WiFi Signal Guide (2.4GHz, 5GHz, & WiFi 6)

Background 

Identifying your current signal is a great way to ensure you have the best possible connection in your space. Modern enterprise and residential routers often broadcast on multiple signals at the same time. 

For one reason or another, connecting devices may prioritize various WiFi signal types to ensure a stable connection. While most devices choose the fastest available signal, some may choose to connect to a slower signal based on the manufacturer or user settings.

In cases where you are connected to a WiFi network, but notice stutters or poor speed test performance. Verifying the signal type when connected may be a critical step to see if this is affecting you. 

Note Regarding Legacy or Device Compatibility

Older and some enterprise IOT devices prefer or require connecting to 2.4GHz signals. This often includes devices such as network printers, sensors, tripwires, and some POS systems. 

Join Digital strives to provide the fastest available signal and speed for the given environment. If you have a device that cannot connect to the network, or if you know your device requires a compatibility signal such as 2.4 GHZ.

Feel free to reach out to our support network. Simply email us at support@joindigital.com to let us know about your request.

About 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and WiFi 6

• The 2.4 GHz band provides the most coverage but transmits data at slower speeds
  
  
• The 5 GHz band provides standard coverage but transmits data at faster speeds. This band is considered the widest utilized band and will be most of your connections.
  
  
• The 6 GHz band, introduced with the new WiFi 6E standard, provides the least coverage but transmits data at the fastest speeds of the three frequencies.

Windows Instructions

1. On the Windows taskbar located at the bottom, click the Wifi icon
2. Connect to the network in question and click the information or “i” button on the right corner.
   
   
   
3. Once in the WiFi network menu, take a look at the information located at the bottom
   • The Network Band tells you what signal you are currently utilizing
   • The protocol field indicates what signals are available on this network

Mac Instructions

1. Start off by connecting to the WiFi network in question.

2. On the top menu bar, Press and hold the “Option” key
   
   
3. While holding the option key, click the Wireless icon. This will bring up an expanded window with additional information not normally shown.
   
   
   
   
4. Take note of the Channel and PHY Mode
   • Channel - Tells you the current connected speed and signal
   • PHY Mode - The highest rate at which the device can transmit data over Wi-Fi
   • In this example, the device is connected via a 5GHz signal
     
     

Android Instructions

1. Visit the settings menu on your Android Device
2. Navigate to the WiFi networks via the connections menu
3. Connect to the network in question and note the icon on the left corner 
   1. Depending on your hardware, the WiFi settings menu may show your signal type
      
      
   2. WiFi 6 networks are shown with a “6” icon as seen below
      
      
      
      
   3. 5GHz networks are marked with a lined icon
      
      
      
   4. 2.4GHz networks appear as fully filled icons