Can Smartphones operate in 5 GHz band over Wi-Fi?

rk_bakshi · Apr 30, 2011

Hi
For sharing my desktop pc wimax broadband with my Nokia C7, I have decided to buy Linksys E2000 router. However, I have one important question to consider before finalizing my decision. E2000 has selectable dual-band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Does Nokia C7 operate n utilize 5 GHz band? If not, then I should not waste money and go for cheaper E1000? Please advise.
Thanks.

Boot_Comp · Apr 30, 2011

I believe your Nokia manual / documentation would mention the bands supported?

Gaurish · Apr 30, 2011

Nokia C7's WLAN radio does have support for b/g/n standards. And as we known, N standard operates on both the 2.4GHz and the lesser used 5 GHz bands.

so based on the assumption that Nokia followed the standard. I am 90% sure, that C7 is dual band(2.4Gz & 5Ghz).

rk_bakshi · Apr 30, 2011

Thanks Boot_comp n Gaurish.

Nokia documentation doesn't help much. While C7 has b/g/n/ standards support, not all n-standard supporting devices can operate in dual bands. Hence I have doubts.

pratikb · Apr 30, 2011

sorry to disappoint but majority of cell phones are not on dual band wifi.

kooltools · Apr 30, 2011

As of now only the Samsung Galaxy S 2 supports dual band wifi

Gaurish · Apr 30, 2011

you might be correct, as per this thread. C7 does not support 5Ghz band

Nokia Support Discussions - Re: C7 and Wifi 5Ghz - Nokia Support Discussions

rk_bakshi · May 1, 2011

Thanks pratikb n kooltools.

I have also not seen any mobiles with dual band wifi capability, so I had doubts.

Thanks again for clarifying. So I need not shell out money for dual band router, normal E1000 will suffice.

--- Updated Post - Automerged ---

Great Gaurish!

Nice, abs relevant thread. Greately appreciated!

But why Nokia support people say 'Turn off 802.11n and use 802.11b/g'. I think this is not correct. When C7 has n-standard support, we should go for a router with n-std support. isn't.

Boot_Comp · May 1, 2011

From what I understand, the 802.11 n standard (wikipedia) allows operation on both the 2.4 and the 5 GHz bands, but I don't think this would necessarily mean a device need support both bands (i.e. they could support either 2.4 or 5 or both)?

Disclaimer: Am no expert on this so someone who knows this better could probably comment/correct if this is wrong.

Edrill · May 4, 2011

802.11n has three classes of devices. You've got single band (2.4Ghz only), selectable dual band (2.4Ghz OR 5Ghz) and simultaneous dual band (2.4Ghz AND 5Ghz). Most of the cheaper N routers are usually single band and maybe selectable dual band too. Simultaneous dual band routers are the most expensive. When it comes to adapters, you've got single band or dual band adapters. Very few tablets/phones have dual band adapters built-in to them. As far as I know, the iPad has a dual band adapter. If the specifications say 802.11 b/g/n, then it's single band only. If they say 802.11 a/b/g/n then it's dual band for sure. 802.11a is a standard that was 5Ghz only.