802.11 in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Unlicensed Bands
The 5 GHz Unlicensed Band
- Radios in the 5 GHz band are expensive because frequencies in different countries are different and because higher-frequency technology is more expensive than lower-frequency technology
- Also, smaller market sales mean more expensive devices
- Shorter propagation distance than in the 2.4 GHz band because of greater absorptive attenuation at higher frequencies
- Deader shadow zones because of higher frequencies