How to change the Wi-Fi frequency on a router: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz – which to choose and how to set it up

Have you noticed that your Wi-Fi is slower than usual, or that the signal keeps dropping out in some rooms? The problem may be due to the wrong Wi-Fi connection. router broadcast frequencyModern routers support two main ranges - 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, each of which has its own pros and cons. For example, 2.4 GHz It passes through walls better, but suffers from interference, and 5 GHz faster, but covers a smaller area.

In this article we will look at how Change the Wi-Fi frequency on the router different manufacturers, which settings affect connection stability, and what to do if the desired band isn't shown in the list of available networks. You'll also learn how to check which frequency is currently in use and which devices are best connected to each band.

Why change the Wi-Fi frequency on a router?

The main reason is - speed and coverage optimizationIf you have many devices connected to the same network, or other routers are nearby (for example, in an apartment building), the channel 2.4 GHz may be overloaded. This leads to:

• 🐢 Slow internet speed, especially in the evening hours;
• 🔄 Constant connection breaks when watching videos or playing online games;
• 📶"Dead zones" in the house where the signal disappears.

Transition to 5 GHz solves the overload problem, but has limitations:

• 🏠 Shorter range (signal penetration through walls is poor);
• 📱 Not all older devices (eg. smartphones 2015–2017 or smart bulbs) support this range;
• 🔌 Consumes more energy from connected gadgets.

The ideal option is - separation of networks: one range for stationary devices (PCs, TVs), the other for mobile devices (laptops, phones).

How do I find out what frequency is currently being used?

Before changing settings, check your current range. There are several ways to do this:

1. On the connection device:
   • 🖥️ Windows: Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi, click on your network and view the properties. The "Network Range" column will indicate 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
   • 📱 Android: Install the application WiFi Analyzer (For example, NetSpot or WiFi SweetSpots) - it will show the frequency and channel load.
   • 🍎 MacOS/iOS: Clamp Option (Alt) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar - information about the network, including the range, will appear.

In the router settings: Go to the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section Wireless network. The current mode will be indicated there (802.11b/g/n for 2.4 GHz or 802.11ac/ax for 5 GHz).

Important: Some routers combine both ranges into one network by default (function Smart Connect or Band Steering). In this case, the devices automatically switch between frequencies, and it is not possible to select the range manually.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the frequency on routers of different brands

The setup process varies depending on the model. Below are instructions for popular manufacturers. Before changing the parameters, write down the current settings. (network name, password, channel) in case of failure.

1. TP-Link (Archer, TL-WR, Deco)

Algorithm for most models:

1. Open your browser and type tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1 (login and password are usually admin).
2. Go to Wireless → Wireless Settings.
3. Find the field Band or Standard (Mode):
   • For 2.4 GHz select 802.11b/g/n mixed;
   • For 5 GHz — 802.11a/n/ac mixed or 802.11ax (if any).

If necessary disable one of the ranges, find the option Turn on the radio module and uncheck the unnecessary ones.

Save settings (Save) and reboot the router.

Take a screenshot of your current Wi-Fi settings|

Check if your model supports 5GHz (look at the sticker on the back)|

Disable Smart Connect if it is active|

Connect the router to the PC via cable during setup.

2. ASUS (RT-AC, RT-AX, ZenWiFi)

Interface ASUS More advanced, here you can fine-tune each range:

1. Go to the control panel at router.asus.com.
2. Open Wireless Network → General.
3. Select the tab at the top 2.4GHz or 5GHz (depending on which range you want to change).
4. In the field Wireless network standard select:
   • For 2.4 GHz: Legacy (if you need compatibility with older devices) or N-only;
   • For 5 GHz: AC-only or AX-only (for Wi-Fi 6).

If you want divide the networks, in the section Guest network Create a separate SSID for each band.

ASUS also allows you to customize Bandwidth (channel width) - for 5 GHz recommended 80 MHz (if the router supports it), for 2.4 GHz — 20/40 MHz.

3. Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva)

Keenetic uses its own interface NDMS, where the Wi-Fi settings are hidden in the section Home network:

1. Enter in your browser my.keenetic.net.
2. Go to Home Network → Segments → Main Wi-Fi Network.
3. Click on the gear icon next to the network name.
4. In the section Range select:
   • 2.4 GHz (if coverage is required);
   • 5 GHz (if speed is needed);
   • Both ranges (recommended for most users).

