Final answer:
To alleviate congestion on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, users can switch to the 5 GHz band, which offers more channels and less interference but has a shorter range. Devices and routers must both support the 5 GHz frequency for it to be a viable option.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the 2.4 GHz band is over-crowded, one option is to switch to using the 5 GHz band for Wi-Fi connectivity. The 5 GHz band typically has more available channels and tends to be less congested, which can result in faster data rates and reduced interference. However, it has a shorter range and may not penetrate walls as effectively as the 2.4 GHz band. It's important to ensure that both the wireless router and the devices that need to connect to it support the 5 GHz frequency. Additionally, there may be other technologies competing for radio frequency space, such as Bluetooth, which operates in the 2.4-GHz range, and cellular phone signals, which operate around 1.9 GHz to 2.4 GHz. It's also worth noting that certain safety advisories recommend switching off communication devices like mobile phones in sensitive environments like airplanes and hospitals due to the potential interference with essential equipment that may operate on nearby frequencies.