# Why does a 5GHz Wi-Fi signal experience less interference than its 2.4GHz counterpart?

I am thinking in this in terms of their respective wavelengths. The signal operating at a 2.4GHz frequency would have a significantly longer wavelength than the the other signal at a 5GHz frequency. Wouldn't this mean that, as a percentage of its wavelength, the 2.4GHz signal would be less likely to experience either constructive or destructive interference (i.e. be very close to 180° out of phase)?

I would think that the interference as a function of radial distance from the source would increase much more drastically with the 5GHz signal. Although, the 5GHz signal is usually touted as having less interference from other wireless devices operating on this frequency band with the source. Why is this?

• There's a lot more stuff broadcasting around $2.4~\rm GHz$. Phones, bluetooth, car alarms, garage door openers, microwaves, etc. – Chris Feb 8 '18 at 9:59
• So, it's rather just that there are more devices using the 2.4GHz? Hypothetically speaking, if every device would be switched to a 5GHz instead of a 2.4GHz, would it be like I mentioned above, with more interference? – TheLuckySe7en Feb 8 '18 at 20:37
• My WiFi access point samples the frequency range and produces a report of what’s active... The 2.4 band has crowded with devices, but the 5GHz band is basically empty... there are still way fewer people on 5GHz. – Jim Garrison Feb 9 '18 at 5:46