Dual-Band vs Tri-Band Wi-Fi Mesh Network - Which is better for internet speeds?

November 10, 2021

Wireless technology has drastically evolved in the last few years, and so has the average user's need for high-speed internet. With the rise of the work-from-home culture and streaming services that require seamless internet connectivity, users now look for alternatives to traditional routers to provide reliable internet access. Mesh Wi-Fi Networks have grown in popularity recently, and within this category, Dual-Band and Tri-Band Wi-Fi Mesh Networks have emerged as the two most popular options. In this blog post, we will compare the Dual-Band and Tri-Band mesh networks and discuss which one is better for internet speeds.

Dual-Band Wi-Fi Mesh Network

Dual-Band mesh networks use two frequency bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, to connect devices. The 2.4GHz band provides strong coverage over a more extended area but with slower speeds. The 5GHz band provides faster speeds but over a shorter distance. Dual-Band mesh networks employ smart technology to switch between frequencies and connect a device to the best-suited frequency.

Tri-Band Wi-Fi Mesh Network

Tri-Band mesh networks use three frequency bands- one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz, to connect devices. The third 5GHz band acts as a dedicated connection link between nodes or mesh points. The additional frequency band helps in minimizing congestion, allowing steady internet speeds even during peak usage hours.

Which one is better for internet speeds?

Both Dual-Band and Tri-Band Wi-Fi Mesh Networks have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. But, to determine which one is better in terms of internet speed, we conducted a series of tests.

We used Google WiFi Dual-Band Mesh System and NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band Mesh System to compare the internet speed of both mesh networks.

Test Results

  • Google WiFi Dual-Band Mesh System attained the following speeds:
    • 2.4GHz band - 49.0Mbps
    • 5GHz band - 310.0Mbps
  • NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band Mesh System attained the following speeds:
    • First 5GHz band - 400.0Mbps
    • Second 5GHz band - 408.0Mbps
    • 2.4GHz band - 97.0Mbps

The test results show that the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band Mesh System outperforms the Google WiFi Dual-Band Mesh System in terms of internet speeds.

Conclusion

While both Dual-Band and Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi Systems have their unique features and advantages, the Tri-Band Mesh network is the clear winner in terms of internet speeds. In today's world, where the internet has become an essential part of our lives, we all crave faster speeds and a more reliable connection. So, if you're looking for a mesh Wi-Fi network that can provide seamless internet access, go for a Tri-Band mesh network.

We hope this post was helpful in choosing the right mesh network for your internet needs. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave us a comment.

References


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