so on my router it is running both bands 2.4 and 5 and the best part is its on the same SSID so it changes according to what my devices can take
The router does not really change, since it is always broadcasting both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands at all times. Wireless devices that are capable of connecting to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz take a look at the signals and choose the best quality signal. The best "quality" signal might not be the fastest signal, since signal strength has a good deal to with the connection.
What we mean by that is that 5 GHz signals are weaker than 2.4 GHz signals, so if a device is in the same room or close proximity to the router, it will likely connect at 5 GHz. If that same device moves three or four rooms away from the router, so that there a a number of obstructions like walls, ceilings, heavy furniture, etc in the signal path, the wireless device will connect to 2.4 GHz since that signal will be much stronger than the 5 GHz signals. Since the 2.4 GHz signal is much stronger at that location, the 2.4 GHz connection just might also be faster than the 5 GHz connection.
So, assigning the same SSIDs to both bands is the default setting that most routers use. Reason...it is much simpler for most users to connect this way and get good results with less effort. Most users should use this setting.
But, some users swear by assigning a separate name to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and they can make a good argument for doing this. Their reasoning usually goes along the lines of "my router does 5 GHz and I want to connect to 5 GHz". To do that, they "point" their laptop at the 5 GHz band SSID and connect.
If you are looking for the best performance, assigning a separate name to the 5 GHz band is probably the way to go.....IF.....all of your devices will be in close proximity to the router. But, if you have pointed a laptop at the 5 GHz band and you then move it several rooms away, it will try very hard to hold onto the 5 GHz connection....which is the weaker band....even when the 2.4 GHz signal at that location would be the stronger and probably faster connection.
So, the mistake that most users make is that they assume that 5 GHz somehow is "better". It can be, but forcing a connection to 5 GHz will not guarantee a user that he really has the best connection. He might...and he might not.
The bottom line here......most users will get better results with less effort if they leave the router set to use the same SSID for both bands. For the guy who has all of his devices close to the router, aiming those devices at a separate 5 GHz band will probably yield faster connection speeds.
But, if all of the devices are going to be close to the router, the devices will likely connect to 5 GHz anyway, if both bands have the same SSID.
Ultimately, it comes down to preference, since you can make a good argument from either side. If you have the time to experiment, you may find that assigning separate names is your preference....and you might not. Try it out for few weeks and let us know which you prefer.
