How does mobile device choose which radio frequency to connect?

[Tats0611]

Hi,

I have WLC + Lightweight APs running in my office which has one single SSID for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz spectrum.

My laptop's wireless adapter supports up to 802.11ac.

I would like to know how my Windows laptop choose which radio frequency's SSID to connect if both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz are enabled on an AP.

Will Windows computer tries to connect to whatever sends the strongest signal to the computer?

[Flavio Miranda · Accepted solution]

Hi

 Each Wireless Adapter vendor has its own algorithm in order for to choose proper radio. Ultimately, most of vendor users basically RSSI as primary parameter.

[Tats0611]

Thanks Flavio,

I see. ok I think I will check my laptop's driver then. Thank you very much.

Regards,

Tatsuya

[tottenavl]

For windows devices you can also change some settings that can influence the band.  On some devices you can leverage the "preferred band" setting which is found in the wireless adapter settings.  See image attached.

[Rich R]

Yes I set the Preferred Band to 5Ghz whenever that setting is available.