Wifi and why does it seem like you have to be on a 5ghz network for some apps to work.

[Techstudent25]

Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, allows devices to connect to the internet and communicate wirelessly. It typically operates on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

**2.4 GHz band:**

- Wider range

- Better penetration through walls and obstacles

- More interference (since many devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and other Wi-Fi networks use this band)

**5 GHz band:**

- Higher speeds

- Less interference

- Shorter range and poorer penetration through walls

Some apps and devices may require the 5 GHz band for optimal performance due to its higher speeds and reduced interference. For instance:

- Streaming high-definition video

- Online gaming

- Large file transfers

These activities benefit from the faster and more stable connection provided by the 5 GHz band. If an app requires high bandwidth or low latency, it may not perform well on the 2.4 GHz band due to potential interference and slower speeds.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Techstudent25,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The choice between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz can indeed impact app performance due to their respective characteristics:

2.4 GHz Band:

• Pros: Better range and penetration through walls, which can be useful in larger spaces or when there are obstacles.
• Cons: More interference from other devices operating on the same frequency, which can lead to congestion and slower speeds.

5 GHz Band:

• Pros: Provides higher speeds and less interference, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming HD video, gaming, and transferring large files.
• Cons: Shorter range and less effective penetration through walls, so it may not cover as large an area as 2.4 GHz.

Some apps and devices are optimized for the 5 GHz band to take advantage of these faster speeds and lower latency. For example, streaming services and online games often require high bandwidth and low latency to function smoothly, which the 5 GHz band can better support compared to 2.4 GHz.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support