[Big-A-Rob]

Got the unit hooked up to my 2.4ghz Wi-Fi network but it sees the 5ghz network but has errors connecting. Anyone get it hooked up on a 5kHz network?

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[Quastor]

I'm guessing no, because I am having issues getting it to connect to my 5Ghz wi-fi as well. Not cool. I keep my N network on 5Ghz and the G network on 2.4Ghz with separate ssids. So basically in order to get this to work, I'm going to have to re-do my entire home network.

[junglejunkie]

Only supports 2.4 GHz according to the specs on the play store.
Still I LOVE mine...

[Big-A-Rob]

Dang. Not that big of a deal but I'm going to have to keep switching Wi-Fi networks to use it. I wonder why it detects the network if it doesn't support it?

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[tnt118]

I don't remember it seeing my 5gHz network when I did the setup.

If I remember right, the device you are using to set it up disconnects from your local network and connects to a hotspot created by the Chromecast to perform the setup. Yet the Chromecast knew what network I had been on (despite ID broadcast being off) -- all the fields were auto-populated. Maybe it's not actually seeing your 5gHz network but is just pulling the SSID from the device you are using?

[Joanne Eckert]

I don't remember it seeing my 5gHz network when I did the setup.

If I remember right, the device you are using to set it up disconnects from your local network and connects to a hotspot created by the Chromecast to perform the setup. Yet the Chromecast knew what network I had been on (despite ID broadcast being off) -- all the fields were auto-populated. Maybe it's not actually seeing your 5gHz network but is just pulling the SSID from the device you are using?

I haven't been able to get my Chromecast to work at all. I also have a dual-band router (Netgear). Each time I try to set up the Chromecast, it kicks my network offline.

How do I configure my router to let Chromecast see just the 2.4GhHz and not the 5?

[Moses Smith]

I haven't been able to get my Chromecast to work at all. I also have a dual-band router (Netgear). Each time I try to set up the Chromecast, it kicks my network offline.

How do I configure my router to let Chromecast see just the 2.4GhHz and not the 5?

Joanne, your CC doesn't detect the 5ghz broadcast. I have two broad cast coming from my routher(2.4 and 5 ghz) and the CC will only detect the 2.4 broadcast. If it's connecting, it's connecting to your 2.4 broadcast.

[jerethi]

Joanne, your CC doesn't detect the 5ghz broadcast. I have two broad cast coming from my routher(2.4 and 5 ghz) and the CC will only detect the 2.4 broadcast. If it's connecting, it's connecting to your 2.4 broadcast.

Are you controlling it from a device connected to your 5ghz network? Does it work?

[tmeader]

Are you controlling it from a device connected to your 5ghz network? Does it work?

Yes, that works fine. As long as the wireless networks are on the same subnet, it doesn't matter which band they're on. The device just needs to be able to find the Chromecast's IP is all.

[kgh00007]

Hey, can anyone tell me what speed the chromecast connects at?
Is it 65Mbps or 130Mbps or what?

Cheers :-)

[PlanetPluto7]

Try connecting the computer to a 2.4 for the setup. Chromecast will then be on a 2.4 and you can set the pc to either a 2.4 or 5. Should be fine unless you have a network problem. You can also set the network to any 2.4 in the chromecast setup.

[Farish]

I just setup my Chromecast tonight.

It did detected my 5ghz wifi network but it had problems with setup, so I immediately setup it up on my 2.4ghz network. Maybe an issue with the authentication encryption being used. Hopefully an update will fix this.

[SRN7]

It detected my 5 ghz as well; but would not agree with the password.

[Dan G1]

Where did you see the specs for it on the Google Store, for the life of me I couldn't find them. I looked on other sites where you can buy it and I could only find a spec sheet on Best Buys site. It just has wireless N for the wifi but doesn't specify what band. During my setup it did see my 5ghz band but I couldn't connect to it and I was using a device (my samsung phone) that was connected to the same 5ghz wifi access. Once I changed over to my 2ghz band it found it right away, I'm confused though because if it can't use 5ghz shouldn't it not be able to see it?

[Farish]

Where did you see the specs for it on the Google Store, for the life of me I couldn't find them. I looked on other sites where you can buy it and I could only find a spec sheet on Best Buys site. It just has wireless N for the wifi but doesn't specify what band. During my setup it did see my 5ghz band but I couldn't connect to it and I was using a device (my samsung phone) that was connected to the same 5ghz wifi access. Once I changed over to my 2ghz band it found it right away, I'm confused though because if it can't use 5ghz shouldn't it not be able to see it?

The only way you can see 5ghz is if the wifi card supports it. That doesn't stop driver or password encryption bugs from happening. Which this probably is.

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[Philip600rr]

Same here

[Farish]

So on Google's support website it states that the Chromecast supports only 2.4ghz networks and only those will be listed.

I guess that wifi chip is better than they thought lol.

[dannchurch]

As I think someone said earlier, it appears that it scavenges the SSID that you originally connected with an attempts to connect using that. I've tried with 2 different chromecast dongles, starting out with my tablet on a 5Ghz network. Both times the dongle showed that same 5Ghz network during the network setup but the dongles never were able to connect that network.

When I changed the network to a 2.4Ghz network on the network setup page, it connected to that network and then at the end of the setup process my tablet was switched to that 2.4Ghz network as well! I switched my tablet back to a 5Ghz network after setup completed and still was able to cast to the dongles. All that matters after setup is that you're on the same subnet.

