Many modern wireless routers broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Devices, including Android phones, automatically connect to the network deemed optimal, often the 5 GHz band due to its faster speeds. However, some older devices or smart home appliances might only be compatible with the 2.4 GHz band. For these scenarios, it becomes necessary to ensure the Android device connects to the 2.4 GHz network specifically. This involves either manually selecting the 2.4 GHz network if the router broadcasts separate SSIDs for each band, or temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band on the router if it utilizes a single SSID for both bands.
The ability to connect specifically to the 2.4 GHz band offers several advantages. It extends compatibility with older hardware and IoT devices, which often rely exclusively on this frequency. Furthermore, the 2.4 GHz band generally provides a longer range compared to 5 GHz, making it suitable for devices located further from the router. Historically, this band was the primary wireless communication standard, and while 5 GHz offers faster speeds, 2.4 GHz continues to be essential for maintaining connectivity across a diverse range of devices.