Many users confuse the concept of "Hz" in the context of wireless networks. In everyday life, this term typically refers to the desire to change the router's radio frequency, switching from the congested 2.4 GHz band to the faster 5 GHz. This action is often referred to as changing the Hz, although technically it refers to selecting the radio signal frequency range. Understanding the difference between these parameters is critical for the stable operation of a smart home and high-definition video streaming.
Modern routers often operate in dual-band mode, automatically distributing devices. However, there are situations when manual switching is becoming a necessity. For example, older gadgets may not detect the 5 GHz network, and new phones perform poorly in the 2.4 GHz zone due to interference from microwave ovens. In this article, we'll discuss how to properly manage these settings through your device's web interface.
Before delving into settings, it's worth understanding the basic physical differences. The 2.4 GHz frequency provides a wide range but low throughput. Conversely, 5 GHz offers high speeds but is less capable of penetrating walls. Smart TV, gaming consoles and modern laptops work best at high frequencies, while smart home sensors and older printers require the classic range.
Technical Details: CPU Frequency vs. WiFi Frequency
It's important to clarify the terminology right away to avoid confusion when searching for solutions. When people talk about a router's hertz, they sometimes mean its clock speed. central processor (CPU), measured in MHz or GHz. It's impossible to increase this parameter programmatically—it's a physical characteristic of the chip that determines the device's computing power. Attempts to overclock the router using hidden commands may lead to instability or complete hardware failure.
In the context of WiFi setup, users understand "Hz" to refer to the frequency of the carrier radio signal. This parameter can and should be adjusted depending on operating conditions. The 2.4 GHz band is divided into 13 channels, which often overlap, creating a "mush" effect in apartment buildings. The 5 GHz band offers many more available channels and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks.
⚠️ Attention: Don't attempt to change the router's processor clock speed using console commands (overclocking). This won't improve WiFi speed, but it will definitely shorten the lifespan of the device and may cause the chips to overheat.
There's also the concept of channel width, which is often confused with frequency. Channel width (20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz) determines the "width" of the data path. At 2.4 GHz, a channel width of 20 MHz is recommended for stability, while at 5 GHz, 80 MHz is safe for maximum performance. The correct combination of frequency and channel width is the key to eliminating lag.
How to access router settings to change the band
The process of changing the frequency begins with accessing the router's administrative panel. To do this, connect your computer or smartphone to the router's network via cable or WiFi. Open any browser and enter the device's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, however, the exact address is always indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the case.
After entering the address, the system will request authorization. Standard logins and passwords usually look like this: admin/admin or admin/password, if you haven't changed them before. Login information can also be found on the factory label. Without successful authorization, you cannot make changes to wireless network configuration it won't work.
Interfaces vary greatly between manufacturers, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section related to wireless mode. Look for tabs labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Network," or "WLAN." This is where the band switches are hidden.
☑️ Login to the router admin panel
Setting the frequency on TP-Link and D-Link routers
TP-Link and D-Link devices have a similar menu structure, making navigation easier. After logging into the control panel, go to the Wireless (Wireless mode). Here you will see a subsection Wireless Settings or simply "Settings." On older models, you may need to manually select the operating mode.
In the "Mode" field, you can often select a specific standard. To enable 5 GHz, select the option 11a/n/ac mixed or similar, which includes the prefix "ac" or "ax." If this option isn't available, your router may only support 2.4 GHz. Newer models with this feature Smart Connect The ranges are combined into one network, and to separate them, you need to find the “Separate networks” or “Enable/Disable” checkbox for each range separately.
After selecting the desired frequency, be sure to click the "Save" button. The router may reboot, and the connection to it may be temporarily lost. This is normal behavior as the device applies the new radio module parameters. If you separated the networks, you will have two network names (SSIDs), for example, "MyWiFi" and "MyWiFi_5G."
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal range | High | Average | For large apartments |
| Permeability of walls | Good | Bad | For every other room |
| Maximum speed | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps+ | For 4K video and gaming |
| Interference level | High | Short | In apartment buildings |
Changing settings on ASUS and Keenetic routers
ASUS routers are renowned for their user-friendly ASUSWRT interface. To change the frequency, go to the menu Additional settings -> Wireless networkAt the top of the page, you'll see tabs for "2.4 GHz" and "5 GHz." By switching between them, you can independently adjust settings for each band.
Here it is important to pay attention to the "Channel Width" parameter. For the 5 GHz band, it is recommended to set 80 MHz or AutoIf you want to completely disable one of the bands (for example, leaving only 5 GHz for speed), select a standard that doesn't support the other frequency in the "Wireless Mode" section, or simply uncheck "Enable Radio Module" in the corresponding tab.
Keenetic routers offer even more flexible control. The menu My Networks and WiFi -> Home network You can fine-tune each band. Keenetic's unique feature is the ability to create guest networks with different frequency ranges. You can configure your guests to connect only to the 2.4 GHz band, while your devices operate on the interference-free 5 GHz band.
What is Band Steering?
This technology allows the router to automatically decide which frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz) a device should connect to. When this feature is enabled, you see a single network name, but the router internally separates clients. For manual frequency control, it's best to disable this feature.
Keep in mind that after changing the band, older devices may no longer see the network. If you have smart plugs or cameras that are five years old, they are physically unable to operate in the 5 GHz frequency. For these devices, it's essential to leave the 2.4 GHz band enabled or create a separate guest network in this mode.
Compatibility issues and older devices
The transition to a new frequency often faces the problem of "digital stratification" of technology. Devices released before 2013-2014 often only support the standard. 802.11n in the 2.4 GHz band. If the router switches to "5 GHz Only" mode, such devices will simply lose the connection.
There's also a driver issue with computers. Even if the network card supports 5 GHz, the operating system may have an older driver that doesn't recognize the new frequencies. In Windows Device Manager, you can sometimes find an "Advanced" tab in the network adapter properties where you can force the preferred frequency, but this doesn't work on all models.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces are constantly updated by manufacturers. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described in the manual. If you don't find an exact match, look for semantic equivalents (Wireless, Radio, Frequency).
It's also worth mentioning the impact of wall materials. Concrete with rebar and mirrored wardrobes can almost completely block the 5 GHz signal. In such cases, it's best to leave the frequency band at 2.4 GHz or consider a mesh system, which will solve the problem of dead spots without sacrificing speed.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing frequency increase internet speed?
Changing the frequency itself won't increase your ISP's speed. However, switching to 5 GHz will eliminate interference from neighboring devices and allow your device to operate at the highest possible speed supported by your router and data plan.
Is it possible to increase the signal power (hertz) programmatically?
Increasing the transmit power (Tx Power) is often possible in the advanced WiFi settings, but this is regulated by law. Exceeding the limits can result in fines and interfere with other services. It's best to adjust the antennas or buy a repeater.
Why doesn't my phone see the 5 GHz network after setup?
Your phone may be too old and not support this standard. Also, check the region in your router settings: some 5 GHz channels are restricted in certain countries, and devices may ignore the network if the region is incorrect.
Does changing frequency affect ping in games?
Yes, the 5GHz band typically provides more stable and lower ping because it is less susceptible to interference from household appliances and neighboring networks, which is critical for online gaming.