What improvements does a dual-band 802.11ac AP provide compared to 802.11a/g APs?

A dual-band 802.11ac access point (AP) offers improvements over the older 802.11a/g APs, particularly in link reliability when interacting with devices that utilize the previous standards, such as 802.11a/b/g. The 802.11ac standard operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, which allows for greater flexibility and less interference, particularly in environments where multiple devices may be operating on different bands. The advanced modulation techniques and wider channels of 802.11ac contribute to improved throughput and signal quality, enhancing the overall user experience even when devices that adhere to earlier standards are connected.

Additionally, the dual-band capability means that devices on the 2.4 GHz band can experience better performance thanks to forward compatibility and support for previous Wi-Fi standards. As a result, when using the 802.11ac AP, devices operating at different frequencies can communicate more reliably and efficiently. This link reliability is essential, especially in mixed environments with devices that span the 802.11a/b/g spectrum.

Other choices address aspects unrelated to the core improvements of 802.11ac. For instance, lower latency for wired connections pertains more to the wired infrastructure, not the wireless