WiFi Troubleshooting - Check supported frequencies
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.