How many antennas in a router are better?
The number of antennas affects the network speed if several devices are connected to the router at once. The more antennas, the more stable the reception will be on each device.
Interesting materials:
The business trip fell on a day off, how do I pay? Vacation compensation what is the income code? How to plant horse chestnut? What are indirect costs? How to calculate a major transaction for an LLC? Large transaction from what amount? Where did Danko lead all the people? Where do adults get the tetanus shot? Where did the masks go on Instagram? Where to put unnecessary children's toys?
Why are Wi-Fi range and channel important?
Today, wireless networks have gained weight compared to cable. We have more and more Wi-Fi compatible devices, allowing us to connect almost anywhere. But our speed is not always good and we often get cut. This happens if we connect too far from the access point or have a bad configuration.
There are two factors that can make the connection work faster, more stable and not cause problems with our devices: the channel we are connected to and the group of Wi-Fi used. Choosing between different options can help us improve communication.
If we wonder why choosing a particular channel might improve Wi-Fi, we need to think about the number of devices that can connect to the router, as well as the number of routers around us. If we are connected to a channel used by other routers in our building, this can cause interference and make the connection less than optimal.
Regarding the Wi-Fi band, nowadays modern devices allow us to connect to both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In general, we can say that the first option is best suited for connecting away from the device, since it is less sensitive to distance and possible walls. On the other hand, the second one is faster, but it is more sensitive to distance.
Therefore, we can say that it is very important to choose the appropriate Wi-Fi channel, as well as the range to which we connect. Now, how can we know which one we are using in each case? Let's explain this.
What does frequency affect, what are allowed in Russia
The frequency of the network signal directly affects the wavelength and other characteristics:
- Absorption or penetration: higher frequency demonstrates better properties. In buildings with many partitions, thick walls, and coverings, this is a significant indicator.
- Reflective properties - the ability of a signal to pass through soft structures and be reflected from surfaces. In this case, the quality of communication will be lower.
- Degree of information density: high range can process and transmit more information.
- Overcoming obstacles: Wi-Fi's high frequency but short wavelength makes it more difficult to navigate around physical barriers. Therefore, in residential buildings they prefer to use the lowest possible modem operating parameters—2.4 GHz.
- Attenuation is the natural decrease in the level of Wi-Fi electrical impulse. Its strength actively decreases at high frequency.
Thus, the main thing that determines the channel width is the quality and speed of work on the Internet.
Important! In the Russian Federation it is allowed (no license required) to use both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies in homes.
What frequencies does the router operate at?
At the moment, routers operate at frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Moreover, 2.4 GHz appeared earlier, so the bulk of access points operate in this range. In turn, each Wi-Fi network at this frequency operates on channels from 1 to 13. Often, connection problems can arise if several neighboring routers operate on the same channel and share the speed among themselves. Typically, routers automatically connect to a freer channel, so this problem can be solved by simply rebooting the network equipment.
However, this does not relieve the 2.4 GHz band from the load of a large number of devices operating on it, especially since these can be not only routers, but also some household appliances. Therefore, we recommend additionally using the 5 GHz frequency, as it is newer and freer. Why extra? The fact is that both frequencies operate independently of each other and not all devices (especially older ones) operate in the 5 GHz range. Although, if you are completely sure that you will not need to connect devices that only support 2.4 GHz, you can completely change the Wi-Fi router frequency to 5 GHz.
Conclusion
Increasing the speed through your provider by connecting other Internet tariffs does not make sense if you have old network equipment that does not support new Wi-Fi standards and frequencies. With the increase in the number of users, the load on the wireless network has also increased, and the amount of interference in the 2.4 GHz range is also growing with the same progression.
The 5 GHz frequency for Wi-Fi routers is now freer and more stable, it has more non-overlapping channels, which means signals from neighboring devices are less likely to overlap each other and do not share the speed.
To increase your Wi-Fi signal and Internet speed, you need to keep up with the times and purchase modern routers that meet new wireless network requirements.
Wireless network users increasingly come across the term WiFi frequency, which reflects the frequency range of the router when transmitting a signal. Below we will look at what it is, what parameters are used in Russia and highlight the best solution for global network users. The knowledge gained will help you choose the optimal mode, get a stable connection to the Internet and avoid failures in data transfer.
