The new operating frequency of the router is 5 GHz. Overview of modern wireless technologies
As you know, some router models (mostly new ones) support the mysterious 5ghz wifi, that is, the same “5-GHz Wi-Fi”, which seems to automatically mean not only a “faster” Internet, but also a more stable connection.
In fact, this is approximately how it is (although not always), but that’s not what we’re talking about now. And then how to find out whether your laptop supports this same 5ghz wifi, and if so, how to turn it on.
The fact is that, unlike the ordinary “Wi-Fi” that is familiar to all users (when you just need to select the router name and enter the password), 5ghz wifi, figuratively speaking, is not just given to you, and to turn it on you need to take a little flex your favorite brain muscle.
But it's better in order.
how to know if your router supports 5ghz wifi?
This is in case you don’t really know how much band your router has, 1- or 2-band, and whether it supports 5-GHz WiFi at all. Because if it doesn’t support it, and there’s no other suitable one yet, then there’s no point in rushing to enable 5 GHz in the laptop. This means we find the packaging or user manual of the router and read its brief specification. Or open the router settings directly from the laptop and get acquainted with the Wi-Fi settings.
By the way, since you have already found these settings, you can slightly correct a few things. The fact is that some 2-band routers have the same SSID (a unique network name that distinguishes one Wi-Fi network from another) for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If one is discovered, then it would be a good idea to change it so that in the future it will be easier to find the corresponding network, even from a laptop, tablet or smartphone.
What Wi-Fi standards work on 5GHz?
At 5GHz there are 802.11a, 802.11n and 802.11ac, 802.11n is optional. And since most of the current routers are models of the 802.11n standard, you have to check whether the device at hand provides support for 5 ghz wifi. In addition, not every router that supports 2ghz and 5ghz wifi can work in both bands at the same time. So, if yours is also one of those, then it’s possible that it’s 5ghz wifi is better don't run.
After all, if in any of your mobile devices, which you use every day, support for 5ghz wifi is also not provided (and many models do not provide it), then switching the router to 5GHz is not entirely advisable. Of course, modern dual-band routers, as a rule, do not have such problems. But there are problems with devices connected to them, which can lose contact with each other, and then unnecessary chaos results. When, for example, an iPhone 7 connected to home network at 5GHz will suddenly stop seeing your MacBook, which is connected to the same network and through the same router at 2.4GHz.
how to find out if your laptop supports 5ghz wifi?
This is not easy either. The most accessible way for the average user is to go to “ device Manager " (through " Control Panel") and in the tab " Network adapters » find the exact name of the laptop’s built-in WiFi adapter. Next, you can google the detailed specification of this device by its name. If you read that the laptop’s WiFi adapter supports 802.11a and 802.11ac, then it definitely supports 5ghz wifi.
There is another option:
V " Device Manager » click right click mouse by the name of the WiFi adapter, in the menu that appears, select “ Properties ", go to the tab " Additionally "and in the list of properties we look for a mention of 5GHz. If the option to switch to 5ghz wifi mode could not be found, then either it is not supported in your laptop at all, or there may be a wrong driver WiFi adapter (this also happens).
However, if you really need 5ghz wifi, then the issue is guaranteed to be resolved by purchasing an external WiFi adapter. Such a device is inexpensive and allows you to do without all the fuss described above.
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There are more and more gadgets with Wi-Fi. 2.4 GHz networks already work poorly due to large quantity devices? Have you noticed this too? Even when using channels 1, 5, 9 and 13, is it impossible to obtain acceptable capacity and overall network performance? Well, what is there? good news. The 5 GHz band is almost completely free now. And besides, there are much more channels available for placing access points. As many as 19 to fit 20 MHz wide with minimal overlap. Almost any Apple device can use 5 GHz with 802.11A/N standard. In addition, it is in this range that they prefer to work if they have the opportunity to choose. Newest Wi-Fi standard 802.11AC can use channel widths of 20/40/80 MHz. New MacBooks prefer to operate with a channel width of 80 MHz if possible. The 2.4 GHz band dried up in 2017 and new standard Wi-Fi doesn't support it. Well, now there is a reason to promote the director to new access points with support for 802.11A/N/AC (just kidding). 802.11AC began appearing in Apple devices in 2013, and now all products are equipped with it. Soon other vendors will follow the company from Cupertino.
Let's conduct a compatibility study Wi-Fi devices with frequencies of 5 GHz. At using iPhone 5s c MikroTik hAP AC lite I noticed that it will not connect to the network when changing the frequency on the access point. At first I decided that this was not the right regionality, so I decided to write an appropriate article. Router OS version 6.38.5
Let's go to the interfaces tab in MikroTik and open wlan2. Let's choose the Belarus region.
