Connecting Multi-Devices to Router

Hi All

Description

I'm writing this up to see if anyone can help me so I'm connecting my devices to the NBN internet, I got various devices and am unsure whether if they should be connected to 2.4ghz or 5ghz

Devices:

  • 2x PC/Laptops
  • 2x Mobiles
  • 1x Multimedia Device
  • 2x Smart TV
  • 3x Gaming Devices

Comments

  • +9

    5ghz has the best bandwidth but has less range through walls etc. Use that for your multimedia devices and laptops.

    2.4ghz has less bandwidth but better range thru walls - so you tend to use it for low bandwidth stuff (eg mobile phones, IOT devices, guest network)

    Ideally try and direct cable your multimedia/TVs/PCs (whatever is possible) to the router so when they are in use they don't consume the wireless bandwidth. Less latency too.

    • +2

      This is all pretty much correct. But if you get confused don't think too much about it, just connect to whatever has a strong signal and things should just work.

    • also forgot to add 3x gaming consoles

      so from what your saying

      • Fetch Box - 2.4 or 5 On Guest SSID
        (Router Is Close To Roter)

      • Tv - 2.4 or 5 On Guest SSID
        *(Router Is Close To Roter But With Some Walls

      • Mobile - 2.4 Non Guest SSID
        (Sometimes Router Is Close To Roter but some times outside or bedroom)

      • My Tv - 5 Non-Guest SSID
        (Router Is Close To Roter) But with the wall in the way

      • My PC - 5 Non-Guest SSID
        (Router Is Close To Roter) But with the wall in the way

      • Gaming Consoles 5 Non-Guest SSID
        (Router Is Close To Roter) But with the wall in the way

      • +4

        Fetch box and tv on either cable or 5ghz. You will struggle to stream without buffering on 2.4ghz

        Mobile on 5ghz unless you get no signal

    • Also depends on device compatibility with 5GHz
      Some may only connect to 2.4GHz
      2.4GHz is the best bet indoors when traveling through walls

  • +2

    Aside from range (2.4Ghz > 5Ghz), security and compatibility are also things to consider.

    Generally older IoT devices only support 2.4Ghz and it might be worthwhile to separate your home network (i.e. laptops PCs etc) and isolate it from the IoT network given that these devices are less frequently patched / updated …

    • what do you mean IOT

      • Internet Of Things - for example, televisions, IP cameras, smart themometers / sensors, lightbulbs, power switches .. anything that's "smart" :-)

        • so from what your saying

          Fetch Box - 2.4 or 5 On Guest SSID
          (Router Is Close To Roter)

          Tv - 2.4 or 5 On Guest SSID
          *(Router Is Close To Roter But With Some Walls

          Mobile - 2.4 Non Guest SSID
          (Sometimes Router Is Close To Roter but some times outside or bedroom)

          My Tv - 5 Non-Guest SSID
          (Router Is Close To Roter) But with the wall in the way

          My PC - 5 Non-Guest SSID
          (Router Is Close To Roter) But with the wall in the way

          Gaming Consoles 5 Non-Guest SSID
          (Router Is Close To Roter) But with the wall in the way

          • @DarkSide: If I were to do it (and assuming that it is supported / within range / speeds aceptable for purpose)

            2.4Ghz (Guest or Non-Guest is fine, but those that won't be connected often / continuously on the former)
            Fetch box
            TV
            My TV
            Gaming consoles

            5Ghz (Non-Guest)
            My PC
            Mobile

  • +4

    Always connect using the following order

    Hardwired Cable -> 5ghz Wifi -> 2.4ghz Wifi

    • cable is a no go

      • So you move on to the next connection method in the order……

      • +2

        Google Powerline Adaptors

    • Hardwired Cable

      I've hardwired all my IOT devices.

      It may look silly, and the wife won't stop complaining, but dam those lights turn on and off quickly…

      • How did you hardwire your IoT devices? I don't think I've seen a smart device with an ethernet port, except maybe for Chromecasts or the Google Home Max. Or did you mean your Hue or Zigbee hubs are hardwired?

  • +1

    Don't over think it. We run both 2.4 and 5 and I regularly flick between the two depending on how they're travelling.

    Ideally, things like TV, Fetch etc ought to be via Ethernet.

  • +3

    Back in the day I would set both bandwidths with the exact same SSID and password and let the devices connecting choose. I much prefer hardwire for everything now anyways

  • This is a trial and error thing, not deciding on paper. Give it a go for each device and switch to other frequency if you're having issues.

  • +1

    Put everything on 5Ghz unless it can't. eg. out of range or the device doesn't have support.

  • +1

    Just rename both networks to the same name and let your device connect to whichever is the strongest signal.

  • ive set up the devices with its designated names would I need to upgrade my router its an old dlink

  • Your neighbours, bluetooth keyb, mouse, airpods, bt smartwatch, remote control door, cordless phones, zigbee stuff, home automate RF stuff are all on the 2.4ghz radio. If you want proper wifi, stay on the 5ghz band.

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