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One may end in "2.4G" (or have no suffix), while the other ends in "5G". For example, a Ting and Ting_5G network.
Those two networks are actually different signal frequencies with different uses.
With a mesh network, the two networks are combined by supporting both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, referred to as a dual-band. You only need to connect to one, but they will continue to function as two separate networks in the background. Your router will automatically switch your device between the two frequencies without you noticing.
This isn't always your choice. Some router manufacturers only do it one way or the other. Consult with the router manufacturer for more info.
The main difference between 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi is their speed and range of capabilities.
In general, a 2.4 GHz signal can cover most of a typical 2,200 sq ft home. On the other hand, 5 GHz signals can reach approximately 2 or 3 rooms away from the router.
These ranges can vary depending on the specific home, particularly due to differences in the building materials and other solid objects in your space.
| 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/n/ac |
| Range |
|
|
| Speed |
|
|
| Compatibility | Universal | Limited *based on device specifications |
| Channels (non-overlapping) |
3 |
24 |
| Congestion | Congested with Wi-Fi signals | Less Wi-Fi congestion |
| Wi-Fi Interference | More likely | Less likely |
Here's a brief background of the two frequencies.
When Wi-Fi was introduced in 1999, routers operated on the 2.4 GHz frequency. This frequency has three non-overlapping channels but suffers from congestion due to the large number of devices competing for spectrum.
These devices include microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, security cameras, game controllers, wireless mice, wireless keyboards, and garage door openers, among others.
When there's a lot of noise around, devices have a hard time communicating and end up sending data again and again. This leads to reduced speeds, increased latency, and connectivity issues.
The 5 GHz band operates on 24 non-overlapping channels, making it preferable to 2.4 GHz for daily use due to its lack of congestion or interference.
Dual router bands typically do not automatically switch to the optimal band. For instance, if your phone has both networks saved in its Wi-Fi list, it will connect to the first one it detects.
Instead of having separate networks named Home 2.4 and Home 5, you can simplify by having a single network named Home. The router will still use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands in the background, but you won't need to manually select one over the other.
Your router will automatically determine which band to use based on factors like signal strength, network usage, distance, compatibility, etc.
Customers who installed their service before August 2019 were initially set up with two separate Wi-Fi networks. However, since then, we have transitioned to a unified mesh approach for all routers we deploy.
If you have a preference for either Wi-Fi connection method, it is a simple setting change in your router, although it may require a software upgrade. If you need assistance with this, contact us.
If you are renting an eero router from Ting, the Wi-Fi networks cannot be separated. This router operates exclusively in a unified mesh mode.