I’ll show you a screenshot from MikroTik of choosing a frequency for our region. It's huge:
Connectivity with all frequency options was tested on the table. Ranges 5180-5320, 5500-5700 are approved for use in our country. 19 non-overlapping channels with a width of 20 MHz (width) are highlighted in bold . For the unaited state 2 region, it’s a secret to say that the range of 5705-5825 MHz is additionally offered. Apple iPhone 5s turned out to be able to work in it without changing the region (Belarus). Apparently there is enough frequency for everyone :-)
Let's set the channel width to 20/40 MHz Ce and continue the study. It turned out to be interesting that the smartphone was able to connect to the network only in the range 5180-5320, 5500-5580. What is this software bug? Or are wide channels prohibited in our region in the ranges 5600-5700, 5705-5825? In any case, this must be kept in mind. It turns out we have only 6 and not 9 non-overlapping channels with a width of 40 MHz. We want all devices to be able to work with a 5 GHz network, right?
Let's set the channel width to 20/40/80 MHz Ce. Now we were able to connect only when the access point frequency was set to 5180, 5260, 5500. In total, there are only 3 non-overlapping channels in which you can get maximum compatibility with the iPhone 5s tuned to the Belarusian region.
When using a frequency of 5260-5580 MHz, please note that the point Wi-Fi access does not turn on immediately, but with a delay of 60 seconds. For 5600-5640 the delay is apparently even greater.
Judging by the inscription and remembering the history of the development of Router OS, we can assume that there is a search for radar signals and if they are detected, the access point will not turn on. There is no such thing in the range 5705-5825.
Let me remind you that channels 12 and 13, which we allow for the 2.4 GHz range, cannot be used by some devices brought from other regions. The opposite situation is also possible: a device certified for our region may not connect to a range that is not permitted in our region. MacBook Air with the Belarusian region I could not see the network in the range 5600-5640*, therefore, in order to ensure maximum compatibility with client devices, I advise you not to use these frequencies . You should also limit the use of 20/40 and 20/40/80 MHz channels to only 5120-5300, 5500-5580 MHz. This will allow all devices developed and certified for our region to connect (after all, they are the majority).
* - MacBooks, unlike iPhones, take the region code using the outdated 802.11d protocol and are compatible with Wi-Fi networks may be different.
And for those who want their laptop to work even with those networks that are incorrectly configured, we recommend in the settings network adapter select support for the entire frequency range. In the network control center and shared access you can configure the Wi-Fi module:
According to Belarusian legislation, the use of client devices that can operate in ranges not permitted in our country is not prohibited. But access points cannot be operated on the wrong frequencies.
p.s. What is the performance of 802.11AC? I saw with my own eyes throughput between the client and the access point up to 160 Mbps with a channel width of 80 MHz MIMO 1x1 scheme via the SMB protocol. The 802.11AC standard limits not only frequencies and channel widths for certain regions, but also various types of technologies. In most CIS countries, beamforming technology that affects performance is prohibited.
Training: How to set up MikroTik from scratch?
Learn to work with MikroTik and RouterOS equipment using the video course "". Complete the lessons at your own pace and when it’s convenient - all materials remain with you indefinitely. The course includes 162 video lessons, 45 laboratory work, self-test questions and notes. After completing the course, you will be able to set up a MikroTik router from scratch, even if you don't have any actual hardware. You can watch the beginning of the course for free by leaving a request.
Read 20829 once Last modified Friday, 09 November 2018 17:22
Surely you have heard somewhere, or read, or yourself WiFi setup encountered such a concept as 5GHz, or 5GHz (gigahertz) in Russian translation. What is WiFi 5 GHz and is it worth using it? on the router? First, let's define what Wi-Fi actually is? In fact, nothing new - it's just transmitting data via a radio signal. And 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz is the frequency range at which this signal is broadcast. If we take a short excursion into history wireless technologies, then we will find out where it all began.
A short excursion into history:
- History of the wide Wi-Fi usage begins in 2000, when the 802.11b standard appeared. Devices supporting it operated at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and provided data transmission at a speed of no more than 11 Mbit/s.
- The next step was the appearance in 2002 of devices with the new 5 GHz band and new speed- as much as 54 Mbit/s. As you can imagine, at that time it was a clear breakthrough
- But 2003 became more successful in the development of WiFi, when the 802.11g standard appeared, combining the features of the previous two - a more affordable frequency of 2.4 GHz and a high speed by those standards of up to 54 Mbit/s.
