In today's digital world, connection speed and stability directly depend on the technical specifications of your equipment. Beltelecom subscribers often wonder how to determine the frequency range of their wireless network. This knowledge is critical for eliminating interference and setting optimal speeds.
There are two main frequency standards: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The former provides greater coverage but is susceptible to interference from household appliances. The latter offers higher speeds but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating walls.
Understanding what range your router, will help you correctly position devices in your apartment. For example, 5 GHz is better for smart TVs, and 2.4 GHz for smart light bulbs. Let's look at specific testing methods.
Analyzing the wireless network name (SSID)
The easiest way to perform a basic diagnosis is to carefully examine the list of available networks. Equipment manufacturers and providers often configure routers so that frequencies are assigned by name. This allows the user to immediately see the difference without having to delve into the settings.
Pay attention to the endings of network names. If you see two similar names, for example, ByFly_2.4 And ByFly_5G, then the answer is obvious. The numbers at the end of the SSID (Service Set Identifier) directly indicate the frequency range used.
However, things aren't always so clear. Some router models, especially those that support the technology Smart Connect, combine both bands into a single network with a single name. In this case, the device itself decides where to connect, making it impossible to visually determine the frequency from the network name.
⚠️ Note: If you have a combined network, your phone or laptop may switch between frequencies automatically. This can lead to instability in heavy applications if the device gets stuck on the congested 2.4 GHz frequency.
To get a clearer picture, it's worth checking the specifications of your router model. If it's a modern dual-band device, it most likely supports both bands simultaneously, even if you only see one network name.
Checking the frequency via an Android smartphone
Android mobile devices provide quite detailed information about the current connection. You don't need to be a system administrator to access this data; simply access the standard system settings.
Open the settings menu and go to the section Wi-Fi or ConnectionsFind the network you're currently connected to and click the gear icon or arrow to the right of its name. In the network properties menu that opens, look for the line "Frequency."
Here you'll see the value in MHz. If the value is 2412, 2437, or close to 2400, you're in the 2.4 GHz band. Values of 5180, 5200, and 5745 indicate operation in the 5 GHz band. key indicator to understand the current speed.
It's worth keeping in mind that the interfaces of different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) may differ. Some information is hidden in the "Advanced" or "Properties" section. If you don't find the frequency line, try scrolling down to the "Maximum Link Speed" section—the range is often listed there as well.
Diagnostics on iOS and macOS devices
Apple ecosystem users face certain limitations. The company strictly controls app and system access to technical data, so it's impossible to find out the frequency directly through the standard iPhone or iPad settings menu.
For Mac owners, the situation is simpler. Hold down the key Option (Alt) on your keyboard and simultaneously click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar. This will open the advanced technical menu. Find the line Channel (Channel).
If the channel number is between 1 and 14, you're using the 2.4 GHz frequency. If the channel number is higher than 36 (e.g., 44, 149, 161), your device is connected to the high-speed 5 GHz band.
For iPhone and iPad, the only reliable way is to use third-party utilities from Apple, such as AirPort UtilityIn the app settings, enable "Wi-Fi Scanner Mode" and then start scanning. The list of networks will show the channel and channel width, which can be used to determine the frequency.
⚠️ Note: Scanner mode in AirPort Utility only displays data while scanning. Remember to turn it off afterward to avoid wasting battery power.
Web interface of ZTE and Huawei routers
The most accurate information is always provided by the device itself. Routers issued by Beltelecom are most often models of the following brands: ZTE, Huawei or SercommAccessing the control panel allows you to not only view the frequency but also adjust its separation.
To log in, enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The login and password are often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device (standard: admin/admin or user/user). After logging in, look for the "WLAN," "Wireless," or "Wi-Fi settings" section.
In modern dual-band routers, the settings are divided into two tabs: 2.4G Basic Network Settings and 5G Basic Network Settings. If you see both tabs, your router supports both frequencies. You can also disable network aggregation here to view them separately.
☑️ Setting up separate networks
Pay attention to the parameter Channel Width (Channel width). For 2.4 GHz, 20 MHz is optimal in apartment buildings, and for 5 GHz, 40 or 80 MHz is safe for maximum speed. Changing these settings may require reconnecting all devices.
Using the Command Prompt in Windows
Windows PC owners don't need to install any additional software. Built-in diagnostic tools provide comprehensive information about the wireless adapter and access point.
Open the command prompt. To do this, press Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command netsh wlan show interfacesThe system will provide a detailed report on the current connection.
In the list of parameters, find the "Channel" or "Radio type" line. If the 802.11n or 802.11g standard is listed, it's most likely 2.4 GHz. 802.11ac or 802.11ax standards almost always operate at 5 GHz.
netsh wlan show interfacesYou can view the frequency in more detail in the "Frequency" line if the adapter driver supports this parameter. It will display the value in kHz or MHz. Dividing the megahertz by 1000 will give you the desired figure (2400 or 5000+).
What to do if the command does not show the frequency?
Some older Wi-Fi adapter drivers don't transmit complete information via netsh. In this case, update the drivers from the laptop manufacturer's website or use third-party utilities like WiFi Commander.
Comparison table of range characteristics
To finally decide which frequency is best for your needs, it's helpful to compare their key parameters. Below is a table that will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each standard.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 1300+ Mbps |
| Permeability of walls | High | Low |
| Range | Up to 50 meters | Up to 20-25 meters |
| Interference level | High (microwaves, Bluetooth) | Short |
| Device support | All devices | Only modern gadgets |
As can be seen from the table, The 5 GHz band provides significantly higher data transfer rates, which is critical for watching 4K video and online gaming. However, if your router is in the hallway and you're in the back bedroom, the 5 GHz signal may be unstable.
The ideal strategy for using Beltelecom equipment is a combined one. Configure your router so that your smart home and older devices operate on the 2.4 GHz band, while laptops, TVs, and gaming consoles connect to the 5 GHz band.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a Beltelecom router operate on only one frequency?
Yes, older router models (manufactured before 2015-2016) often only support the 802.11n standard at 2.4 GHz. Modern devices provided by ISPs are typically dual-band.
Why does the 5GHz speed drop through one wall?
High-frequency waves (5 GHz) have a shorter wavelength and are less able to bend around obstacles. Concrete walls and mirrors strongly absorb this signal. To solve this problem, use a repeater or set up a mesh system.
Does router frequency affect ping in games?
Absolutely. The 5 GHz band is less congested with neighboring networks, ensuring more stable ping and eliminating lag caused by competition for airtime.
Do I need to change channel settings manually?
In most cases, the "Auto" mode works correctly. However, if you live in a densely populated area, manually selecting a clear channel (for example, 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz) can significantly improve the situation.