[RT-N66U] what is the point of 5GHz network

[ursus]

Is it probably stupid question, but what is the point of 5Ghz network with RT-N66U?

I have very crowded 2.4GHz environment (seven differen network) yet in my flat I'm getting exact same performance from 2.4GHz and 5Ghz.

My test client is two stream Intel Centrino Advanced N-6200.

Why should I bother with 5Ghz if I'm getting exact same performance on 2.4Ghz and... better coverage?

I don't have hidden agenda with question. I just want to know

 

[RogerSC]

The 5GHz. environment is a better one for streaming, assuming that the range is suitable. Not only can you get higher speeds with wireless-ac (assuming that you have the clients that support the higher speed), but there's less interference from neighbors, cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, wireless headphones, you name it, lots of stuff going on for the 2.4GHz. band. So you're more likely to be able to get uninterrupted streaming performance.

 

[wouterv]

There a few reasons for having more frequency bands for wireless communication.
One main reason is simply additional bandwidth and more available radio channels.
Specially with the new techniques N and AC, the bandwidth will either double or quad compared to the good old G standard.
With the allowed transmitter power, the signal range for 2.4 GHz is longer compared to 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz is better in penetrating concrete walls, floors etc.
Theorethically the maximum throughput for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is equal for the wireless N standard: 450 Mbps (3 parallel streams of 150 Mbps each), it all depends on the wireless client (many can handle only one or two streams, resulting in 150 or 300 Mbps).
The new AC standard applies to 5 GHz only, this is still a draft standard.
Some clients and some routers can work with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously, allowing a maximum throughput of 900 Mbps for the N standard. Many clients can only deal with one frequency at a time.
Far most wireless equipment can still only use 2.4 GHz, thus this is expected to be more crowded then 5 GHz.
It is commonly advised to even downscale your 2.4 GHz and set it fixed to 20 Mhz bandwidth, limiting your self to half the N standard and at the same time causing less interference with your neigbors and suffering less disturbance.
Final conclusion: use what suits the best for you and to keep peace with your neighbors.

 

[ursus]

The 5GHz. environment is a better one for streaming, assuming that the range is suitable. Not only can you get higher speeds with wireless-ac (assuming that you have the clients that support the higher speed), but there's less interference from neighbors, cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, wireless headphones, you name it, lots of stuff going on for the 2.4GHz. band. So you're more likely to be able to get uninterrupted streaming performance.

wireleass-ac? I thought that RT-N66U supports only n standard.

 

[RogerSC]

wireleass-ac? I thought that RT-N66U supports only n standard.

Yes, the larger question was why use 5GHz. band, re-read the OP's first sentence *smile*...while I'm well aware that the RT-N66U doesn't support wireless-ac, it is a plus for the 5GHz. band. The main thing for the RT-N66U, though, is the lack of interference giving you the potential of much better media streaming performance. Limited by the lower range, of course, but the lower range is part of the reason why 5GHz. tends to be much clearer.

If you're not streaming media, then I agree that 5GHz. is really not important, unless you really do have serious interference problems on 2.4GHz. and can avoid them by using 5GHz. instead.

 

[ursus]

Yes, the larger question was why use 5GHz. band, re-read the OP's first sentence *smile*...while I'm well aware that the RT-N66U doesn't support wireless-ac, it is a plus for the 5GHz. band. The main thing for the RT-N66U, though, is the lack of interference giving you the potential of much better media streaming performance. Limited by the lower range, of course, but the lower range is part of the reason why 5GHz. tends to be much clearer.

If you're not streaming media, then I agree that 5GHz. is really not important, unless you really do have serious interference problems on 2.4GHz. and can avoid them by using 5GHz. instead.

Thanks man, I've edited first sentence of question to make it more explicit that I'm asking about specific device.

I guess in my situation it's just pretty much the same. Thanks for answer!

 

[ursus]

There a few reasons for having more frequency bands for wireless communication.
One main reason is simply additional bandwidth and more available radio channels.
Specially with the new techniques N and AC, the bandwidth will either double or quad compared to the good old G standard.
With the allowed transmitter power, the signal range for 2.4 GHz is longer compared to 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz is better in penetrating concrete walls, floors etc.
Theorethically the maximum throughput for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is equal for the wireless N standard: 450 Mbps (3 parallel streams of 150 Mbps each), it all depends on the wireless client (many can handle only one or two streams, resulting in 150 or 300 Mbps).
The new AC standard applies to 5 GHz only, this is still a draft standard.
Some clients and some routers can work with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously, allowing a maximum throughput of 900 Mbps for the N standard. Many clients can only deal with one frequency at a time.
Far most wireless equipment can still only use 2.4 GHz, thus this is expected to be more crowded then 5 GHz.
It is commonly advised to even downscale your 2.4 GHz and set it fixed to 20 Mhz bandwidth, limiting your self to half the N standard and at the same time causing less interference with your neigbors and suffering less disturbance.
Final conclusion: use what suits the best for you and to keep peace with your neighbors.

Thanks for answer. My question is related specific device - RT-N66U. While I understand theoretical benefits of 5Ghz I'm not seeing benefits on this device.
I have really crowded 2.4Ghz environment with seven conflicting networks in the area and baby monitor next to router

 

[Deleted member 22229]

7 other devices your lucky I have 27 other devices here on 2.4 Ghz band.

 

[ursus]

7 other devices your lucky I have 27 other devices here on 2.4 Ghz band.

7 networks... I have no idea how many devices.

 

[Deleted member 22229]

7 networks... I have no idea how many devices.

Sorry yes I meant to say 27 other networks in the area.

 

[RogerSC]

Sorry yes I meant to say 27 other networks in the area.

Only 14 here...guess I'm lucky *smile*.

 

[sm00thpapa]

I tried this test also with both bands and got the same exact speed. Only difference was signal dbm. 2.4 GHz was -50 dbm while the 5 GHz band was -71 dbm. Clearly a better signal on the 2.4 GHz band. Router is downstairs while the test laptop was on the second floor on the opposite side of the house. 2.4 band has 6 networks with in range while the 5 GHz band has none. I used inSSIDer for testing.

 

[Nerre]

As long as the conflicting networks don't have much traffic you won't see much difference. But as soon as they are transferring data they will affect the capacity of the channel.