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randyw57
join:2006-12-30
O Fallon, IL

randyw57 to wirelessdog

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to wirelessdog

Re: Is there a way to determine which band a device is using?

Yes, I'm interested in seeing when the iPad switches to the other band. If it sticks on the 5GHz band for a long time then maybe I don't need to try to boost the signal. If it switches very quickly then maybe I shouldn't even be bothering with the 5GHz band.

To answer the question about the source of the b/g/n. All of those are coming from the Netgear DGND3300v2. Now there are other b/g/n networks in the area. But nothing I can connect to. Those are my neighbors'.
Jim_in_VA (banned)
join:2004-07-11
Cobbs Creek, VA

1 edit

Jim_in_VA (banned)

Member

does a Ipad even have access to 5GHz? I think it is 2.4 b/g/n only. It does not have a wireless radio that can get a 5 signal.
randyw57
join:2006-12-30
O Fallon, IL

randyw57

Member

Yes, I believe the iPads do both 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
I believe the phones may only be 2.4GHz.
Jim_in_VA (banned)
join:2004-07-11
Cobbs Creek, VA

Jim_in_VA (banned)

Member

according to Apple it is b/g/n only : »www.apple.com/ipad/specs/
randyw57
join:2006-12-30
O Fallon, IL

randyw57

Member

Well, my Netgear provisions 5GHz. I set that band up with a different SSID than the 2.4GHz. And I Connected the iPad to the 5GHz band. And it behaved like I expected 5GHz. It gave great throughput when the iPad was close to the router. But slowed quickly as I moved away. And outside it barely worked at all. When I switched Connections to the 2.4GHz for the iPad it behaved like I expected. Slightly slower speed at close range. But I could go outside and get 90% of what I got in the same room as the router. I've been posting on the Apple forums and they definitely say the device tests each band for the best signal and chooses that. The Airport devices say the same thing.

JohnInSJ
Premium Member
join:2003-09-22
Aptos, CA

JohnInSJ to Jim_in_VA

Premium Member

to Jim_in_VA
said by Jim_in_VA:

does a Ipad even have access to 5GHz? I think it is 2.4 b/g/n only. It does not have a wireless radio that can get a 5 signal.

The iPad2 or better does have 5ghz n - mine syncs to the 5ghz side of my wifi just fine (different ssids here)

If you use different ssids, the iPad should switch to the next "known" network when it cannot stay synced to the 5ghz one, so using the same ssid isn't necessary.