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2.4GHz-Friendly Phones?

Posted by timothy on from the phones-are-mostly-bad dept.

da3dAlus writes "When I first bought my 2.4GHz wireless phone system several years ago, it was a rather new technology, and wi-fi wasn't even on the scene. Now it appears that all wireless phones are on the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz spectrum, and I've got neighbors with wi-fi (with myself included). While checking out new phones recently, I've noticed some are carrying a "802.11 Friendly" sticker. The question is, are there any trully 802.11 friendly phones? Has anyone really ever had a problem with these types of phones interfering with their wi-fi network?"

3 of 386 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Best way to fix the problem... by len_harms · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I found the best way was to get a 900mhz phone. I have yet to find a 'decent' 2.4ghz phone. There is just too much stuff fighting for that space. Plus since 900mhz is 'old stuff' you can get em fairly cheap.

  2. will you people stop buying 2.4GHz phones! by Doppler00 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You are doing nothing but using a low bandwidth device to pollute a frequency range that is better used on 802.11 networks.

    2.4GHz phones does not mean that:

    1. The sound quality is better. This is entirely dependent on the encoding algorithm the phone uses (if at all). The 2.4GHz is simply a carrier signal.
    2. You get better range. You don't because 2.4GHz doesn't propogate as far.

    And also, given that some 2.4GHz phones probably don't use spread spectrum, they are likely to interfere with several channels. At least bluetooth devices hop frequencies fast enough and are low power so they don't interfer.

    The use of higher frequencies on phones I think is simply a product of marketing. You have people who hear about "2.4GHz" computers and think a similar increase in "GHz" will benefit their phone.

    Good high quality 900MHz phones are out there, just keep looking.

  3. Re:why 0.9Ghz is better by avdp · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I wouldn't brag about working at Circuit City as a skill or source of knowledge. No offense, but being able to repeat the marketing text written on the boxes is not that impressive. As an electrical engineer, I can vouch (from real knowledge) that he's correct about lower frequencies and range. Not to say that there aren't other benefits to the higher frequency phones, but range is not it.