If you're lucky enough to have a **Wireless Router** with dual-band capabilities, you'll probably see 2 similar **Wi-Fi** names come up when looking to connect to a network. For example:

**Router1234**  
**Router1234-5**

You're probably wondering what the difference between the 2 are and which one to use*.

*In more cases than not, your 5GHz **Wi-Fi** name will end in **-5**

Let's take a look at the differences.

## Range

**2.4 GHz**- This frequency is able to travel longer distances than **5GHz**, therefore devices that are further away from the router are still able to connect. It also has a better chance of penetrating walls and floors.

**5 GHz** - This frequency has a shorter range than **2.4 GHz** and is not able to penetrate walls and floors in the same way. So your device may not be able to pick this up further away from the router.

## Compatibility

**2.4 GHz**- All Wireless-enabled devices support this frequency band.

**5 GHz** - Not all Wireless-enabled devices support this frequency. For example, Wireless-enabled Printers. You might find that your device and printer have to be on the same **2.4GHz** network to print successfully.

## Speed

**2.4 GHz** - As the number suggests, you will get slower speeds than **5GHz**. However, for normal everyday use such as reading emails or browsing the internet, **2.4GHz** is perfectly acceptable.

**5GHz** - For Streaming TV and Videos (Think YouTube, Netflix, etc), this faster frequency is better suited and is less likely to have pausing and slower download speeds.

## Interference

**2.4 GHz** - This frequency is the most susceptible to interference. Things such as Microwave Ovens, Baby Monitors and Cordless Phones run on the same frequency, as such they can interfere with the wireless signal. You may even find that your connection cuts out altogether when using the Microwave.

**5GHz** - Generally, there shouldn't be any such interference on this frequency. However, this may be a problem in the future as technology companies upgrade their products to a higher frequency.

## Summary

Whilst both have their **Advantages** and **Disadvantages**, we recommend that you use the **5GHz** frequency to get the best experience.