Modern Wi-Fi runs on three bands. They're not better-or-worse — they're each better at different things. Knowing which to use makes a real difference in speed and reliability.

The bands

| Band | Real-world speed | Range | Congestion | Best for |<br>|---|---|---|---|---|<br>| 2.4 GHz | 50 Mbps | Long | Heavy | Far corners, IoT devices |<br>| 5 GHz | 200-400 Mbps | Medium | Moderate | Most laptops, daily use |<br>| 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) | 600+ Mbps | Short | Light | Modern laptops near AP |

When to use 2.4 GHz

  • You're physically far from any access point
  • You're in a part of the building where 5 GHz signal is weak (basements, far rooms with concrete walls)
  • The device only supports 2.4 (older IoT, smart plugs, some printers)
  • You only need email and chat, not video

The downside is interference. 2.4 GHz is shared with:

  • Microwaves
  • Bluetooth
  • Wireless mice (some)
  • Baby monitors, garage door openers
  • Cordless phones
  • Other people's Wi-Fi (densely)

In a city office, 2.4 GHz can become unusable mid-day.

When to use 5 GHz

  • Your laptop and AP both support it (every modern laptop does)
  • You're within 10-15m of the AP through normal walls
  • You want consistent speeds for meetings and screen-sharing

This is the default for most use. If you have a choice, pick 5 GHz.

When to use 6 GHz

  • Your laptop has a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 adapter (check Device Manager → wireless adapter — "Wi-Fi 6E" in the name)
  • The AP supports 6 GHz (newer enterprise gear)
  • You're within ~10m of the AP
  • You need maximum throughput (large file transfers, high-res video calls)

6 GHz has very little interference because it's new. Speeds are noticeably faster.

How to see which band you're on

Windows: netsh wlan show interfaces. Look at Radio type:

  • 802.11n → 2.4 GHz (or 5)
  • 802.11ac → 5 GHz
  • 802.11ax → Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 or 5)
  • 802.11ax + 6 GHz → Wi-Fi 6E

macOS: Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon. The submenu shows channel and band.

Office Wi-Fi networks

Many offices broadcast both bands under the same network name. Your laptop picks one automatically — usually 5 GHz when you're close, 2.4 GHz when you walk to the far conference room.

If your laptop seems stuck on the wrong band:

  • Forget the network and reconnect — it picks fresh
  • Some IT teams broadcast separate names like Office-5G and Office-2.4G so you can pick manually

Speed expectations

Real-world office speeds (not theoretical max):

  • 2.4 GHz: 20-40 Mbps if interference is moderate
  • 5 GHz: 100-300 Mbps with a strong signal
  • 6 GHz: 300-700 Mbps with a strong signal

Below these, your Wi-Fi has a problem — see [slow Wi-Fi](/kb/slow-wifi).

When to ticket

Raise a ticket if:

  • Multiple bands are slow in the same area (probably an AP issue)
  • 6 GHz support is missing where it should be (driver or firmware)
  • You consistently land on the wrong band despite "forget and reconnect"