[ashwinipn]

It is absurd and completely ridiculous decision. The router companies advertise that to see fewer frame drops and buffer free video, use 5 GHz band and for everything else use longer approaching 2.4 GHz. This device is made for video/audio content consumption and they decided to support only 2.4 GHz.

[Devlyn16]

It is absurd and completely ridiculous decision. The router companies advertise that to see fewer frame drops and buffer free video, use 5 GHz band and for everything else use longer approaching 2.4 GHz. This device is made for video/audio content consumption and they decided to support only 2.4 GHz.

So the companies that make routers and want you to buy a new one from them advertise that the newest feature is better?? you might want to google which is better or take your cell phone download a wi-fi analyzer and check the signal strength comparison between 5ghz and 2.4ghz on dual band routers. 2.4 GHz covers a larger area and penetrates solid objects better than 5 GHz. In the long run it is likely this is the reason Google decided to go with the more popular 2.4GHz. Had they gone with the higher spectrum The forums wouldbe filled with poeple complaining that they have to upgrade their hardware or complaining that the 5GHZ spectrum can't reach the wall ther TV is mounted to.

[Shilohcane]

Is 5GHz Wireless better than 2.4GHz ?
Wireless computer network equipment typically uses radio signals in either a 2.4 GHz range or a 5 GHz range.

The GHz range of a wireless radio is only partially related to the speed of a wireless network. For example, 802.11a wireless operates at 5GHz and 802.11g at 2.4GHz, but both support the same maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. However, newer 802.11n routers have the capability of simultaneous dual-band operation on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz ranges, allowing clients to connect on different bands for more flexibility and less interference. 802.11ac expands on that, running entirely in the 5GHz band.

Advantages of 5GHz:
The 5GHz band is less likely to be congested. The 2.4GHz frequency range is much more prone to interference, as it is commonly used by other wireless networks in the area, as well as cordless phones, garage door openers and other home appliances and consumer products. The 5GHz band can also offer much higher throughput (using the right technology) with the same channel width.

Disadvantages of 5GHz:
In general, the higher the frequency of a wireless signal, the shorter its range. Thus, 2.4GHz networks cover a substantially larger range than 5GHz wireless networks. In particular, the higher frequency wireless signals of 5GHz networks do not penetrate solid objects nearly as well as 2.4GHz signals, limiting their reach inside homes. Recent 802.11ac devices may be able to mitigate some of this disatvantage by using beamforming.

The Bottom Line:
5GHz and 2.4GHz are simply different frequencies, each with its advantages and disadvantages. To get the best of both worlds, some recent routers have the capability for dual-band operation in both ranges simultaneously. 5GHz offers higher throughput at a shorter distance, while 2.4GHz offers increased coverage and higher solid object penetration.

Note: When choosing the band for your router, it is also important to consider the capabilities of your wireless clients. Most current laptops and other mobile wireless devices work in the 2.4GHz band, while media streaming devices have increasingly better adoption in the 5GHz band. The migration to wider adoption of 5GHz will probably continue with the shift to the higher throughput 802.11ac.

Is 5GHz Wireless better than 2.4GHz ? :: SG FAQ

[Shilohcane]

It is absurd and completely ridiculous decision. The router companies advertise that to see fewer frame drops and buffer free video, use 5 GHz band and for everything else use longer approaching 2.4 GHz. This device is made for video/audio content consumption and they decided to support only 2.4 GHz.

If Gooble had picked 5 GHz over 2.4Gz it would have cost more and the vast majority of people only have 2.4GHz routers couldn't use it. I had to return my first 5GHz only router (802.11a) since it didn't work as well the 2.4GHz router that I replaced it with due to the size and building material of my home. So Chromecast would be a market failure at 5GHz only. It would have been much more expensive if the CC was dual-band. Roku has four models for sale with Roku LT $49, Roku HD $59, Roku 2 XD $79 are all 2.4GHz without 5 GHz radios. Roke 2700X just passed the FCC and will be for sale soon and it only has a 2.4GHz radio. You have to buy the Roku 3 at $99 to get Dual-Band 2.4GHz & 5 GHz. Chromecast is a great value at only $35 and it had to be 2.4GHz to work for most people.

Smart TV will make the Chromecast obsolete soon enough but I am sure Google will refresh Chromecast with Dual Band at a higher cost in a year. Bottom line if you want a 5GHz streaming device buy a Roku 3 and spend the $99. I was looking for the cheapest 2.4GHz streaming device and that is what makes the Chromecast the best choice for me.

[Rudy Belova]

My chromecast can not see my 5ghz network. I thought for sure it was going to be an issue because I live in a large apartment building. My laptop alone sees over 40+ wifi networks in teh 2.4ghz band. Nothing works in my place in 2.4ghz. Roku, Tivo roamio, laptops, you name it.
Wierdly enough, i have absolutely NO problem with 2.4ghz. watching HD programs from the play store and everything. Quite surprised!

[DreamSTi]

The 2.4GHz band is PLENTY fast enough for HD video and audio. The only problem is the 2.4 band gets a little congested. The 5GHz band is quicker, but it wont give you a better experience. The range on the 5GHz band isnt as good as the 2.4GHz either.

[ashwinipn]

Hi,

I guess not only the subnet but SSID should also be the same. I have set up one SSID for 2.4 GHz and a separate for 5 GHz. All other parameters are same. But it does not work if one attempts to cast from a device that is connected to a 5 GHz SSID. Moreover, the advertised claims about 5 GHz network being able to deliver better (lag free due to high sampling rate) video streaming experience makes the choice of CC as a video streaming device supporting only 2.4 GHz network is absurd. It only made sense to support both frequencies because of old hardware compatibility issues.