Term of the Moment
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Definition: dual-band router
An 802.11 (Wi-Fi) router that uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Prior to 802.11n, dual-band routers handled 802.11a users in the 5 GHz band, while simultaneously supporting 802.11b and 802.11g users in the 2.4 GHz band.
Dual-Band N Routers
A dual-band N router supports both bands for 11n, as well as previous 802.11 standards (a, b and g). Such routers can provide load balancing; for example, data might be configured to transmit on the 2.4 GHz band (SSID #1), while video uses the 5 GHz band (SSID #2). See wireless router, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11, Wi-Fi designations and SSID.
Simultaneous Routing in Both Bands
Dual-Band N Routers
A dual-band N router supports both bands for 11n, as well as previous 802.11 standards (a, b and g). Such routers can provide load balancing; for example, data might be configured to transmit on the 2.4 GHz band (SSID #1), while video uses the 5 GHz band (SSID #2). See wireless router, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11, Wi-Fi designations and SSID.
802.11 Frequency
Standard Band
11a 5 GHz
11b 2.4 GHz
11g 2.4 GHz
11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
11ac 5 GHz
Buffalo Technology's Nfinity Dual Band router simultaneously runs 11n and 11a at 5 GHz along with 11n and 11b/g at 2.4 GHz. To balance the network load, network administrators determine which band to dedicate to 11n users. (Image courtesy of Buffalo Technology Inc.)