If you’re using a wireless router to connect your home network to the Internet, then you should definitely be using a simultaneous dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. There are currently several routers that support dual-band Wi-Fi, including the Apple Airport Extreme, D-Link DIR-825, and Linksys WRT600N.
Why go dual-band?
There are tons of wireless devices clogging up the 2.4 GHz spectrum: Bluetooth headsets, microwaves, cordless phones—even other Wi-Fi networks. Alternately, the 5 GHz spectrum is wide open and nearly as fast as a wired connection; however, you cannot abandon the 2.4 GHz network altogether without leaving behind your older devices. Therefore, you should go with a dual-band Wi-Fi solution.
How to go dual-band
First of all, you’ll need to make sure your computer hardware supports a 5 GHz 802.11n wireless connection. Newer MacBooks and iMacs with a Core 2 Duo support 802.11n Wi-Fi. If you’re a PC user, then you need to check your hardware profile under the Control Panel or check the manufacturer’s specifications. If your built-in hardware doesn’t support 802.11n Wi-Fi, you can purchase hardware that will hook up via USB or a PC Card adapter.
It is pretty simple to set up your dual-band Wi-Fi network. If you have a Mac, then it is as simple as turning on the 802.11n-capable router. Your Mac will automatically use the 5 GHz network while your other wireless devices will remain on the 2.4 GHz network.
If you’re more fastidious about your devices or if you’re using a PC, you’ll have to set up two wireless networks from the dual-band router: One 5 GHz and one 2.4 GHz. You’ll want to go to the router configuration screen by entering its IP address in a web browser. There, you can configure it to create two different networks. Now you can point your 802.11n-capable hardware to the 5 GHz network, and your other hardware to the 2.4 GHz network. You won’t miss your old speeds, we guarantee it!
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