Can I use the same network name for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi Networks?

I often wondered if I should give my 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency WiFi networks on the same WiFi router the same names or different names. The answer is YES! You can and you should.

The advantage of this is that it shows as just a single WiFi connection in the entire space, and not two different ones. There is just one login as well.

More importantly, your device (if it's not super-ancient) has the sense to figure out which signal/ frequency is the strongest and uses that. If you're close to your router it favours the 5 GHz (faster, but less range) network and if you're further, it switches automatically to the 2.4 GHz (slower, but greater range) network.

  • So go ahead and log into your WiFi router (which for many of you may be integrated into a single box with your modem).
  • In the settings, make sure the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are on. Give them the same network names and passwords.
  • Make sure you choose "auto" for channel selection for both networks so the router can do its stuff and find the best network.
  • And you're all set to start using it!
If you want to go a step further and set your entire home WiFi network to use US Netflix, hulu, Sling TV or other such streaming services from other countries, I'd recommend SmartDNS. They have a generous 14-day trial as well as a free VPN add-on to secure your devices when using public networks, and great, quick customer service. Give it a try.




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