If you are using Wi-Fi from various parts of the office or your home, you can observe that the devices connected to a 5GHz frequency often have weaker connections than those connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The reason is that 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks travel through walls and solid objects. This makes people wonder, can 5GHz go through walls?
5GHz Wi-Fi networks can go through walls. Nevertheless, the shorter wavelength reduces the signal strength while going past solid walls. Concrete and brick walls can cause signal loss and inconsistent packet delivery.
This article examines how solid objects might reduce signal strength and provides tips on making the most of your 5GHz Wi-Fi connection. I suggest you read the whole article to know everything about a 5GHz network.
Table of Contents
What Is 5GHz?
Wi-Fi signal is distributed between devices using a frequency band. These bands, which are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio waves, are used to transmit data.
5GHz has a smaller coverage area than 2.4GHz but a higher data rate. It is capable of handling up to 1300 Mbps of bandwidth. It also provides more channels means it’s less congested than the 2.4GHz band.
Can 5GHz Go Through Walls?
5GHz Wi-Fi connections can go through walls. However, the wavelength in a 5GHz network is shorter than in a 2.4 GHz network. As a result, while traveling through thick concrete walls, the signal strength gets reduced.
The 2.4GHz frequency band utilizes longer transfer waves, making it more suitable for transmitting data through thick solid surfaces.
Consequently, 5GHz connections don’t go through solid surfaces like walls as efficiently as 2.4GHz connections do. This can make it harder for a wireless router to reach a user inside a building with many concrete walls, like an office or a home.
What Kind Of Walls Block Wi-Fi Signal?
With a lesser range, 5GHz technology is more reliant on a clear and free space between the router and the devices connected to the network.
In certain circumstances, you may be able to shift the access point away from the barriers. Some obstacles are easier to get rid of. But dealing with building materials within the house is more difficult.
Here are some of the walls that might block your Wi-Fi signals.
1. Concrete Walls
Concrete is among the thickest construction materials, which interferes with Wi-Fi signals. Therefore, concrete floors and walls have a difficult time letting Wi-Fi signals through. Signal penetration is more difficult as the concrete becomes thicker.
2. Plaster
Plaster is a coating material composed of lime, gypsum, or cement which is used to cover ceilings and walls. Even if plaster walls are not particularly thick, they will delay the transmission of the Wi-Fi signal.
3. Metal Walls
Metal objects, such as metallic blinds, gates, equipment, houses, and walls, may significantly reduce or eliminate Wi-Fi signals. The greater the distance between the router and the devices, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal.
How Can I Extend My 5GHz Wi-Fi Range?
It becomes very irritating when the Wi-Fi is slow or continues to drop out, sabotaging your Zoom meeting or stopping the Spotify stream. Especially, when you have a 5GHz connection with a short-range.
Such Wi-Fi ‘black spots’ are typically caused by being too far away from the wireless router, thick concrete or metal walls, and interruption from other linked devices. A Wi-Fi range extender can solve this problem very easily.
Wi-Fi extenders, which are also named repeaters or boosters, increase the range by obtaining the Wi-Fi signal from your router and rebroadcasting it. A Wi-Fi repeater can extend the range of a 5GHz network throughout a building.
There are two ways to use a repeater: the first is to use half of its antennae to collect a Wi-Fi signal and the second half to transmit a new signal resulting in a better range. You should place a Wi-Fi extender near the 5GHz router to get the best signal strength and range.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of 5GHz
It might be difficult to choose between a 2.4GHz and a 5GHz connection. It varies depending on your requirements. So, before settling on a Wi-Fi network, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of a 5GHz connection to guarantee you fully capitalize on its strengths and minimize its drawbacks.
Advantages:
- No obstruction from other connected devices.
- Higher transfer speed.
- Better network stability.
Disadvantages:
- The shorter range of coverage.
- Limited technical support and high costs
- Poor signal strength while passing through solid surfaces.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi signals with a frequency of 5GHz can go through walls. However, Wireless signals have a hard time getting through materials like concrete, metal, and plaster.
Because of its short wavelength, a 5GHz network has a limited range. A Wi-Fi extender can help make a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection stronger and give it a longer range.
If you want faster data transmission and don’t mind the shorter range, 5GHz Wi-Fi may be an option for you.
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