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If you recently purchased an upgrade for your wireless network, you may wonder how to set up a dual-band router. The best modern routers, after all, tend to offer dual-band functionality. Why use a dual-band router and how to set one up? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The basic reason to opt for a dual-band router is flexibility and efficiency for a wide variety of connected devices. The 5GHz band is a great match for bandwidth hogs, like personal computers, smartphones, and more. The 2.4GHz band is a great fit for always-connected smart devices, such as smart appliances, and portable gaming consoles. Basically, 5GH offers increased speed while 2.4GHz offers lessened speed but increased range. These dual-band routers offer convenience with the added benefit of shared settings across both bands, which comes in handy when you learn how to lock a WiFi router.
For more networking help, you’ll like our guides discussing setting up 5GHz routers, setting up two networks with a single router, and installing a modem/router combo.
Insider Tip
If you have kids, make sure to change up the parental control settings before using the router.
The process here will vary depending on the make and model of your router, similar to when you learn how to prevent a DDoS attack on a router. With that said, we’ve kept these guidelines fairly universal. Alternatively, if you’re still shopping for routers, you might want to compare the Linksys Velop models, like the Velop tri-band vs dual band units.
STEP 1
Open up your dual-band router, like a GL.iNet GL-X750 for example, and look at the exterior of the device. There should be a sticker dictating some useful information, including the public IP address, the default network name, and the default password. Jot all of this information down.
STEP 2
Plug the router into your modem going from your router’s Internet port to the LAN port of your modem. Power on both devices and wait for green LED lights to flash on both, indicating a proper Internet connection.
STEP 3
Head to your computer and log in to your wireless account with the default password. Next, open up your favorite web browser and enter the router’s IP address which you wrote down earlier. You’ll find yourself on a login credentials page. Enter the default network name and default password to proceed.
STEP 4
Once on the settings page, immediately change the default password and the default network to something random of your choosing. Find the dual-band settings and make sure both bands are enabled. Save any changes you made and exit the admin control panel.
F.A.Q.S
How do I configure my router?
Configure your router according to preference, prioritize wireless connections and signal strength, and adjust the settings to avoid a security breach.
2.4GHz? 5GHz? Which frequency should I use?
These two GHz networks each have their advantages, so use both. The 5 GHz band is great for devices that need reliability and speed, while the 2.4GH band is great for certain wireless devices with fewer bandwidth demands, such as small mobile devices or smart appliances.
How to boost your Wi-Fi coverage for good?
There are many ways to boost the signal for a wireless network. You can plug in an Ethernet cable for a wired connection, you can choose the 2.4 GHz band, you can bridge together two routers, or invest in a mesh router or wireless range extender.
STAT: The first version of the 802.11 protocol was released in 1997, and provided up to 2 Mbit/s link speeds. This was updated in 1999 with 802.11b to permit 11 Mbit/s link speeds, and this proved popular. (source)
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