to 100 client devices.
Thanks to the ability to create 32 separate Wi-Fi networks, 16 for each frequency range, this router is perfect for organizing a wireless Internet space in a cafe, office or shopping center.
UPVEL UR-515D4G
This powerful dual-frequency router is used to create a high-speed wireless Wi-Fi network. The presence of a USB port allows you to connect external drives, mobile modems or printers.
Fine-tuning the parameters allows you to use several protection options, individual for each client connection. The WPS button allows you to quickly connect to a wireless network. Easy setup using a special application built into the firmware will not cause any difficulties thanks to the Russian-language menu.
Cisco AIR-SAP702I
A progressive 2-channel router, which is controlled by a special controller, supports MIMO technology, designed to increase communication speed. Having 2 wireless networks allows you to connect many clients. Built-in antennas optimize network performance and also increase coverage area. Advanced security capabilities allow you to repel hacker attacks, as well as detect and disable third-party connections.
NETGEAR R7000
This dual-band router model has gigabit ports for high-speed WAN connectivity. The maximum speed in the wireless network reaches 1900 Mbit/s. The presence of external antennas provides a large coverage area. Thanks to a powerful processor, the device is able to dynamically select the optimal channel for the wireless network. Equipped with 2 USB ports allows you to connect external devices.
TENDA W15E
A mid-price router equipped with 4 high-power antennas. This model is designed for organizing Internet space in an apartment, house or office. The total data transfer rate is 1167 Mbps, with 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. With a wired connection, the Internet connection speed is 100 Mbit/s.
This router has a set of options sufficient to organize a local network. Thanks to a clear web menu, setting up operating parameters is easy. The best option for organizing a wireless Wi-Fi network in a cafe, small hotel or large country house. The total data transfer speed reaches 1200 Mbit/s.
Tenda AC10U
A powerful router with 4 antennas and the same number of gigabit ports. It distributes traffic equally well at 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. Can provide simultaneous connection to 30 clients.
Thanks to advanced customization options, the owner can organize different types of home servers.
TP-Link Archer A6
This model of popular network equipment quickly forms a stable Wi-Fi network according to the 802.11ac standard. At a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the data transfer speed is 300 Mbit/s, and when connected to a 5 GHz channel, the user will receive an Internet connection speed of 867 Mbit/s. Equipping the device with 5 powerful antennas eliminates interference, increases signal stability, and also provides a larger coverage area.
D-Link AC1200 Dual-Band (DIR-842)
Using this equipment model, the user can quickly build a high-speed wireless Wi-Fi network at home or in the office. The connection speed within the 2.4 GHz frequency is 300 Mbps, and when connecting to the 5 GHz wireless space, the client will receive a transfer speed of 867 Mbps.
This router has many customization options. Several supported security protocols provide reliable data protection and allow you to achieve compatibility with all types of gadgets.
How should they be directed?
External antennas on the router, regardless of whether they are removable or not, are fixed movably. Their position can be changed. Many users have a question: how should the antennas be located on a Wi-Fi router, where should they be directed.
Note that there are two types of antennas: narrowly directional and omnidirectional. The first collect the signal into a beam and broadcast it in one specific direction. Omnidirectional broadcasts in all directions. Routers only use omnidirectional ones, so there is no need to aim them anywhere.
However, it is recommended to point the router's antennas upward. Installed in this position, they provide maximum coverage because the signal travels horizontally to the maximum possible distance in all directions.
If you place the antennas horizontally, the signal will propagate vertically, that is, up and down. Which is justified if you need to provide coverage on the upper and lower floors. In an ordinary apartment, it makes sense to place the antennas vertically with a slight slope towards the desired maximum coverage.
The antennas are made movable so that they can be installed as needed in any position of the router. After all, the router can either be installed on a flat surface - on a table or on the floor, or placed vertically on the wall.
As for routers with built-in antennas, some models are recommended to be placed vertically on the wall, since the antennas in them are horizontal . But most models have several of them inside the case, and they are located both horizontally and vertically, ensuring stable operation in any position. It is worth experimenting with different positions of the device to find out in which case the signal will be better.
