Action

To check the WiFi frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz) that your computer's WiFi antenna supports, follow the steps below.

Instructions

Windows

Open the Start menu and type "cmd"
Right-click the Command Prompt app and choose to run as administrator
Approve the Windows security box that opens
At the command prompt, enter the following exactly, then press Enter
```
netsh wlan show drivers
```
In the results, find the line called "Radio types supported"

You may need to scroll up a bit to see this part of the results, as there is a lot of information posted.
Your computer's support for different frequencies depends on what WiFi types are supported, as listed in the WiFi Protocol Frequency Support table below

Mac

Open the Apple menu, located in the top-left portion of the screen and select About this Mac
Click System Report on the menu displayed
Expand the Network section on the left
Select the Wi-Fi option underneath Network
Find the "Supported PHY Modes:" section
Your computer's support for different frequencies depends on what WiFi types are supported, as listed in the WiFi Protocol Frequency Support table below

WiFi Protocol Frequency Support

WiFi type	2.4GHz	5GHz
802.11a		Yes
802.11b	Yes
802.11g	Yes
802.11n	Yes	Yes*
802.11ac		Yes
802.11ax	Yes	Yes

*If present with other 5GHz protocols such as a/ac/ax, or on a known dual-band WiFi adapter

Additional Information

The large Lecture Center rooms support only 5GHz WiFi to allow for high-density and high-speed access, so devices that only have 2.4GHz support will not work.

For laptops that only support 2.4GHz and need to support 5GHz, you may consider adding a USB WiFi antenna that supports WPA2-Enterprise and 5GHz WiFi. These are available from many retailers for about $20-$50.

Need more help? Contact the ITS Service Desk.