CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Network ImplementationEasy
A wireless engineer is designing a network and must choose between deploying access points primarily on the 2.4GHz band versus the 5GHz band. Which statement correctly describes the tradeoff?
- A2.4GHz supports more non-overlapping channels than 5GHz in most regions
- B5GHz offers higher throughput and more available channels but has shorter range and less wall penetration than 2.4GHz
- C2.4GHz offers higher throughput but shorter range than 5GHz
- D5GHz and 2.4GHz have identical range and throughput characteristics
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 5GHz offers higher throughput and more available channels but has shorter range and less wall penetration than 2.4GHz
5GHz signals attenuate faster and penetrate obstacles less effectively than 2.4GHz, resulting in shorter effective range, but 5GHz provides more channels and less interference, allowing higher throughput. 2.4GHz has only 3 non-overlapping channels compared to many more available in 5GHz.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 5GHz has far more non-overlapping channels than 2.4GHz.
- C. Reversed: 2.4GHz has longer range but lower throughput.
- D. They differ significantly in range and channel availability.
2.4GHz vs 5GHz
2.4GHz offers longer range and better penetration but limited channels and more interference; 5GHz offers higher throughput and more channels but shorter range.
- 2.4GHz: 3 non-overlapping channels (1,6,11)
- 5GHz: many more channels, less interference
- Higher frequency = shorter range, less penetration
Memory trick: Low frequency travels far, high frequency carries more.