To separate networks, uncheck the box Combine ranges into one network.

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware versions Keenetic The option to change the range is hidden behind the mode Advanced settings (turns on in the upper right corner).

4. MikroTik (hAP, RB)

Setting up MikroTik requires knowledge, since the interface RouterOS more complex than standard ones:

1. Connect via WinBox or via the web interface (192.168.88.1).
2. Go to Wireless → Wlan1 (or Wlan2 for the second range).
3. Tab General:
   • Field Band: select 2GHz-B/G/N or 5GHz-A/N/AC;
   • Field Frequency: Specify a fixed channel (eg. 36 for 5 GHz) or leave auto.

Click Apply And OK.

⚠️ Attention: On MikroTik When changing the frequency, the configuration may be lost Security Profile (encryption settings). Check that the field Mode costs dynamic keys, and in WPA2 PSK The correct password has been specified.

5. Other brands (Zyxel, D-Link, Tenda)

For less popular models the principle is similar:

• 🔍 Search section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network;
• 📡 The range change option can be called Band, Frequency Band or Wireless Mode;
• 🔄 After making changes, be sure to reboot the router (button Reboot or physical reboot).

If your model is not listed, please check user manual on the manufacturer's official website - there are usually screenshots with tips.

How to choose the optimal channel for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?

Even after changing the range, the speed may remain low due to congested channelIn apartment buildings, many routers operate on default channels (for example, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz), which creates interference.

To find a free channel:

1. Install a Wi-Fi analysis app on your smartphone (for example, WiFi Analyzer for Android or NetSpot for iOS/Mac).
2. Run a scan - the program will show which channels are occupied by neighbors.
3. For 2.4 GHz choose channels 1, 6 or 11 (they do not intersect). For 5 GHz - any channel with minimal load (for example, 36, 40, 44).
4. Find the section in your router settings Channel and set the selected value (or select Auto, if the router detects free channels well).

Channel width also affects speed:

⚠️ Attention: Channel width 80 MHz on 5 GHz provides maximum speed, but can lead to connection drops if there are other networks nearby. In densely populated areas, it is better to use 40 MHz.

What to do if 5GHz is not working or not showing up?

Sometimes after setting up the range 5 GHz Doesn't appear in the list of available networks. Reasons and solutions:

• 🔌 The router does not support 5 GHz: Check the model's specifications on the official website. For example, budget TP-Link TL-WR840N or D-Link DIR-300 work only on 2.4 GHz.
• 🔄 The radio module is disabled: Find the option in your router settings Enable 5GHz Radio (or similar) and turn it on.
• 📶 Incompatible region: In some countries (for example, in Russia), some 5 GHz channels are blocked. Check this setting in your router settings. Country/Region - it must match your country.
• 🔒 Hidden network (Hidden SSID): If the option is enabled in the settings Hide SSID, the network won't be visible. Disable it or connect manually.
• 🛠️ Outdated firmware: Update your router software through the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.

Keenetic and some models ASUS can be automatically turned off 5 GHzIf no compatible devices are found on the network, here's how to fix this:

1. Connect at least one device that supports it to the router 5 GHz (for example, a modern smartphone).
2. Reboot your router.
3. Check if the network has appeared.

How to enable 5 GHz on routers with country-specific restrictions?

In some models (eg, TP-Link Archer C6) 5 GHz channels are blocked for Russia, but they can be unblocked:

1. In the router settings, find the section Advanced → Country/Region.

2. Select a country where the full range is allowed (e.g. United States).

3. Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ This may violate local radio frequency laws! Use at your own risk.

How to separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks on a router?

By default, many routers combine both ranges into one network (function Smart Connect, Band Steering or One Wi-Fi). This is convenient, but not always optimal. To separate networks:

1. Go to your router settings.
2. Find the section responsible for combining ranges (names may vary):
   • TP-Link: Advanced → Wireless → Enable Smart Connect (uncheck);
   • ASUS: Wireless → Professional → Band Steering (turn off);
   • Keenetic: Home Network → Segments → Combine Ranges into One Network (turn off).

Come up with different names (SSIDs) for each band, for example:

• MyWiFi_2G for 2.4 GHz;
• MyWiFi_5G for 5 GHz.
• Save the settings and reconnect the devices to the desired networks.

