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In today’s fast-paced, connected world, Wi-Fi has emerged as an essential part of our daily lives. From work to entertainment, fast Wi-Fi has become an expectation rather than a luxury. As more and more individuals and devices depend on Wi-Fi, the demand for a stable and robust nbn internet connection has skyrocketed. But just like traffic congestion on a busy highway, the sheer volume of devices trying to access Wi-Fi networks can cause performance bottlenecks, slowing down your internet experience.
Thankfully, one of the most practical solutions available to us today is the ability to switch between Wi-Fi channels, specifically the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. By understanding how to optimise your Wi-Fi network and select the most suitable channel, you can significantly enhance your browsing experience and mitigate connectivity issues. Allow us to get you up to speed on the ins and outs of Wi-Fi frequencies and channels, providing you valuable tips and insights to help you make the most of your wireless network.
Understanding WiFi channels and frequency bands
Before we dive into the process of changing your WiFi frequency, let’s first understand the concept of Wi-Fi channels and frequency bands. The term “Wi-Fi network” refers to the wireless network created by your Wi-Fi router, enabling devices to connect to the internet. Wi-Fi routers operate on two main frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Each of these frequency bands is divided into multiple Wi-Fi channels that help transmit data between devices and the router.
When multiple Wi-Fi networks operate on the same channel or overlapping channels, adjacent channel interference can occur, which can slow down your WiFi connection. By changing the WiFi channel on your router, you can reduce interference and improve the performance of your wireless network.
Benefits of different frequency bands
Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands have their unique advantages and drawbacks:
2.4GHz frequency band
- Pro: Wider coverage and better connection through walls and solid objects
- Pro: Compatible with most devices
- Con: Slower speeds and prone to congestion due to limited Wi-Fi channels and interference from other devices
5 GHz frequency band
- Pro: Faster speeds and less congestion due to more Wi-Fi channels
- Pro: Less interference from other devices
- Con: Limited range and weaker connection through walls and solid objects
Changing Wi-Fi frequency in your router
Now that you have a better understanding of Wi-Fi channels and frequency bands, let’s explore how to change your Wi-Fi frequency. The process may vary slightly depending on the router model, but the general steps are as follows:
1. Identify your router’s IP address
For most routers, the default IP address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. You can also find the IP address by following these steps:
- On Windows: Press Win + R, type ‘cmd’, press Enter, type ‘ipconfig /all’, press Enter, and note the router’s IP address next to Default Gateway.
- On Mac: While holding the Option/Alt key, press the Wi-Fi icon from the menu bar and note the Router Address.
2. Log in to your router’s configuration page
Open a web browser, enter the IP address in the URL bar, and log in using your router’s username and password (usually found on the back of the router or in the manual).
3. Navigate to the wireless settings
Locate the wireless settings, which are typically found under Advanced Settings or Advanced Wireless section.
4. Change the frequency band
Select the desired frequency band (2.4GHz or 5GHz) and change the channel settings accordingly.
5. Save and apply the changes
Click ‘Save’ or ‘Apply’ to confirm the changes. Your router may reboot, causing a brief interruption in your Wi-Fi connection.
Changing WiFi frequency on Windows
If you’re using a Windows device and would like to switch your WiFi frequency from 2.4GHz to 5GHz, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type ‘devmgmt.msc’ and press Enter to launch the Device Manager.
- Locate the Network Adapters section and expand it.
- Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab.
- Find the Preferred Band option and select it.
- Choose ‘5 GHz only’ or ‘Prefer 5 GHz’ from the dropdown menu on the right.
- Optionally, if you want to exclusively connect to 5GHz, click on ‘VHT 2.4G’ and select ‘Disable’.
- Click ‘OK’ to apply the changes and close the Properties window.
Changing WiFi frequency on Mac
To switch your WiFi frequency from 2.4GHz to 5GHz on a Mac, follow these steps to prioritise the 5GHz network:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
- Open the Network settings.
- Click on the ‘Advanced’ button in the lower-right corner.
- In the WiFi tab, locate your 5GHz network in the list of Preferred Networks.
- Click and drag your 5GHz network to the top of the list.
- Press ‘OK’ to save the changes and close the Advanced settings window.
When to use dual-band routers
Dual-band routers are capable of operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, allowing you to switch between them based on your needs. This can be particularly useful when you have a mix of older and newer devices that require both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
To fully harness the benefits of a dual-band router, MATE’s TP-Link VX230v Modem Router is an exceptional option that ensures a smooth and dependable internet connection. MATE’s modem router comes pre-configured and delivered straight to your doorstep for an effortless plug-and-play experience. With guaranteed compatibility with any nbn technology, the modem offers impressive internet speeds of up to 350Mbps. Additionally, it is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (AX1800), providing 1201Mbps via 5GHz and 574Mbps via 2GHz, making it an ideal choice for homes with a variety of devices.
How to choose the best Wi-Fi channel
One of the most important factors in changing your Wi-Fi frequency is selecting the right channel to avoid interference and optimise performance. The best channel for your wireless network will depend on your router, the internet band you’re using, and the channels being used by other Wi-Fi networks in your area.
For 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks
In the 2.4GHz frequency band, there are 14 available channels, but only channels 1, 6, and 11 are considered non-overlapping. These channels do not interfere with each other, which makes them the best choice for most people. To choose the right channel for your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:
- Use a Wi-Fi analyser tool to identify the channels being used by other Wi-Fi networks in your area. Many free and paid Wi-Fi analyser apps are available for smartphones and computers.
- Look for a channel that has the least number of networks using it. If all the non-overlapping channels have other networks on them, choose the channel with the fewest networks and the lowest WiFi signal strength.
- Change your Wi-Fi channel to the chosen channel in your router settings.
For 5GHz Wi-Fi networks
The 5 GHz frequency band offers more non-overlapping channels (up to 24) than the 2.4 GHz band, making it easier to find a suitable channel. To choose the right channel for your 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:
- Use a Wi-Fi analyser tool to identify the channels being used by other Wi-Fi networks in your area.
- Look for a channel that is not being used or has the least number of networks using it.
- Change your Wi-Fi channel to the chosen channel in your router settings.
How to check and improve Wi-Fi signal strength
After changing your Wi-Fi frequency and selecting the right channel, it’s essential to check your Wi-Fi signal strength and make adjustments to improve it if necessary.
- Use a Wi-Fi analyser tool or built-in device feature to check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Many smartphones and computers have built-in signal strength indicators that display the signal strength in dBm (decibel-milliwatts).
- If your Wi-Fi signal strength is weak or unstable, consider moving your Wi-Fi router to a more central location, away from walls and other physical obstacles.
- Make sure your Wi-Fi router’s antennas are positioned optimally for your home or office layout. Generally, antennas should be positioned vertically for the best signal coverage.
- Consider investing in a Wi-Fi range extender or mesh networking system to improve your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead zones.
Conclusion
Changing your Wi-Fi frequency and selecting the right channel for your network can significantly improve your Wi-Fi performance and reduce adjacent channel interference. By following the steps we’ve touched on in this guide, you can optimise your WiFi network for better speed and reliability. And if you’re looking for a high-quality Wi-Fi router and expert support, why not try MATE to start getting the most out of your internet?
With MATE’s TP-Link VX230v Modem, you’ll enjoy the benefits of dual-band WiFi 6, seamless compatibility with any nbn technology, and support for VoIP calls. Plus, MATE’s unlimited data internet plans ensure you can surf, stream and download without worrying about data caps. Choose MATE for a reliable, high-performance internet experience backed by dedicated customer support to help you stay connected with ease.
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