6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Band Router

There are certain issues that come from a wireless router, particularly with Wi-Fi network connections. Oftentimes, problems like this can result from the cheap modem to router combinations that most telecom companies use. So, while such units offer cheap Internet connection, it doesn’t provide better speeds than the 802.11g, which is also referred to as the wireless g. After the release of the wireless g, standards for wireless communication have increased even further than the 802.11n, its successor.

The latest standard these days is the 802.11ac, adding not just increased transfer speed but better connectivity as well. However, it is essential to have a wireless adapter using 802.11n or the 802.11ac technology on top of a router with capacity to provide such speeds, in order to acquire the most recent wireless standards.

Another issue that should complicate the different wireless standards refers to channel saturation. For instance, people who live in apartments may often experience disconnections of the Internet. This is due to the 2.4GHz spectrum that is still being used in modern devices. The latest trend among manufacturers is to adapt the 5GHz band, aside from the older 2.4GHz. Routers such as these are called dual band, which make it capable of connecting to either 2.4 or 5GHz wireless adapters.

Different Standards

There are different versions of the 802.11n that exist as distinguished by speed of connectivity. In fact, there are more than 2 common standards In fact, there are more than 2 common standards specified for wireless-n devices. Such range in speed that should reach from 144.4 Mbit/s up to 300 Mbit/s. So, unless the router you are using will support the same transfer rate, you will not be able to target the max data transfer speed being advertised. This is a fact, even if your adapter is rated for acquiring speeds of 300 Mbit/s.

Take note that you should get twice as efficient as the 802.11g when you use the 802.11n or the wireless-n router which has improved range than its predecessor, the wireless-g. So, whenever you get the next gen wireless standards, you must also consider the requirements. Many users don’t get too much benefit shifting from wireless-g to wireless-n adapter. Nevertheless, if you have a problem of file transfer or stability issues on connection, then you should be able to observe a qualitative improvement in performance.

The Leading Standard

The 802.11ac standard should be able to broadcast entirely on 5GHz spectrum. This means that the wireless-ac standard is still the fastest means of consumer available connection to a computer these days. Dual-band routers are different because they broadcast on 2 different frequencies, namely the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz. Devices are oversaturated in 2.4GHz frequencies, because almost every mobile device uses either wireless-g or wireless n in order to connect to receive Internet connection. This is being compared to a bus with too many passengers exiting the exit door at the same time. This is actually the same when doing data transmission in which the air could only hold so much traffic for a specific time at once.

The best solution in solving the oversaturation of broadcast frequencies is to switch to another frequency. This is because almost nobody uses the 5GHz frequency. However, people may begin to wonder how this technology can be useful to current devices using the older 802.11g standard. Likewise, what sort of advantage or disadvantage are they going to encounter when they opt for a new dual band router. Here are several hints on how this technology can impress or disappoint those who want to enhance their experience regarding the latest mobile connectivity standards.

List of Advantages of Dual Band Router

1. Solution to Signal Interference
One of the benefits of dual band routers is that it can provide users with the ability of switching between frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5GHz to avoid congestion in traffic. Due to the fact that many household devices will give off 2.4GHz radio frequencies, interference can happen to the Wi-Fi signal. This is because interference will slow down the speed of the Internet, reduce range of Wi-Fi and cause some intermittent signals. With the use of dual-band routers, you will be able to enjoy the less utilized 5GHz frequency with ease.

2. Compatible with Wireless Devices
Many are worried if they are going to purchase a new device if they ought to shift to a dual band router. The answer is that dual band routers are built to function with many different wireless networking equipment. This is because they support both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz in which both should be able to work win any network adapter.

3. Enable Customization of Wireless Network Settings
As an advanced networking technology on the market, dual band routers can support multiple frequencies. Moreover, they will provide the ability to customize the wireless network settings in accordance with your needs.

List of Disadvantages of Dual Band Router

1. A Bit Costly
One of the complaints of consumers in this part of the deal is the price. Comparatively, these units can be a bit costly compared to standard routers. Thus, prices can vary from one manufacturer to another, which will also depend on the model.

2. Compatibility Issues
It is required that your computer or network adapter should support the configuration for the 5GHz frequency. Otherwise, you will not be able to access the benefits of the 5GHz range. So, if you are having an older PC and its adapters are not able to use a 5GHz frequency, then you should buy a cheaper router that should support your needs.

3. Problem with 5GHz Range
The range of a 5GHz wireless connectivity will be actually shorter compared to the 2.4GHz due to the fact that it is on a much higher frequency. So, you should be able to keep your devices within the range of both frequencies in order to take advantage of the benefits of the dual band router.

Final Thoughts

Optimizing your Wi-Fi connectivity speed from your home or office can be done when you switch to a dual band router. It can also help if you buy devices that are at least using the wireless-n standard or the 802.11n as you can already acquire fast connectivity without having to spend much on the latest wireless-ac standard just yet.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.