Benefits Of Tri-Band WiFi Routers

While the standard type of router seems to have become dual-band, the option of tri-band has entered the scene.

11:51 18 March 2020

Even though tri-band is not a new technology, it is really just now gaining steam, making us wonder what makes tri-band better than dual-band. Should we buy a tri-band router?

What is Tri-Band?

To begin with, we are going to go over what tri-band even means. Let’s start simpler. A single-band router only works on the 2.4GHz radio frequency. This frequency has the most range, but it is more congested and, as a result, is slower. It is not a good band to use if you are streaming over Wi-Fi.

With a dual-band router, you get both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands to work with. This allows you to stream quickly along the 5GHz band and still get a long range for devices that do not need the same bandwidth. This has become the standard for routers, since most networks will stream some kind of content at some point.

Finally, we have tri-band. Tri-band routers have a 2.4GHz frequency and two 5GHz frequencies and give you the best options as far as streaming goes.

What Makes a Good Tri-Band

Now that you know why tri-band technology is so great, you will naturally want to start your search for a new router. BlueGadgetTooth has reviewed the best tri-band routers on the market and would be the right place to start. 

Better Speeds

The best benefit that you get from a tri-band router is that you will get better streaming speeds. You can connect more devices to your router at the same time and have them all on a 5GHz band. This will ensure that you do not get any lags in the middle of streaming a video or online gaming.

Since the Wi-Fi’s bandwidth is divided between active clients, when you have double the bandwidth along the 5GHz frequency, you will be able to support more clients more efficiently. 5GHz does not have the same range than 2.4GHz does, which is why it is still good to have the 2.4GHz on board.

The speeds are not affected when other devices hop on your network, but between the three frequencies, they are able to keep the network running as fast as possible.

Mesh Systems

Another advantage to a tri-band router comes with mesh systems. Mesh systems are routers that are made up of several points in order to cover a larger network space. You can usually have ultimate Wi-Fi points throughout the network, helping extend your signal further.

While having the second 5GHz band normally will boost your speeds, if you are using a mesh system with your network, you can dedicate one of those bands to communicating along the mesh system. This will allow the communication to flow easier between each Wi-Fi point to give you consistent coverage.

Do you need one?

You might now be asking whether you need a tri-band router at all. The truth is, not everyone needs a tri-band router. The average home network works well with dual-bands, understanding that there might be lags in streaming if too many devices are trying to stream at the same time. If your network is mostly made up of people checking emails or social media, you will not need all of the perks that come from owning a tri-band router.

In case you are thinking of just buying a tri-band regardless of your need, we must emphasize the reason we say not to rush out and buy one. Tri-band routers cost more than the average router, putting them well beyond the budget of the average person. If you are not going to use that third band, the router will be a waste of your money. In that case, just stick with dual-band.

Otherwise, the ideal tri-band router has a USB 3.0 port, high-range antennas to help boost your signal reach, and either the 802.11AC or 802.11AD standard in place. Most tri-band routers should come with those in place. In the end, just make sure that your tri-band router has all of the features that you want and that it is still compatible with your ISP.