Wireless routers operate using two frequency bands: a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. The choice of which frequency to use depends on where and how the WiFi connection is used most. Here are some devices that should be on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz:

Devices that should be on 2.4 GHz:

• Older devices that only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• Smart home devices such as smart thermostats, smart bulbs, and smart plugs
• Devices that dont require high-speed internet, such as printers, security cameras, and baby monitors
• Devices that move around a lot throughout the day, such as smartphones, especially if you have a large home

Devices that should be on 5 GHz:

• High-bandwidth devices or activities such as online video games, conference calls, and streaming
• Devices that are close to the router
• Devices that support 5 GHz Wi-Fi
• Devices that require faster internet speeds, such as laptops

Its best to spread out devices based on their needs across the two bands to maximize the home networks performance. If youre already using a dual- or tri-band router and have both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands available, youll have to make some decisions on which one to connect your devices to. Its tempting to just go ahead and use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for any device that supports it and use 2.4 GHz for the rest, but its not always the best strategy. Instead, think about the location of the device, the bandwidth it needs, and the number of devices connected to each band.