How to find out which Wi-Fi band we are connected to
Besides the Wi-Fi channel we connect to, another fundamental factor is the group . Modern routers allow us to connect to both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. It is interesting to know which one we are connected to for maximum speed. Each of them has its own positive and negative sides.
See Wi-Fi range in settings
The best way to find out which Wi-Fi band we are connected to in Windows 10 is to configure. To do this, we go to Start, we go to settings , we go to Network and Internet , we select Wi-Fi and go to Hardware Properties.
Here again we will find a series of data related to our Wi-Fi connection. For example, transmission speed or network name. We will also see the network range being used. In this case we are connected to 5 GHz.
View Wi-Fi network name
Another way to know what Wi-Fi band we are connected to is to see the network name . We won't always be able to get this information this way, but usually the Wi-Fi name gives us this information.
In many cases, we can find two networks with similar names, but with a slight difference. For example: RedWifi5G and RedWifi2.4G. If we are connected to a network that has ""or "5GHz" in its name means that we will be connected to the 5GHz band. Otherwise, “2.4 GHz” will appear, which means we are connected to the 2.4 GHz band.
Therefore, we also have these two options to know which Wi-Fi band we are connected to in Windows 10. As we can see, in both cases we can follow simple steps to get this information.
What does the frequency of the signal affect?
The frequency of the WiFi signal is a parameter involved in the formula for calculating the wavelength and affects its indicator. In addition, a number of signal properties depend on this parameter:
- Absorption. The higher the WiFi frequency, the higher its penetration power. The greatest obstacle to the wave is reinforced concrete coating, concrete floors and ceilings, interior partitions, etc. In addition, in rainy weather there is a slight deterioration in signal quality, which is common.
- Ability to avoid obstacles. According to the laws of physics, the shorter the wave and the higher the frequency, the harder it is for it to overcome various obstacles along the way. That is why 2.4 GHz is more suitable for ordinary apartments and houses, and the most effective from this position is 0.9 GHz.
- Natural attenuation. Like any other parameter, the WiFi signal tends to fade. The higher the frequency, the more active this process is.
- Reflection. The WiFi signal tends to reflect from or pass through surfaces (in full or only partially). In either case, the signal strength decreases.
- Information density. The higher the WiFi frequency range, the more data can be transmitted in a certain time period.
Based on the information received, it is easier to make a decision. In normal mode, you can set it to 2.4 GHz. If you live in an apartment building where all channels are heavily overloaded, you can switch to 5 GHz, but for this you need to buy special equipment and know how to change the router frequency. A universal option when the device supports two modes at once. In this case, you can configure both networks in parallel and work with the one that gives the best WiFi signal quality.
The specificity of wireless technologies is that the connection goes through the provider indirectly - through channels operating at certain frequencies. The following topics are discussed: what is signal width, how to find out at what frequency Wi-Fi operates, and whether it needs to be changed.
Wi-Fi has different channels and frequency ranges
Which frequency is better?
Residents of Russia have two WiFi frequencies at their disposal - 2.4 and 5 GHz. But which option should you prefer? It is difficult to say which solution is better. This is due to the fact that each of them has its own characteristics.
2.4 GHz characteristics:
- has a shorter range due to the increased Fresnel zone;
- overcomes small obstacles better due to improved penetration ability;
- wavelength - 12.5 cm (UHF);
- fewer non-overlapping channels, which leads to communication problems with a large number of connections;
- the appearance of extraneous noise when other devices operate in the same WiFi frequency range.
As you can see, 2.4 GHz has a number of disadvantages. Its advantages are the ability to avoid obstacles when working at a short distance and the lower price of devices operating at this range.
5 GHz Characteristic:
- the wave has a length of 6 cm (microwave);
- large selection of non-overlapping channels;
- “fear” of obstacles that are more difficult to overcome;
- increased signal range.
As you can see, 5 GHz is more preferable when you need to transmit a signal over long distances. The disadvantages are less flexibility when overcoming obstacles and the high price of a WiFi router with this mode.
As for other bands at 0.9, 3.6, 10 and 24 GHz, they are rarely used. Their use in a WiFi network is possible if other frequencies are occupied or you need to connect two points where there is no line of sight (0.9 GHz). But please note that to use other frequencies (except 2.4 and 5 GHz) you must obtain a license.
