Dual-Band Wi-Fi in I-Devices?

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John Doe1 Author

Level 1

65 points

Dual-Band Wi-Fi in I-Devices?

I have read about Idevices supporting dual-band wi-fi, both 2.4 and 5 gHz.

Is that feature only in the newest models, or in older models as well?

I have the Ipad Mini (original model, not the new one), Ipad 2, and Ipod Touch 4th gen.

Do any of those I have support dual-band wi-fi?

If so, how does one configure that--set which band to use, etc.?

While at it, I'll ask another wi-fi question--any way to improve the wi-fi performance my three i-devices? (Perhaps if they could change band, that might be one way.) For instance, trying to connect to the same network from the same place, any of my i-devices connects at a slower speed than my laptop computer (with its internal wi-fi card), or even my Android phone. Also, the range seems to be lower, and the idevices do not see as many networks, due to distance. I am guessing that to save battery life the power on the wi-fi radios on my i-devices is turned down--can it be turned back up, even at the expense of battery life, when one wants a faster or farther connection?

Thanks in advance.

Posted on Feb 4, 2014 2:55 PM

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Answer 1

Behin

Level 2

250 points

Feb 4, 2014 3:22 PM in response to John Doe1

Yes it is possible.

This article should help you with configuring the router optimally: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4199

Also, here's a link with some more info about iOS devices and dual band: http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/11/best-of-both-worlds-setting-up-wi-fi-for-io s-on-2-4-and-5ghz/

Hope these links help; please reply with any questions.

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Answer 2

John Doe1 Author

Level 1

65 points

Feb 4, 2014 3:46 PM in response to Behin

Thanks for the info and links. I will check them out. So you say that my older IOS devices do support dual-band wi-fi. (I forgot to mention--one is running IOS7--the Ipad Mini. The Ipad 2 and Ipod Touch 4 are still on IOS6. (I could upgrade the Ipad 2 to ios7, but have not yet done it.)

It isn't only a matter of configuring the router though. That would matter for my home network, But I am also wondering about at work, at public hotspots, etc., where I have no control over the router? Is there any way of configuring the idevices themselves to get better performance? (I certainly have not yet seen a control of which band to use? Do they work better on the 5ghz band?) I assume they are N compatible, not likely AC.

Thanks again.

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Answer 3

Behin

Level 2

250 points

Feb 4, 2014 3:54 PM in response to John Doe1

For the devices, the best recourse is to check the specs.

Does not look like the iPod touch 4th gen supports it: http://support.apple.com/kb/SP594

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