How to tell if device is connecting to 2.4 or 5 ghz band

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Level 2

316 points

How to tell if device is connecting to 2.4 or 5 ghz band

I have a Time Capsule that has the dual (2.4 and 5.0 ghz) bands. I also have an Airport Express set up to extend the network. How can I tell which band a device is connecting to? I can see in Airport Utility which router (Time Capsule or Airport Express) a device is connected to because I can see them listed when I click on the individual routers. However, when I hover over each device, I don't see anything listed that will help me tell whether it's connected via the 2.4 or 5 ghz band.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), Processor 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7

Posted on Jan 2, 2017 12:02 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 2, 2017 1:36 AM in response to teacher24_70

On an iOS device, enter the AirPort Utility app, and then tap your AirPort Express (or your time capsule). Then tap wireless clients. Your will see a list of your devices connected to your Airport. Tap the device you want, and then tap Connection. If you can see "802.11a/n" somewhere, it means the device is connected to 5 GHz. If you can find "802.11b/g/n", it means 2.5GHz.

On a mac, enter the AirPort Utility app, and then click your AirPort Express (or your time capsule). Your will see a list of your devices connected to your Airport. Click the device you want. If you can see "802.11a/n" somewhere, it means the device is connected to 5 GHz. If you can find "802.11b/g/n", it means 2.5GHz.

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Answer 2

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,326 points

Jan 2, 2017 6:16 AM in response to teacher24_70

If what you are really asking is how to have your devices that are capable of connecting to the faster 5 GHz signal do so, then you might consider enabling the option to assign a different name to the 5 GHz network. Then, you can "point" your 5 GHz capable devices at the 5 GHz network.

Other devices will continue to connect to the 2.4 GHz network.

Post back if you need a few tips on how to set this up.

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