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5 GHz Wi-Fi network gets more and more popular nowadays. Gamers and users who love to use high-speed Internet connection switch to newer router models because they support Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 standards. There are several standards that work with 5 GHz frequency range:
- 802.11a
- 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
The 802.11ac standard is most widely spread nowadays. In the next few years 802.11ax standard is going to gain even more popularity due to its properties – it works in both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency ranges.
In this article we will talk about problems with Wi-Fi in 5 GHz range.
Reasons Why Windows PC Won’t Detetct 5 GHz Wi-Fi Network
Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows PC is for Another Locality
In different countries different Wi-Fi channels are used. For instance, if you buy a 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 adapter in Russia, you will able to detect only 36, 40, 44 and 48 channels. Your network adapter won’t detect 149, 153, 157, 161, 165 channels.
In most cases this issue can’t be solved neither by updating drivers nor by changing firmware (it’s just impossible).
The solution is to manually select a channel from the lower range (36 – 48).
5 GHz Wi-Fi Provides Much Less Coverage
Despite 5 GHz Wi-Fi is capable of transmitting data on much higher speeds, it provides much less coverage. You can make an experiment with a dual-band router and set up 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Than you can make sure that you will have first 5 GHz signal disappear as you walk away from your router.
The solution is to use mesh systems or wireless repeaters extend range of 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
We will be updating this guide soon.