The 5 GHz wireless band was introduced with the 802.11a WiFi standard in 1999. The 5 GHz band provides higher speeds but a shorter range than the 2.4 GHz band introduced with the initial 802.11 WiFi standard in 1997.
Most modern WiFi devices support the 5 GHz band. If your device can't detect or connect to the 5 GHz wireless band, try the following:
Make sure that your device is 5 GHz WiFi capable
While most modern WiFi devices can connect to the 5 GHz band, some devices might only support 2.4 GHz connections because they have very low bandwidth needs or were manufactured to meet a low price point. Some IoT devices and WiFi-capable printers, for example, only connect to the 2.4 GHz band. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for your device to see if it supports 5 GHz WiFi.
Move closer to your router, mesh satellite, or access point
The 5 GHz band has a shorter range than the 2.4 GHz band. Because of its shorter range, 5 GHz WiFi routers, access points, and satellites must be positioned relatively close to where you require the 5 GHz connection. We recommend that you avoid placing your router, access point, or satellites in places like your basement, attic, or closet.
Try changing your 5 GHz wireless channel
Your router either uses a default 5 GHz wireless channel or automatically selects a channel based on your region. If your router senses interference from other signals, it might automatically change its wireless channel. However, if you are experiencing connectivity problems, you might want to try manually changing the wireless channel instead.
For example, you might want to experiment with changing to a lower channel (between 36 and 48) and try connecting to your router again. In some cases, lowering the 5 GHz band speed to Up to 5.8 Gbps or less can also resolve connectivity problems for some devices. For more information, see How do I change the wireless channel on my NETGEAR router?
For more information:
- What is the difference between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless frequencies?
- Why can't my device detect the 6 GHz wireless band?