Did you know that your Wi-Fi router sends signals on different frequencies? These are called Wi-Fi bands, and the two most common ones are 2.4GHz and 5GHz. In this article, we’ll explain what these bands are, how they affect your Wi-Fi, and why it’s important to understand them when using tools like Airodump-NG for network analysis.
What Are Wi-Fi Bands?
Wi-Fi bands are the frequencies your router uses to connect devices. The two main ones—2.4GHz and 5GHz—each have different strengths.
- 2.4GHz Band
The 2.4GHz band can cover a larger area but offers slower speeds. Many devices, like Bluetooth gadgets, microwaves, and older routers, also use this band. This makes the 2.4GHz band more crowded and can cause interference (signal disruption). - 5GHz Band
The 5GHz band provides faster speeds but covers a smaller area. It’s less crowded because fewer devices use this band, so it’s great for reducing interference and getting faster internet, especially when many devices are connected in your home or office.
Why Wi-Fi Bands Matter for Packet Sniffing
If you’re using a tool like Airodump-NG to capture Wi-Fi packets (data), knowing which band a network is using is important.
- 2.4GHz: Airodump-NG usually works best on this band since most Wi-Fi networks still use 2.4GHz.
- 5GHz: Newer networks may use the 5GHz band, but not all wireless adapters can capture this. To collect data from 5GHz networks, you’ll need a special wireless adapter that supports 5GHz.
Choosing the right Wi-Fi band will help you capture all the data you need.
How to Capture 5GHz Networks with Airodump-NG
To capture packets on 5GHz networks, your wireless adapter must support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. A good option is the Alpha AWUS0360ACH, which works with both. After setting up your adapter, use the Airodump-NG tool with this command to target specific bands:
airodump-ng --band a mon0
- –band a: Captures only 5GHz networks.
- –band b: Captures only 2.4GHz networks.
- –band g: Also captures 2.4GHz networks (using newer Wi-Fi standards).
To capture both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks at the same time, use this command:
airodump-ng --band a-b-g mon0
This will capture data from both 2.4GHz (b, g) and 5GHz (a) networks, though running all bands together may slow down the process a bit.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands helps you get better results when capturing network data. If you’re using tools like Airodump-NG, make sure your adapter can handle both bands and use the correct commands to capture everything. Whether you need longer range (2.4GHz) or faster speeds (5GHz), picking the right band is key to effective network analysis.
