There are some aspects that you need to consider when you want to buy a router for your residence or workplace. First of all, there are two types of routers: the dual-band routers and the tri-band routers, the decision between which is a crucial one. Every router type has its strengths and in this blog, we will attempt to explain what dual-band and tri-band routers are and which one will work for you.
1. What is a Dual Band Router?
These routers are intended to use two types of wireless connections, namely 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands. The 2.4GHz has a better and larger coverage in space and also can pass through walls and barriers but it also easily interferes with other appliances that use the same frequency as it such as Microwave ovens, cordless phones and Bluetooth devices. With the 5GHz band, you get faster speeds and it’s not affected by such interference but its signal reach is not as far or penetrates obstacles well.
For users who do not need the fastest connections, firms with no more than 30 employees or small households, dual-band routers are ideal. They can manage a decent number of devices at the same time which is why they are cheap, yet efficient.
2. What is a Tri-Band Router?
Tri-band routers have three Wi-Fi bands, two of which are operating in the 2.4GHz as well as 5GHz bands; the third band is in the less congested 5GHz band. The third additional band assists in unloading the burden of the two other bands, making communication even quicker and more efficient as compared to other systems.
Tri-band routers are most effective for large households or workplaces with a lot of devices connecting to one common network that uses a lot of bandwidth. More connections can be opened with it and it suffers from fewer slowdowns/dropped transmission if the wireless bands become congested.
3. Pros and Cons of Dual Band Routers:
Pros:
- Operated at a lower cost as compared to tri-band routers
- Can work with a limited number of devices with little performance dips.
- Enhanced reach and through-wall signal transmission
Cons:
- Lower speed compared to tri-band routers
- Less protected in immunity from interference of other devices
- The data provided revealed that it had limited capability in managing high-speed connections and many devices.
4. Pros and Cons of Tri-Band Routers:
Pros:
- Lower latency and better all-around performance
- Ability to manage more devices and a higher Internet consumption
- As a result, the roads are less congested and there are a lesser number of dropped connections.
Cons:
- Almost all of them are priced higher than dual-band routers.
- Not needed for small homes or offices, where devices to be used are relatively few.
- These modifications mean less coverage and penetration through the walls or less effective coverage in other aspects.
5. How to Choose Between a Dual Band and Tri-Band Router:
When deciding between a dual-band and tri-band router, consider the following factors:
- The total users accessing your network and the total users you expect to add in the future.
- The construction of your house or office and the size too, since wireless signal cannot penetrate through walls as it does with wired cables.
- Read your bandwidth and usage pattern such as watching videos online, playing games, or having many appliances turned on at the same time.
If you live in a relatively small house or office with few other connected devices and moderate internet usage, then a dual-band router should be sufficient. But if your home or workplace has more than 8 devices that require an internet connection and are likely to use more internet than the smaller household, a tri-band router will serve the purpose better.
Conclusion:
Thus, a tri-band router is more suitable if the area is large, and the number of devices to connect is more significant than for a dual-band one. Even though dual-band routers are cheaper and ideal for homes and small offices, tri-band routers provide higher speeds and are capable of handling diverse devices and usage. Finally, everything else being equal, the best option is the kind that meets your needs and the level of internet usage that you have. Using the factors above you will be in a position to choose the right router that will meet all your needs and give you the internet speed that you deserve.
