Comparisons
Comparisons
Router boxes and phone settings are full of numbers and abbreviations, and it isn't always clear which ones matter to you. This section offers short tables: how Wi-Fi generations differ, which band to choose for different rooms and where best to keep a backup of your family files. No ratings and no prices, just what helps you make a decision.
A new Wi-Fi generation only shows its strengths when both the router and your devices support it. Otherwise the network plays by the rules of its oldest member.
How this section works: comparisons are based on open standards and widely accepted practice. We do not compare specific models, plans or speeds, as they depend on the provider, the device and your home.
Wi-Fi generations
| Generation | Standard | Bands | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 5 | IEEE 802.11ac | 5 GHz | Found in devices from recent years and still good enough for many home tasks |
| Wi-Fi 6 | IEEE 802.11ax | 2.4 and 5 GHz | When your home has many phones, TVs and smart devices connected at the same time |
| Wi-Fi 6E | IEEE 802.11ax | 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz | When neighbouring networks cause interference on the usual bands and your devices support 6 GHz |
| Wi-Fi 7 | IEEE 802.11be | Channels up to 320 MHz wide; check band support with the manufacturer | When both the router and the devices are new and you need maximum throughput at short range |
2.4 GHz or 5/6 GHz
| Situation | 2.4 GHz | 5/6 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| A far room, several walls away | Better: the signal reaches farther and passes through walls more easily | The signal weakens faster |
| A device close to the router | Works, but more slowly | Better: higher speed at short range |
| Video calls and films in the same room | Fine if 5/6 GHz isn't available | Preferred |
| Older or simple smart devices | Often support only this band | May not be supported |
Where to keep a backup
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| External drive | Works without the internet, files are close at hand, no dependence on a service | Stays at home: a fire, flood or burglary can take it along with the computer; the drive itself can fail |
| Cloud storage | A copy away from home, access from any device, often backs up automatically | Needs the internet and strong account protection; storage space and terms are set by the service |
| A second computer | Already at home, easy to copy to over the home network | Sits in the same home; if both devices are damaged, both copies are lost |
Related sections
- Tools
What helps at home for your network and your data: router, mesh system, external drive, cloud, password manager.
- Troubleshooting
What to do when the internet drops, Wi-Fi is slow or your phone says its storage is full.
- Glossary
Plain definitions of words you meet in router and cloud settings and in security emails.
Sources
- Wi-Fi Alliance
- IEEE 802.11
- CISA (backup guidance)
Service features, device settings and password requirements change over time. Before taking an important step, check the official help pages of the manufacturer, your internet provider or the government service.