Why is it only now that 5GHz WiFi is starting to attract so much attention, even though it has been around for a very long time?
The fact is that it was the 2.4 range that began to actively develop due to its greater accessibility. The speed began to increase, more and more routers and others were released network devices. Technologies began to develop that made it possible to transmit information via Wireless from one gadget to another; routers began to work with printers, scanners, mobile operators etc. and so on.
To put it simply, WiFi has become ubiquitous, the load on this range has increased greatly, and as a result, the speed and stability of work began to fall due to the many simultaneously operating networks.
It was then that the developers remembered the good old 5GHz - today devices that support the 802.11n and 802.11ac standards operate in this range. It is the latter that provides maximum speed wireless connection.
WiFi 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz - what is the difference in practice?
Yes, equipment that supports this standard, costs more, but not much. Except high speed The advantages of wifi 5 GHz include the fact that in this moment Almost no one uses it, which means there is no interference. Just look at the number of simultaneously operating networks in the access zone from my apartment.
2.4 GHz
5 GHz
Conditions for using 5 GHZ
In order to start using 5GHz Wi-Fi, it is enough to meet two conditions:
- Buy dual band router
- The devices from which you will connect to it must support 5GHz.
Which router to choose for working with WiFi at 5 GHz?
Surely, having read this far and convinced of the benefits of WiFi usage at a frequency of 5 GHz, you have a question about choosing a router. I can certainly recommend you a few inexpensive models, but there is one BUT! In my practice - and I had a lot of such routers in my hands - I was convinced that cheap routers and adapters that support this range, as a rule, work very unstable if they distribute a signal simultaneously at 5 and 2.4 GHz. If not all your laptops, phones, TV set-top boxes and other devices are dual-band, then it’s better to spend a little more money, but buy a good universal router right away.
Now, regarding the models, I can mention that they are inexpensive and at the same time quite good. Of the more expensive ones, I can recommend routers from the line Zyxel Keenetic with support for 5 GHz and TP-Link Archer.
If you want stability and quality that you don’t mind spending money on, then take a closer look at Apple line Airport. You can find it cheaper second-hand on Yula or Avito - that’s exactly what I did. But keep in mind that all sorts of features, such as a network media server or 3G/4G Internet, will not be supported, or will only work with gadgets from the same company.
How to connect a laptop to 5 GHz WiFi?
With the second one, at first glance, it’s more difficult - you won’t change the whole computer equipment in the house. But in fact, all smartphones released in the last 3-4 years support 5 GHz wifi. For example, I connect without any problems from my iPhone 5S, which was released back in 2013.
It is more difficult to change a computer or laptop, but there are no problems here either. Let's just go to digital store and buy it for him USB adapter with support for the 5 GHz band. They also work in two bands, so you can connect to 2.4 GHz frequencies. A separate article is devoted to this, but in short, it is advisable to choose a model from the same manufacturer as the router. Although, in principle, all standards are universal and will work with anyone - it’s just a matter of taste. Again, there is no point in recommending anything by brand; take not the most expensive and not the cheapest brand adapter in the middle price category— there are also plenty of reviews on our website.
For a desktop PC, an even better option would be to purchase a PCI adapter that connects to motherboard— the antennas from it will be located at the rear of the body.
To switch to the new TV standard, you can purchase an inexpensive set-top box on Android.
How to enable 5 GHz WiFi on a Xiaomi router?
Continuing the topic, let's look at the function of setting the wireless signal range on routers, and let's start with Xiaomi Router 3. This is the older model in the line, so it’s a sin for it not to be dual-band. By the way, its younger brother Xiaomi Mi Mini also supported 5GHz, but I did not recommend it to you for the simple reason that it is also not without the drawback that I mentioned - when working at two frequencies at once, it was very buggy.
Xiaomi's WiFi range is configured in the "Settings - WiFi" section
The very first item is the Dual Band Wi-Fi mode switch. Default Xiaomi router will only work on 2.4 GHz. To distribute the Internet in two bands at once, activate this toggle switch.
And wait about 30 seconds for the router to reboot
After this, two networks in different bands will become available for connection. However, there are two disadvantages - I don’t know how critical this is for the end user, but nevertheless:
- As we can see from the screenshot, only 2.4 GHz can be left to work separately - 5 GHz can only be activated in conjunction with 2.4.
- Another disadvantage is that all connection data (password and encryption type) will be the same for both networks. Only WiFi channels can be specified separately. In the same way, a separate item allows you to hide two networks at once, making them simultaneously invisible.
