Here’s how to convert a 5 GHz Wi-Fi signal to a 2.4 GHz one:
For dual-band routers that combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies into a single network, you need to go into the router’ssettings and separate them.
If separation doesn’t work, you can switch off your 5 GHz network.
In case your router does not support 2.4 GHz, then you need to get one that does.
So if you want to learn all about how to convert a 5 GHz Wi-Fi to 2.4 GHz, this article is for you.
Let’s get started!
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Converting a 5 GHz Wi-Fi Signal to 2.4 GHz?
Wi-Fi routers are one of those technological advances in modern society that we expect to workall the time. And we getannoyedwhen they don’t.
However, a minority of the population (read: people interested in tech) understand how they work, which can be a problem when they run into issues.
So, if you got the password right, the lights on the router are flashing, and your device’s Wi-Fi seems to work fine, what could be the problem?
Before you pick up the phone to make the “disgruntled customer” call to your provider, you might want to check whether your device and router both use the same Wi-Fi frequency.
For example, many home appliances like baby monitors and sound systems use 2.4 GHz frequency but not all Wi-Fi routers may provide or use it by default.
Let’s learn how you can check this and change it if needed:
What Are Wi-Fi Routers?
First, what is a router, and how does it work?
Without getting too technical, a router is a device that forwards data packs (information) between different computer devices.
In this case, we’re talking about a device that takes information from the internet and sends—routes—it to other devices in your home.
Arouteris not to be confused with amodem.
While the router works as sort of a hub for your devices, routing information to each one, the modem’s role is to serve as a gateway to the WAN (Wide Area Network) or, simply, the internet.
Your modem uses the analog signal it receives from your service provider in the form of a phone line and translates it into the digital signal you use.
Wi-Fi routers can transmit a different Wi-Fi band or frequency:2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, although most modern routers are what we call dual-band routers,meaning they use both frequencies.
There are, however, wireless mesh networks like Google Home that combine these frequencies into a single network.
That can be a problem for devices that use 2.4GHz chips, as they’ll be looking for a 2.4 GHz signal to connect to—but the signal won’t be there.
What Are the Differences Between a 5 GHz Wi-Fi Signal and a 2.4 GHz One?
These two frequency bands provide two completely different experiences.
While, yes, you’ll likely have a reliable Wi-Fi signal with either of them, you won’t get the same type of service.
Depending on where you live, what kind of devices you use, and what internet speeds you need, one band may work better than the other one.
The key difference between the two is the relationship between range and speed.
A 2.4 GHz network can go up to 150 Mbps, while the 5 GHz band can achieve higher speeds.
However, the 2.4 GHz network has one significant advantage: it can cover a larger area, and its signal can penetrate solid objects like walls more easily.
The 5 GHz connection has a narrower coverage area, so it isn’t suited for large objects.
Another essential thing in this comparison is that the 5 GHz connection is a newer technology, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
It’s advantageous because there aren’t too many devices that use it, which means it can cut through the clutter and avoid interference since there is no competition on the band.
It’s a possible disadvantage because older devices aren’t compatible with a 5 GHz band, which would render it useless.
How to Convert a 5 GHz Wi-Fi Signal to a 2.4 GHz One?
As mentioned, a dual-band router should transmit a wireless signal using both of these frequencies.
However, if the device you’re trying to connect to your wireless signal prefers a 2.4 GHz connection and it won’t connect to your router, it’s another story.
You might need to separate the two signals or disable the 5 GHz frequency band (although you don’t typically need to do this).
That may often be the case for security cameras, baby monitors, garage door openers, and other small smart devices. That’s because 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi chips are cheaper to make.
Here is how you can split these signals into two or deactivate the 5 GHz frequency band altogether:
Find Your Universal IP
The first step is to find your router’s IP address. Once you find it, type it into your browser and press Enter.
What is your address?
The most common addresses are192.168.0.1and192.196.1.1, so you can try them both.
Alternatively, you can find it in your command prompt:
On Windows, press the Windows key + “R” and type in “cmd” in the search bar.
Press Enter, and your command prompt will open.
In the command prompt, type “ipconfig” and hit Enter.
Under “Ethernet adapter” or “Wireless LAN adapter,” you’ll see the “Default Gateway.”
The number on the right is your router’s universal IP address.
Type it into your browser and press Enter to access the login page.
Log Into Your Configuration Page
Depending on your provider and router, your login page will look different.
Your username and password will also differ based on your Internet provider.
The usual suspects are “admin,” “user,” “password,” etc.
To avoid guesswork, you can check the back of your router or the box it came in. Both your username and password will be there.
That is, of course, if you haven’t changed your username and password previously.
Separate or Disable Your Signal
Once you’ve successfully logged into your configuration page, you can change your wireless connection settings.
Again, your configuration page’s interface will look differently depending on your provider, but you’ll probably have a tab or a clickable menu somewhere that says “Wireless.”
Whatever it may look like for you, click on that tab and access your Wireless settings.
From there, splitting your Wi-Fi signal into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can be done in several ways, all enabled by your provider.
Here are some ways in which different providers allow you to do this:
- You may access the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals through separate tabs within the “Wireless” tab. There, you can click on the “5 GHz” tab and select “No” when asked whether to sync with the 2.4 GHz signal. Then change its SSID name, and you’ll see two separate signals next time you try to connect to your Wi-Fi.
- Some providers make this a lot easier—when you access the “Wireless” tab, you’ll see an option that says “Separate bands,” “Synchronize two bands,” or something similar. Select (check/toggle) “Yes” or “No” and the new SSID will be generated automatically.
- Some providers have separate controls for these two frequencies. You might be able to toggle these frequencies on or off if you want. This might help solve the problem for your “confused” smart devices that won’t connect to your 5 GHz network.
There are several other options to do this, and they will all depend on your provider. However, they all follow the same logic:
Find the settings for your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks and see how you can separate them using the controls you have at your disposal.
If separation doesn’t work, you can always switch off your 5 GHz network.
- Mesh Wi-Fi: Reduces Internet Speed?
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- Connect to Wi-Fi if Phone Is Blocked: How To?
- 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Gaming: Which Is Better?
- Unblocking Phone From Wi-Fi Network: How to?
- Wi-Fi Internet History: Visible Through Router?
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- Network Access Denied: Wi-Fi Denies Access to Phone?
- Wi-Fi Extenders: Slowing Down or Speeding Up Internet?