Benefits of separation:

• 🎮 You can prioritize traffic (for example, connect a gaming console to 5 GHz, and smart bulbs to 2.4 GHz);
• 📱 Old devices will not slow down new technology;
• 🔍 It's easier to diagnose problems (if only one network is lagging, the cause is clear).

⚠️ Note: After splitting, some devices (such as printers or IP cameras) may lose connection. They will need to be reconnected, selecting the correct band.

Optimal Wi-Fi settings for different tasks

The frequency and channel you choose depends on how you use the internet. Below are recommendations for specific scenarios:

Scenario	Recommended range	Channel width	Channel (example)	Additional settings
Online games (CS:GO, Dota 2)	5 GHz	40 MHz or 80 MHz	36, 40, 44	Turn on QoS to prioritize traffic
Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube 4K)	5 GHz	80 MHz	149, 153	Disable Band Steering
Smart home (lamps, cameras, sensors)	2.4 GHz	20 MHz	1, 6, 11	Disable WPA3 (not all devices support)
Work from home (Zoom, remote access)	5 GHz (main) 2.4 GHz (reserve)	40 MHz	48, 100	Turn on MU-MIMO (if any)
Multi-room apartment	2.4 GHz + 5 GHz	20/40 MHz (2.4) 80 MHz (5)	Auto-select	Use Mesh network or repeaters

For maximum stability It is also recommended:

• 🔒 Use WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if all devices support it);
• 🔄 Disable WPS (vulnerability to hacking);
• 📡 Set the transmit power (Transmit Power) on 75–100% (by default it is often 50%).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi frequencies

Is it possible to use 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time?

Yes, almost all modern dual-band routers allow broadcasting on both frequencies simultaneously. You can either combine them into a single network (function Smart Connect), or split into two separate networks with different names (SSID).

When paired, the router automatically decides which band to connect the device to. This is convenient, but sometimes results in the smartphone getting stuck on a slow band. 2.4 GHz, even when 5 GHz free. In this case, it's better to separate the networks.

Why did the Internet become slower after changing the frequency?

Possible reasons:

• Selected congested channel - check the load via WiFi Analyzer and change the channel;
• The channel width is too narrow - For 5 GHz try it 80 MHz instead of 20 MHz;
• The device does not support the new band. - for example, an old laptop may not work 5 GHz;
• Weak signal — 5 GHz it passes through walls worse, perhaps you need to use a repeater;
• QoS or parental controls are enabled - These functions may artificially limit speed.

Also check if the option is enabled on your router Limit TX Rate (transmission speed limitation).

Which range is best for a smart home (lamps, sensors, cameras)?

Most smart home devices (Xiaomi, Tuya, Philips Hue) are working only on 2.4 GHzReasons:

• Low power consumption (important for battery-powered sensors);
• Better signal penetration through walls;
• Cheaper chips for 2.4 GHz.

If your router is connecting networks but your smart devices are not connecting, split the ranges and connect gadgets only to 2.4 GHz. Also make sure that Wi-Fi is disabled in the settings. WPA3 - many smart devices only support WPA2.

Is it possible to increase the 5GHz signal strength?

Yes, there is usually a setting in the router settings Transmit Power (transmission power). By default, it is often set to 50–75%You can increase it to 100%, but keep in mind:

• 🔋 This will increase the router’s power consumption;
• 📡 The signal will become stronger, but stability may decrease due to interference;
• ⚡ In some countries, the maximum power is regulated by law (for example, in the EU - no more than 20 dBm For 5 GHz).

Even if on 100% the signal is weak, consider:

• Usage Mesh systems (For example, TP-Link Deco or ASUS AiMesh);
• Installation Wi-Fi repeater (but this will reduce the speed by half);
• Connecting devices via cable (for example, Powerline adapters).

What is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and how does it affect frequency selection?

Wi-Fi 6 (or 802.11ax) is a new standard that improves the performance of both 2.4 GHz, and on 5 GHzIts key features are:

• 🚀 OFDMA — allows one channel to serve several devices simultaneously (reduces lags);
• 🔋 TWT — reduces energy consumption of connected gadgets;
• 📶 Better performance in busy networks (for example, in apartment buildings).

If your router supports Wi-Fi 6, an option will appear in the settings AX Mode. It is recommended to enable it, but only if all your devices are compatible (for example, iPhone 11/12/13, Samsung Galaxy S10 and newer, laptops with Intel Wi-Fi