This produces one interesting feature- when two bands operate simultaneously, the device from which you want to connect to the router will see only one available signal. And then, depending on the quality of communication and support for the 5 GHz band, he will choose which one he needs to join at the moment.
On the one hand, the developers apparently thought that this was not bad for the mass user - there is no need to bother with which network is best to connect to - the smartphone or laptop will choose on its own best option. On the other hand, it is not clear on what principle he will choose these networks and at what point he will switch between them. I still prefer it when I control the entire process and know exactly in what range which device is operating at the moment.
5GHz on Apple Airport router
Now let's talk about one of the most expensive dual-band models - Apple Airport. Buy a modern, cool router for 8,000 rubles and don’t use it full program it would be stupid. The inclusion of the 5G standard will help eliminate the congestion problem wifi channels, thereby increasing the speed of the Internet and the stability of your wireless network generally. By default when quick setup Only one 2.4 GHz network is activated. But to enable a more modern and fast wireless signal, there will be something else that needs to be done.
Launch the Airport Utility program on your computer and enter “Manual Settings”
Open the “Wireless” tab and click on the “ Wireless Network Options"
Here we activate the “5G” checkbox and set a name for new network wifi Password and encryption type will be copied from the main 2.4G network
We save the settings with the “Update” button and enjoy a more stable and high-speed signal.
As you can see, benefits of wifi there is a lot in the 5GHz range and there is nothing difficult about starting to use it. If you have any questions, I will answer in the comments!
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There are more and more gadgets with Wi-Fi. Are 2.4 GHz networks already working poorly due to the large number of devices? Have you noticed this too? Even when using channels 1, 5, 9 and 13, is it impossible to obtain acceptable capacity and overall network performance? Well, there is good news. The 5 GHz band is almost completely free now. And besides, there are much more channels available for placing access points. As many as 19 to fit 20 MHz wide with minimal overlap. Almost any Apple device can use 5 GHz with the 802.11A/N standard. In addition, it is in this range that they prefer to work if they have the opportunity to choose. The latest Wi-Fi standard 802.11AC can use channel widths of 20/40/80 MHz. New MacBooks prefer to run at 80 MHz channel width if possible. The 2.4 GHz band dried up in 2017 and the new Wi-Fi standard does not support it. Well, now there is a reason to promote the director to new access points with support for 802.11A/N/AC (just kidding). 802.11AC began appearing in Apple devices in 2013, and now all products are equipped with it. Soon other vendors will follow the company from Cupertino.
Let's conduct a study of the compatibility of Wi-Fi devices with frequencies of 5 GHz. When using an iPhone 5s with MikroTik hAP AC lite, I noticed that it would not connect to the network when changing the frequency on the access point. At first I decided that this was not the right regionality, so I decided to write an appropriate article. Router OS version 6.38.5
Let's go to the interfaces tab in MikroTik and open wlan2. Let's choose the Belarus region.
I’ll show you a screenshot from MikroTik of choosing a frequency for our region. It's huge:
Connectivity with all frequency options was tested on the table. Ranges 5180-5320, 5500-5700 are approved for use in our country. 19 non-overlapping channels with a width of 20 MHz (width) are highlighted in bold . For the unaited state 2 region, it’s a secret to say that the range of 5705-5825 MHz is additionally offered. Apple iPhone 5s turned out to be able to work in it without changing the region (Belarus). Apparently there is enough frequency for everyone :-)
Let's set the channel width to 20/40 MHz Ce and continue the study. It turned out to be interesting that the smartphone was able to connect to the network only in the range 5180-5320, 5500-5580. What is this software bug? Or are wide channels prohibited in our region in the ranges 5600-5700, 5705-5825? In any case, this must be kept in mind. It turns out we have only 6 and not 9 non-overlapping channels with a width of 40 MHz. We want all devices to be able to work with a 5 GHz network, right?
Let's set the channel width to 20/40/80 MHz Ce. Now we were able to connect only when the access point frequency was set to 5180, 5260, 5500. In total, there are only 3 non-overlapping channels in which you can get maximum compatibility with the iPhone 5s tuned to the Belarusian region.
When using a frequency of 5260-5580 MHz, please note that the Wi-Fi access point does not turn on immediately, but with a delay of 60 seconds. For 5600-5640 the delay is apparently even greater.
Judging by the inscription and remembering the history of the development of Router OS, we can assume that there is a search for radar signals and if they are detected, the access point will not turn on. There is no such thing in the range 5705-5825.
