Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetwork AccessMedium
A network administrator is setting up a new wireless network in a large open-plan office. To ensure optimal coverage and minimize interference, the administrator decides to use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the 5 GHz band compared to the 2.4 GHz band?
- AShorter effective range.
- BFewer available non-overlapping channels.
- CMore susceptibility to interference from microwave ovens.
- DBetter penetration through walls and obstacles.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Shorter effective range.
The 5 GHz band, while offering higher speeds and more non-overlapping channels, has a shorter effective range and is more susceptible to attenuation (signal loss) from walls and other obstacles compared to the 2.4 GHz band. This is due to its higher frequency.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 5 GHz has significantly more non-overlapping channels than 2.4 GHz (e.g., 23 vs. 3 in the US).
- C. Microwave ovens operate in the 2.4 GHz band, causing interference there, not in the 5 GHz band.
- D. 2.4 GHz has better penetration through walls and obstacles due to its lower frequency.
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz Wi-Fi Bands
Two primary frequency bands used for Wi-Fi, each with distinct characteristics regarding speed, range, and interference.
- 2.4 GHz: longer range, better penetration, more interference, lower speed.
- 5 GHz: shorter range, worse penetration, less interference, higher speed.
- Higher frequencies mean shorter wavelengths, leading to more attenuation.
Memory trick: 5 GHz is fast but short-legged; 2.4 GHz is slow but a marathon runner.