Many users, when receiving equipment from their provider, don't even realize that their new router contains two different radio channels. The question is, What is the WiFi frequency? Used by default in Rostelecom networks, it becomes relevant when the internet speed no longer matches the tariff plan or the signal begins to disappear in distant rooms.
Modern operator devices such as the ruler RT-AX1800 or Sagemcom, are capable of operating in two bands simultaneously, but not all gadgets can switch between them correctly. Understanding the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz will allow you to manually adjust priorities and significantly improve the quality of your wireless connection.
In this article, we'll detail the technical features of each band, how to activate them in your account, and situations where one standard is significantly inferior to another. You'll learn how to get your router to operate at the maximum performance available for your plan.
Technical differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
The fundamental difference lies in the physical properties of radio waves. Range 2.4 GHz is older and has a longer range; it is better at avoiding obstacles such as walls and furniture, but has a narrow data transmission channel. At the same time, the frequency 5 GHz provides much higher throughput, which is critical for 4K streaming and online gaming.
However, high frequencies have a downside: waves penetrate concrete floors less effectively. If you're in the same room as your router, Eltex or Sercomm, the speed will be maximum, but when moving to another room, the signal may weaken faster than at a low frequency.
It's important to understand that the choice depends not only on the router but also on the receiving device. Older smartphones or budget smart devices may simply not see the 5 GHz network, as their Wi-Fi modules are designed only for this standard. 802.11n.
⚠️ Note: Not all devices that support 5 GHz can operate at the full channel bandwidth. Some older laptops can see the network but are unable to connect due to incompatible encryption standards or channel bandwidth.
Below is a comparison table that will help you quickly navigate the characteristics:
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps (realistic) | Up to 800+ Mbps (realistic) |
| Penetration ability | High (breaks through walls) | Low (damped by walls) |
| Airtime congestion | Very high (a lot of interference) | Low (pure ether) |
| Range of action | Up to 50 meters indoors | Up to 20 meters indoors |
How to determine the current Rostelecom WiFi frequency
Before making any changes, you need to understand which network you're currently on. The easiest way to do this is through your Android or iOS smartphone's settings. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and find the name of your network.
Often, during the initial setup, the provider or user separates networks by adding a suffix to the name. For example, RT-WIFI may be low frequency, but RT-WIFI-5G - high. If the name is the same, then the function is enabled. Smart Connect or network merging.
For more accurate diagnostics on a Windows computer, you can use the command line. Open a terminal and enter the following command to view connection properties:
netsh wlan show interfacesIn the list that appears, find the "Channel" line. If the channel is in the range 1-13, you're on the 2.4 GHz band. If the channel is higher than 36 (e.g., 40, 44, 149), you're connected to the high-speed 5 GHz band.
Instructions for switching and setting up ranges
To manage frequencies, you'll need access to the router's web interface. Open your browser and enter [frequency] in the address bar. 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1The login and password are usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device, unless you have changed them previously.
After authorization (login is often required) admin and the password from the sticker) go to the wireless network section. Depending on the equipment model (Sagemcom, Eltex, TP-Link), the path can be called Wireless, WLAN or Wi-Fi.
Here you will see two subsections: 2.4G And 5GTo separate networks, you need to:
- 📡 Go to 5G settings and make sure the "Enable" function is activated.
- ✏️ Give the network a unique name (SSID), for example, by adding "_5G" at the end to distinguish it.
- 🔒 Set a strong password that is different from the guest network password.
- 💾 Click the "Save" or "Apply" button to save the settings.
If you want the router to decide which frequency to use, look for the option Smart Connect or Band SteeringWhen enabled, the router creates one network, but automatically switches the client to 5 GHz when the signal is strong and to 2.4 GHz when it gets distant.
☑️ Setting up dual-band WiFi
Problems of interference and noise pollution in the airwaves
One of the main reasons to switch to 5 GHz is the noise pollution in the 2.4 GHz band. In apartment buildings, this spectrum is literally clogged with signals from neighbors, Bluetooth headsets, microwave ovens, and baby monitors.
When the router Rostelecom Because it operates on a crowded frequency, it's forced to constantly change channels or reduce packet transmission speed to avoid collisions. This manifests itself as lag in games and video buffering, even if the plan allows for more.
⚠️ Caution: A microwave oven operating near a router can completely jam the 2.4 GHz WiFi signal while heating food. This is a physical property of microwave radiation.
The 5 GHz band is much cleaner in this regard. It has more and wider channels. However, if you live in a very dense new development, where every neighbor has a powerful dual-band router, the 5 GHz band can also begin to saturate, although this happens less frequently.
To analyze the situation, you can use the built-in diagnostic tools in routers SagemcomThey often display a channel load chart and may suggest switching to a less loaded one.
The Impact of Frequency on Smart Home Devices
Ecosystem owners Yandex, Mi Home or Apple HomeKit often encounter a problem: new devices simply don't see the WiFi network. The problem is that most budget smart bulbs, outlets, and sensors operate exclusively on the Wi-Fi frequency 2.4 GHz.
If you've separated networks and named them differently, select the 2.4 GHz network when setting up your smart home. If you have network aggregation enabled (using the same name), the setup process may be successful, but sometimes devices get lost when the router attempts to reassign them to the 5 GHz band.
It's recommended to create a separate guest network or use the main 2.4 GHz band exclusively for IoT devices. This will reduce the load on the main network for phones and TVs, ensuring the stability of the entire system.
Why won't my smart speaker connect?
Many smart speakers require your phone to be connected to a 2.4 GHz network during initial setup. If you have the same network name, try temporarily disabling 5 GHz in your router settings, configure the device, and then re-enable the higher frequency.
Optimized for gaming and 4K video
For gamers and Netflix fans in high definition, the choice of frequency is a matter of comfort. 802.11ac (WiFi 5) and new 802.11ax (WiFi 6) operating at 5 GHz ensures minimal ping and high stability.
At 2.4 GHz, latency (ping) can fluctuate from 20 ms to 200 ms or more due to packet retransmission in noisy environments. This is critical in shooters and fighting games. At 5 GHz, ping is generally stable and comparable to a wired connection.
However, if you're playing your console from a different room, two walls away, the 5 GHz signal may be too weak. In this case, it's best to consider installing an additional access point or using wireless technology. Mesh, if your router Rostelecom supports her.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't my phone see the 5 GHz network from my Rostelecom router?
Most likely, your device doesn't physically support this standard. Models released before 2014-2015 often only have 2.4 GHz modules. Also, check your router's region settings: some 5 GHz channels are restricted in Russia, and if your router is configured for a different region, your device may be hiding your network.
Is it possible to combine 2.4GHz and 5GHz network names into one?
Yes, this feature is called Smart Connect or Band Steering. It allows the router to automatically direct the client to the best frequency. However, on cheap routers, this feature often doesn't work correctly, locking onto a weak frequency. It's better to separate the networks manually.
What is the maximum speed possible on Rostelecom WiFi?
At 2.4 GHz, actual speeds rarely exceed 40-50 Mbps, even with a 100 Mbps plan. At 5 GHz, with AC or AX support, you can achieve 400-800 Mbps over the air, depending on your plan and router power.
Does the number of connected devices affect the frequency choice?
Yes. The 2.4 GHz band has only three non-overlapping channels and quickly becomes saturated when connected to 10-15 active devices. The 5 GHz band offers greater throughput and is better suited for multitasking.