AC1600 Ghz Setting?

[pedro967]

Just setup the above router/modem. It comes with 2.4g and 5g options. My available networks were split into 2.4g and 5g and I have them listed as either with separate SSIDs that I can switch between. Right now all my devices are working on the 5g network. Why did Netgear give me a choice? Why would I use the 2.4g?

Thanks  

[antinode]

> [...] Why would I use the 2.4g?

   Some devices can use only 2.4GHz.  Longer range (at lower speed).
Does an additional option bother you?

[pedro967]

"Does an additional option bother you?"

Is that sarcasm? I just wondered why I had to pick one, seems the equipment would just work it out. So far all devices are doing OK on 5Ghz.

[antinode]

> Is that sarcasm?

   Just trying to determine why we're here.

> I just wondered why I had to pick one, seems the equipment would just
> work it out.

   You're the one who assigned different SSIDs to the two radios.  With
one SSID, a client device should decide which one to use.  With two
different SSIDs, the decision is made when the SSID is selected (by
you).

> So far all devices are doing OK on 5Ghz.

   Get some cheaper devices.  Many Internet-of-Junk devices (power
sockets, light bulbs, ...) are 2.4GHz-only.

[pedro967]

I wasn't looking for smug answers. Just trying to understand this new to me router. Obviously that is too much for you, so maybe you'd feel more fulfilled on the "Smug Answers Community"?

[michaelkenward]

You asked:

---

Why did Netgear give me a choice? Why would I use the 2.4g?

---

You had an explanation of why the modem/router puffs out both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. That's the way the router world goes.

If you want more detailed answers, you'll have to ask more detailed questions.

You can turn off the 2.4 GHz if it makes you feel more comfortable.

There is a manual for the D6400 somewhere at the end of this link:

>>>> D6400 | Product | Support | NETGEAR <<<<

See page 111.

It might not be a good idea to do that, you never know when something 2.4 GHz will turn up. And what happens when you wander out of shiorter range of thre 5 GHz signal?

By the way, more advanced routers offer the ability to "combine" the bands.

As the controls on my R7000P puts it:

"Enable Smart Connect - Let the router intelligently select the best WiFi band 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz for your WiFi connections. Smart Connect requires the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks to use the same WiFi network name (SSID), security options and password."

If you want even more detail, just ask more detailed questions.