What is a disadvantage of the 5 GHz frequency band compared to the 2.4 GHz band?

The 5 GHz frequency band is indeed known for having a shorter range compared to the 2.4 GHz band. This is primarily due to the physical properties of radio waves: higher frequency signals tend to have a more difficult time penetrating obstacles such as walls, furniture, and other obstructions. As a result, while the 5 GHz band can offer faster data rates and less interference due to more available channels, its effective coverage area is smaller than that of the 2.4 GHz band. This shorter range can lead to dead spots, especially in larger buildings or complex environments where signal propagation is impacted by various physical barriers.

In contrast, the 2.4 GHz band, despite having more potential for interference from various devices (like microwaves and Bluetooth devices), generally provides a greater range due to its lower frequency characteristics. This makes the choice of frequency band important depending on the specific requirements for coverage and data speed in a given environment.