Computer newbies forum: Dilema: linksys or d-link single-band router

I see no real reason to be ill at ease with the purchased router ( which is not identified ). Any additional devices added to the household will eventually make more use of the dual band. If being dual band is the only reason for dismay, why worry about it?
The original intent to purchase a new router was?

but now you know where to go

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-howto/31679-how-to-test-a-wireless-router
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/31883-how-to-buy-a-wireless-router-2012-edition

Pretty much everbody has gone to N series and dual band routerswith hardware adapters 10/100/100 (gigabit capable) as opposed to the older systems and hardware B/G, 10/100. And if you are using ALL gigabit hardware, specifically with hardwire hook ups from an N series piece of hardware, desktops, etc. You would scrap the CAT-5 cable and swap with CAT-6 for more potential throughput. As far as wireless connectivity is concerned, depending on your server and a myriad of other conditions there is probably little guarantee of totally consistent bandwidth 24/7. For a rudimentary test of wireless performance (again rudimentary) run Speedtest.net this will give you a basic idea of wireless functionality.

You prepared for the future and it worked. Why not keep what's working?
Bob

I think you may be wrong in thinking that your iPad can only connect to a 5GHz wireless signal. That is either just 802.11a or one of the two 802.11g signals, both of which are good methods, and have a faster data-rate than 2.4Ghz, but are somewhat limited in their range. But I would think you actually have the more common 2.4GHz 802.11b, g or n capabilities also.

I don't know what you may be doing, but perhaps you have somehow disabled the 2.4GHz ability of your router (can that be done?... maybe...). Tell us what you have for a router, and what model iPad you have. You maybe overlooking some possibilities.