How do I know 2.4G or 5G - HELP

[IceBoy]

Hi All,

I have BT broadband with their Hub 6, which is OK.

I want to get outdoor wifi and there are a number of brands out there, where I can purchase a dongle thingy, plug it in to my router via CAT 6a POE.

Obviously I would need to run the cable to the outside somewhere and hang the dongle up.

How do I know if I should purchase a 2.4G or 5G version?

IceBoy

PS. I'm not very technical, as you may have gathered.

[megaphone]

2.4GHz is usually more congested and all your neighbours will probably be on it. However it is more likely to have a longer range than 5Ghz and can penetrate walls a bit better.

5ghz is usually less congested and is faster than 2.4ghz and if used outdoors it does not really matter about range as there are no walls to get in the way.

If it was me I'd be installing a 5Ghz Acces Point. (AP).

What kit are you looking at?

[IceBoy]

Thanks for the reply,

I'm looking at TP-link stuff, seems reasonably priced and good reviews.

IceBoy

[Mr Pointy]

You might want to check the devices you want to use have 5GHz Wi-Fi capability. It's likley they do, but possible they don't.

[megaphone]

Also you don't need to use CAT6a, it is difficult to terminate and install. CAT5e is a lot more flexible and will be fine.

[arcturus]

Why not get a dual band version then you are covered on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz? TP-Link make them as do others such as Ubiquiti.