“5G” and “5.8G” in WiFi: Unveiling the Secrets of Wireless Network Frequencies¶
Today, WiFi has become an indispensable part of our lives. Whether it’s binge-watching shows, gaming, or remote working, a stable internet connection is essential. However, many people may feel confused when they see options like “2.4G,” “5G,” or even “5.8G” in their router settings :
- What do these numbers actually represent?
- How do they affect speed and signal?
- Is this the same as mobile 5G networks?
This article will analyze these concepts from a scientific perspective to help everyone better understand the underlying logic of wireless networks.
1. What is "5G" in WiFi?¶
1. Not the mobile 5G, but the 5GHz frequency band¶
What we commonly refer to as “WiFi 5G” actually indicates the 5GHz (Gigahertz) wireless frequency band, which is completely unrelated to the “fifth generation mobile network (5G).”
2.4GHz vs 5GHz:
WiFi routers usually support two frequency bands:
- 2.4GHz: Offers wider coverage and better penetration, but faces more interference (devices like Bluetooth and microwaves also use this band), and speeds are slower.
- 5GHz: Provides greater bandwidth, less interference, and is suitable for high-speed transmission, but the signal degrades faster and has a smaller coverage area.
2. Why is the 5GHz band needed?¶
With the increasing number of smart devices, the 2.4GHz band is becoming increasingly congested. For example, a household may have dozens of devices connected at the same time, leading to network lags.
Advantages of 5GHz:
- Provides wider channels (e.g., 80MHz, 160MHz) for faster transmission speeds.
- Offers more available channels (2.4GHz has only 3 non-overlapping channels, while 5GHz has dozens), reducing interference.
2. What about “5.8G” in hardware?¶
1. 5.8GHz is part of the 5GHz band¶
5GHz is not a single frequency but a range (typically 5.150–5.850GHz). Different countries categorize this band into several sub-bands. For example:
- China: 5.725–5.850GHz (i.e., “5.8G”).
- USA: 5.150–5.825GHz.
When some routers indicate support for “5.8G,” it means they cover the higher frequency portion of the 5GHz band.
2. Characteristics of the high-band frequency¶
- Faster speeds but more significant degradation: Higher frequencies carry more data (like having more lanes on a highway), but they degrade more quickly when encountering obstacles (such as walls and furniture).
- Impact of transmission power: Some devices may increase transmission power (e.g., from 100mW to 200mW) to compensate for the coverage issues of high-frequency signals, but this must comply with local regulations (e.g., China limits the transmission power in the 5.8GHz band).
3. Key Differences: 5G vs 5.8G¶
| Comparison Dimension | WiFi 5G (5GHz) | 5.8G in Hardware (5.8GHz) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Entire 5GHz band | High-frequency sub-band of 5GHz |
| Coverage Range | Medium (smaller than 2.4GHz) | Smaller (high frequencies degrade faster) |
| Applicable Scenarios | Close-range high-speed transmission (e.g., 4K video) | Short-distance extreme demands (e.g., VR devices) |
| Device Compatibility | Supported by most devices | Supported by some high-end routers or devices |
4. How to Choose the Right Frequency Band?¶
1. Choose Based on Needs¶
Select 2.4GHz:
- When you need to penetrate walls or cover large areas (like villas or multi-story homes).
- When connecting low-speed devices like smart home gadgets.
Select 5GHz/5.8GHz:
- When devices are near the router (like a desktop in the study or gaming consoles).
- When you need high-speed, low-latency connections (like online meetings or competitive gaming).
2. Dual-band Routers are the Trend¶
Modern routers mainly support dual-band integration (2.4GHz + 5GHz automatic switching), where devices will automatically select the best frequency band based on distance and interference. When making manual settings, consider the following recommendations:
- Smart Home Devices: Fixed connection to 2.4GHz.
- Mobile Phones/Computers: Prefer connecting to 5GHz.
3. Pay Attention to Regulatory Restrictions¶
Different countries impose strict regulations on the use of the 5.8GHz sub-band. For example:
- China: The maximum allowable transmission power for the 5.8GHz band is 200mW.
- EU: Some bands must support DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) to avoid interference with radar signals. When purchasing routers for cross-border use, ensure compliance with local regulations.
5. Future Outlook: How Will WiFi Technology Evolve?¶
1.The Popularity of WiFi 6/6E:
- WiFi 6 supports the 6GHz band (not yet available in China), providing wider channels and lower latency.
- Future devices may support 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz simultaneously.
2.Challenges of High-Frequency Bands:
As frequency bands increase (like millimeter waves), signal coverage issues will become more pronounced, requiring reliance on technologies like Mesh networking and smart antennas to overcome limitations.
Conclusion¶
- WiFi 5G = 5GHz band: Addresses the congestion of 2.4GHz and offers high-speed channels.
- 5.8G = 5.8GHz frequency: A high-frequency part of 5GHz, offering extreme speeds but limited coverage.
- Utilize Dual-Band Wisely: Selecting frequency bands according to scenarios can truly maximize WiFi performance.
Next time you set up your router, consider manually allocating frequency bands, and you may find a significant improvement in your network experience!