Given the age and ubiquity of 2.4 GHz devices, you'll likely experience lots of signal interference, which can reduce Wi-Fi speed and stability.

Lower maximum speeds than multi-band alternatives.

Lower frequency is better at penetrating obstacles such as walls, doors, furniture, etc.

Compatibility with almost all devices, as multi-band devices typically support 2.4 GHz connections (but not vice versa).

Though single-band, 2.4 GHz routers are accessible and low-priced, they come with a fair share of drawbacks, given the natural progression of Wi-Fi tech. More likely, though, a single-band router operates on the (somewhat) newer 802.11n standard, also known as 'Wireless-N.' Wireless-N routers on a 2.4 GHz band offer theoretical speeds of up to 800 Mbps-'theoretical' meaning that you'll probably never see these speeds during day-to-day use, given real-world factors such as your Internet service limitations. The iPhone 3G and 3Gs use this standard, for instance. Older, single-band routers operate on the 802.11g standard (introduced in 2003), which caps data speeds at 54 Mbps. These standards are basically rule books that make sure routers and online devices are on the same page, ensuring that your Roku plays just as nicely with your router as your tablet does.Ī single-band router is limited to, as you might've guessed, just one frequency band-the 2.4 GHz frequency band, to be exact.

Way back in 1999, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) introduced the idea of wireless standards-that's what those '802.11' numbers that you see on your Wi-Fi-enabled gear represent. Single-Band Routers: Affordable, but Limited But the Wi-Fi rabbit hole goes even deeper still. It's these different frequencies that separate a single-band router from a dual-band, and makes tri-band routers distinct from both. Once you plug your network cable into a Wi-Fi router, the radio waves that wirelessly transmit an Internet signal to your iPhone or Xbox travel on one of two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Though 'more is better' is easy enough for some comparisons, the world of Wi-Fi is a bit more nuanced when it comes to meeting your specific needs. Comparing single-, dual-, and tri-band routers isn't as easy as comparing a single-patty hamburger with a triple-decker.

Multi band vs single band compressor