URGENT UPDATE: New reports confirm that the outdated 2.4 GHz router is failing to meet the demands of modern households, highlighting a critical need for upgrades. As of October 2023, four out of five households in the United States rely on home network routers, but many remain stuck with this antiquated technology.
The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band emerged in 1999 with the 802.11b standard, originally offering data rates of just 11 Mbps. While advancements have increased this capacity to a maximum of 100 Mbps, it pales in comparison to modern standards. Users connecting to 5 GHz routers can achieve speeds of up to 1 Gbps, and the latest 6 GHz Wi-Fi 7 standard, approved in the U.S. in 2020, doubles this to 2 Gbps.
With an explosion of devices in today’s homes, the limitations of 2.4 GHz routers are becoming increasingly apparent. Households are now struggling to cope with the restricted speed and bandwidth as multiple high-demand devices compete for connectivity. The 2.4 GHz band is overcrowded, often disrupted by common household items like baby monitors, security cameras, and even microwave ovens.
Experts warn that relying solely on a 2.4 GHz router is akin to being stuck in the past. Living in densely populated areas can exacerbate these issues, as signals penetrate walls and contribute to network congestion.
Despite these challenges, the 2.4 GHz band does offer better coverage and penetration through obstacles compared to higher-frequency bands. This makes it valuable for specific applications, such as connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart plugs and thermostats.
For those still using a 2.4 GHz-only router, experts recommend transitioning to modern dual-band devices like the TP-Link Archer GE230, which can manage both legacy connections and the demands of contemporary networks.
However, before discarding these older routers completely, there are alternative uses. They can serve as dedicated connections for IoT devices or as Wi-Fi extenders to combat dead zones in homes, albeit with limited speeds. The crucial takeaway is that while 2.4 GHz routers aren’t completely obsolete, they cannot function as the primary network hub in today’s data-heavy environment.
As technology advances, it is vital for consumers to reassess their home networking needs. Streaming video, remote working, and gaming require robust connectivity that older 2.4 GHz routers simply cannot provide. The recommendation is clear: invest in a modern dual- or tri-band router to handle the heavy lifting while repurposing older devices for specific tasks.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation as more households begin to realize the limitations of their aging routers.