Let me remind you that channels 12 and 13, which we allow for the 2.4 GHz range, cannot be used by some devices brought from other regions. The opposite situation is also possible: a device certified for our region may not connect to a range that is not permitted in our region. MacBook Air with the Belarusian region could not see the network in the range 5600-5640*, therefore, in order to ensure maximum compatibility with client devices, I advise you not to use these frequencies . You should also limit the use of 20/40 and 20/40/80 MHz channels to only 5120-5300, 5500-5580 MHz. This will allow all devices developed and certified for our region to connect (after all, they are the majority).
* - MacBooks, unlike iPhones, use the region code using the outdated 802.11d protocol and compatibility with Wi-Fi networks may be different.
And for those who want their laptop to work even with networks that are incorrectly configured, we recommend that you select support for the entire frequency range in the network adapter settings. In the Network and Sharing Center, you can configure the Wi-Fi module:
According to Belarusian legislation, the use of client devices that can operate in ranges not permitted in our country is not prohibited. But access points cannot be operated on the wrong frequencies.
p.s. What is the performance of 802.11AC? I have seen with my own eyes the throughput between the client and the access point up to 160 Mbps with a channel width of 80 MHz using the MIMO 1x1 scheme over the SMB protocol. The 802.11AC standard limits not only frequencies and channel widths for certain regions, but also various types of technologies. In most CIS countries, beamforming technology that affects performance is prohibited.
Training: How to set up MikroTik from scratch?
Learn to work with MikroTik and RouterOS equipment using the video course "". Complete the lessons at your own pace and when it’s convenient - all materials remain with you indefinitely. The course includes 162 video lessons, 45 laboratory works, self-test questions and notes. After completing the course, you will be able to set up a MikroTik router from scratch, even if you don't have any actual hardware. You can watch the beginning of the course for free by leaving a request.
Read 20830 once Last modified Friday, 09 November 2018 17:22
Against the backdrop of total PR of the new 802.11ac (5 GHz) standard by router manufacturers, let's talk a little about it. So, if you listen to all the marketing hype, you get the impression that there are almost hundreds of bands in the 5GHz range and there is enough room for everyone. Is it so?
Let's start with the fact that in the 802.11 b/g/n standard for the 2.4 GHz frequency there are 3 non-overlapping channels. These are the channels:
- 1 (2412 MHz)
- 6 (2437 MHz)
- 11 (2462 MHz)
Wherein we're talking about about 20 MHz wide channels. For 802.11n, 20/40 MHz channel width can be used. Large channel width provides higher speed. Those. if you start using 40 MHz width, the channel starts to overlap with 7 channels + 0.5 channels on each side.
And if there are a lot of such smart people, the airwaves become clogged, the points begin to interfere with each other, which leads to an increase in the Noise Level values (noise level) and a decrease in the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). As a result, the real speed drops. In North America, only 11 channels are used - from 1 to 11. In Europe and Asia, channels 12 and 13 are also available.
In the 5 GHz frequency range, 23 non-overlapping 20 MHz channels are available. Here you can already use not only a width of 20/40 MHz, but also a wide channel of 80 MHz (main + auxiliary).
First block of channels UNII-1 (Lower, lower)- frequency from 5180 to 5240, available non-overlapping channels of 20 MHz:
Second block UNII-2 (Middle, average)- frequency from 5260 to 5320, available non-overlapping channels of 20 MHz:
Third block UNII-2 (Extended)- frequency from 5500 to 5700, available non-overlapping channels of 20 MHz:
Fourth block UNII-3- frequency from 5745 to 5805, available non-overlapping channels of 20 MHz:
There are 3 separate groups of channels:
- Japan(channels: 8, 12, 16; range 5040-5080)
- US Public Safety(channels: 184, 188, 192, 196; range 4920-4980)
- ISM(channel 165, frequency 5825)
The 802.11ac standard provides for the use of groups UNII-1, UNII-2 (both) and UNII-3, i.e. a total of 23 channels. Due to this, when using a channel width of 80 MHz, 5 non-overlapping channels are available. The same specification provides for the possibility of combining 2 channels of 80 MHz, which ultimately gives 160 MHz.
802.11ac - from theory to practice
And everything would be so rosy if the devices were more affordable and supported all 23 channels. Equipment entry level supports only 4 channels from the UNII-1 group. Met good equipment, which supports UNII-1 + UNII-2 + UNII-3. But I haven’t seen UNII-2 Extended at all. In the comments, you can unsubscribe whether you have equipment that supports the 802.11ac standard, and what channels it supports. I think it will be interesting and useful for many in the future.
An important detail: the range of 802.11ac is less (!).