How to change and configure the router frequency
It’s worth saying right away that in order to change the range from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz, the router needs to technically support this frequency and the corresponding Wi-Fi certificate, which we wrote about in more detail in the previous article.
In other words, if you have an old router model, there are no options - the hardware will have to be changed.
All the necessary information is located in the “Wireless network” or “Wireless mode” section (the type of interface, of course, depends on the specific manufacturer).
In any case, you can adjust the channel even if it is not possible to change the band. At 2.4 GHz, it is best to select bands 1, 6 or 11, as they are non-overlapping according to the 25 MHz minimum standards.
As for the 5 GHz frequency, here the formation of channels occurs in four bands. At a minimum, you will have channels 36, 40, 44 and 48 indicated - this is the UNII-1 block, but depending on the device, there may be more, up to 161.
What is the Wi-Fi signal frequency?
W-Fi technology involves wireless data transmission over long distances using the principle of electromagnetic technology. A Wi-Fi signal is a radio wave that has appropriate parameters and movement characteristics. In terms of their characteristics, radio waves and light have much in common. In particular, the speed of propagation in space is about 300 thousand km/h, similar parameters of scattering, diffraction, etc.
A WiFi signal has two basic characteristics - length and WiFi signal frequency (measured in Hertz). The last term reflects the frequency of the alternating voltage, which is needed to obtain the wavelength and is used in determining the types of radio waves. In simple words, Wi Fi frequency is the number of waves that pass through a specific point in space within one second.
How to choose the signal frequency correctly?
With that said, the question arises: at what frequency does WiFi work best, and what parameter should you set on your router? Here you need to focus on the current situation. Most often, 5 GHz is chosen to transmit WiFi over long distances and reduce noise levels. If you need network distribution in normal conditions (apartment, house), 2.4 GHz is suitable. But given the congestion of existing WiFi networks, users are increasingly choosing 5 GHz.
A universal solution is to buy a router that can operate simultaneously on two frequencies. In this case, you can set two modes and connect to the network at 2.4 or 5 Gigahertz, depending on the circumstances.
How to see the Wi-Fi channel we are using
We have several ways to find out which Wi-Fi channel we are connected to at any time in Windows 10. We are going to show three different quick methods. This will also help us find improvements in case we notice that the wireless speed is not the best and it might be interesting to change the channel our router broadcasts on to make it more free.
See Wi-Fi Channel in Settings
In this case, we need to go to Start, open Settings and go to Network and Internet . Later, when we get here, we must enter the Wi-Fi Section . There we will find everything related to the wireless network and will be able to analyze some aspects.
To find out which Wi-Fi channel we are connected to, click Hardware properties . It will automatically open a new window in which we will see various data related to the network. One of them, as we can see in the image below, is the network channel we are using. In our case it is 108.
Find out the Wi-Fi channel from the command line
We also have another very simple option from Windows 10, which is to know which Wi-Fi channel we are connected to. Now we need to go to the Start menu again, but this time we will enter the Command Prompt. Here we have to run the command netsh wlan show networks mode = BsSid.
This time we are going to find information about all Wi-Fi networks that are available. We can see each Wi-Fi's encryption type, name, signal strength, as well as network channel. We just need to see which one we are connected to and look at the corresponding channel.
What Wi-Fi channel does the router use?
The third option, which we can see which Wi-Fi channel the router is using , be it in one band or another, is to directly access the device. Logging into the router is very easy and there we will find all the parameters that can be changed, view device information, analyze usage, etc.
To access the router, we will need to log in through the default gateway. Not all devices are created equal, although 192.168.1.1 is common. If we don't know what it is in our case, we need to go to Start, access the Command Prompt and execute the IPCONFIG command. There it will show us the default gateway, which we will need to enter into the browser and access.
Once we are inside the router, we need to go to the Wi-Fi or Wireless section. Again, this will depend on the device we are using, but in general it will be something like this. We may need to access advanced settings . We will need to mark the corresponding Wi-Fi band to show us the information.
In our case, as we can see in the image below, the device is confirmed to use the channel automatically, and it is 1. Right here in the router configuration, we can change it and connect to another manually.
In short, these are three simple options that we can take into account to see in Windows 10 which Wi-Fi channel we are connected to. It is important to always have this information to improve signal quality.
