5Ghz setup

[lhowemt]

HI All-

I am a complete network idiot. Please forgive me, I tried some searches to solve this and I can't follow all of the tech talk. We have one of these routers, and I would like to get the 5 Ghz network working. I'm assuming that it will work faster, maybe I'm wrong. A speed test actually looks the same connected via wireless or ethernet. I have a new Dell laptop, and it is taking FOREVER for the first Carbonite backup. I'm hoping a faster network will help. I haven't even upgraded the firmware, and am afraid to after reading about some of the firmware problems. Should I not even bother, or is it simple to set up? I've got different SSID's, but I never see the 5 Ghz one in my available networks.

Thanks
Laura

 

[jim769]

In order for you to use the 5 ghz band your devices must also have duel band that means your dell or whatever you use has to support 5 Ghz to see it and use it. Hope this helps you..

 

[sm00thpapa]

If you don't see the 5 GHz band that means your device doesn't support it. Use Merlins latest firmware for best performance.

 

[RMerlin]

5 GHz in itself doesn't imply faster performance. The higher number doesn't mean anything - it's just using a different radio frequency that has less interference than the old 2.4 GHz. That frequency also has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz.

 

[mikeg]

Use inSSIDer

Install inSSIDer and see if the inSSIDer shows the 5 GHz band at all on your Dell laptop. I have the 5 GHZ available on my Dell Inspirion 1720.l

 

[pirx73]

Well 5GHz band is less "crowded" - no BT, cordless phones, microwaves and such.
It makes sense using it if range is adequate. "New DELL laptop" most likely will have 5GHz capability but if you could check WiFi card type in Device Manager people here will tell you can it work in 5GHz or not.