200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
In a wireless network using 802.11ac, which frequency band does the standard primarily operate in to achieve higher throughput?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is assuming 802.11ac is dual-band like 802.11n — ac is 5 GHz only, and 6 GHz belongs to Wi-Fi 6E, not ac.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
5 GHz
5 GHz is correct because 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) was designed to operate exclusively in the 5 GHz band, which offers wider channels (up to 160 MHz) and less interference compared to 2.4 GHz. This enables the higher throughput and multi-user MIMO capabilities that define 802.11ac. The standard does not define operation in 2.4 GHz or 6 GHz.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
5 GHz
Why this is correct
802.11ac operates in the 5 GHz band, which offers wider channels and less interference than 2.4 GHz, enabling the higher throughput and modulation rates the standard specifies. The 2.4 GHz band is handled by 802.11b/g/n instead.
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2.4 GHz
Why it's wrong here
802.11ac operates only in the 5 GHz band; 2.4 GHz is used by 802.11b/g/n and cannot deliver the wider channels and higher modulation that ac specifies. It is tempting because 2.4 GHz gives greater range, and it would be correct for a legacy 802.11n deployment prioritising coverage over throughput.
- ✗
6 GHz
Why it's wrong here
6 GHz operation belongs to Wi-Fi 6E and 802.11ax, not 802.11ac, which has no channels defined in that band. It is tempting because 6 GHz offers cleaner spectrum and wider channels, and it would be correct for a Wi-Fi 6E deployment seeking additional capacity.
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Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Why it's wrong here
802.11ac operates only in the 5 GHz band; 2.4 GHz support belongs to 802.11n and earlier, so claiming both bands misstates the standard's channel plan. The dual-band answer tempts because most 802.11ac clients are dual-band radios, but the amendment itself defines 5 GHz VHT operation exclusively.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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