UniFi Band Steering

Whether it's for streaming or simply browsing the internet, reliable Wi-Fi is a must. This is where band steering might help. It manages device connections for the best possible performance.

In this post, we'll dive into this underutilized feature within UniFi that improves your networks.

Lets dive in!

Table of Contents

• What is Band Steering?
• Why Band Steering Matters?
• Implementing Band Steering in UniFi Networks
• Benefits of Band Steering
• Final Thoughts

What is Band Steering?

Band steering is a network management technique used in dual-band Wi-Fi networks. These networks operate on two frequencies: the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. While the 2.4 GHz band offers great coverage at the expense of speed, the 5 GHz band provides faster data rates but with reduced coverage.

Band steering guides dual-band capable devices to connect to the optimal frequency band, balancing network load and optimizing performance.

Why Band Steering Matters?

With more Wi-Fi devices in our homes and workplaces, networks can become congested, leading to decreased performance and reliability. The 2.4 GHz band, more commonly used, often becomes overcrowded, affecting the quality of the connection.

By steering devices to the 5 GHz band, UniFi networks can reduce congestion, leading to improved speeds and a better user experience.

Implementing Band Steering in UniFi Networks

Implementing band steering in a UniFi network involves a few steps, typically managed through the UniFi Controller:

1. Ensure your devices support Dual-Band: To benefit from band steering, your devices must be capable of connecting to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

2. Enable Band Steering in the UniFi Controller: Access the UniFi Controller, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings, and look for band steering options. UniFi systems offer various settings to customize how band steering operates, allowing for a tailored approach that suits your specific network environment.

3. Monitor and adjust: After enabling band steering, you need to monitor your network's performance. The UniFi Controller provides tools and analytics to see how devices are distributed across bands and to make adjustments as necessary.

Benefits of Band Steering

The benefit of band steering is an optimized Wi-Fi network that smartly manages device connections to ensure the best possible performance.

However, it's essential to consider the layout and size of your coverage area, as well as the types of devices connected to your network. Some older devices may not support the 5 GHz band, requiring specific considerations to ensure connectivity.

Final Thoughts

Using band steering in your UniFi network will enhance your performance, providing a great online experience for your customers.

At UniHosted, we understand the importance of maintaining a high-performing, reliable networks. Our hosted UniFi Controllers are designed to make managing advanced features like band steering straightforward, ensuring your networks operate at its best.

Feel free to give us a spin! Additionally, I'm happy to walk you through personally. You can schedule a call with me (Founder of UniHosted) here.