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Choosing A WiFi Channel

The document discusses factors to consider when choosing a WiFi channel, including co-channel interference from other devices using the same channel, adjacent-channel interference from overlapping channels, and whether to use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band. It recommends picking a channel with few other networks to avoid co-channel interference, and sticking to channels 1, 6, or 11 in the 2.4 GHz band to reduce adjacent-channel overlap if using a single access point or multiple access points in an infrastructure.

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45 views2 pages

Choosing A WiFi Channel

The document discusses factors to consider when choosing a WiFi channel, including co-channel interference from other devices using the same channel, adjacent-channel interference from overlapping channels, and whether to use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band. It recommends picking a channel with few other networks to avoid co-channel interference, and sticking to channels 1, 6, or 11 in the 2.4 GHz band to reduce adjacent-channel overlap if using a single access point or multiple access points in an infrastructure.

Uploaded by

BitWare
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Choosing a WiFi Channel

support.metageek.com/hc/en-us/articles/201034400-Choosing-a-WiFi-Channel

Picking the right channel is the most effective method of


ensuring a wireless network’s best performance. inSSIDer can
help you pick the best channel for your wireless network, but
do you need to know more? Read on!

Co-Channel (On-Channel) Interference

Wireless devices on the same channel (including laptops, tablets, and smartphones) take
turns talking. All the devices on a single channel work together to manage the timing of their
conversations. The more devices on the channel, the less time everyone gets to talk. Picking a
channel with fewer wireless devices is a great way to improve the performance of your
wireless network.

Adjacent-Channel (Overlapping) Interference

While all the devices on a single channel work together to manage the overall conversation,
in 2.4 GHz, many channels overlap with each other. Devices using these overlapping
channels may transmit simultaneously causing wireless collisions, and more often than not
resulting in performance issues. Any channel you choose in the 2.4 GHz band will overlap the
adjacent channels on either side (i.e. channel 6 overlaps with channels 4 and 5, as well as 7
and 8).

Choosing the correct WiFi channel involves many components. Not only do you need to
consider both the number of devices connected as well as the channel overlap, but there’s
also the question of frequency range. Most modern 802.11 wireless access points use the 2.4
GHz or the 5 GHz frequency bands. The 2.4 GHz band is currently the most popular (and
congested), but the 5 GHz band is quickly gaining popularity. When choosing the frequency
band for your wireless network, remember that each device must be compatible with the
frequency band used by the Access Point. Keep in mind that many consumer wireless
devices are not 5 GHz compatible.

Single AP – find a channel with no overlapping networks – Since you are concerned with
only one wireless network, choose the channel with the fewest networks using and
overlapping it. If you are using 2.4 GHz, try to stick with channel 1, 6 or 11 to reduce the
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potential for future overlap.

Multi-AP Infrastructure – Use channels 1, 6, and 11 in the 2.4 GHz – It is best to reuse the
WiFi channels 1, 6, and 11 to avoid channel overlap. Learn more about dual-band WiFi
network design.

Adjacent Channel Congestion: When two networks use overlapping channels, their devices
will transmit at the same time causing their frames to become garbled in the air. This
reduces the performance of both networks.

Co-Channel Congestion: Performance is still impeded by the mutual networks on the same
channel however if they occupy the same channel the communications will be managed and
the bandwidth shared to provide the best possible performance.

Adjacent Channel, Co-Channel, and Open.

If you must share a channel, look for the lowest signal strength (RSSI). Try to keep 20dBm
separation from your wireless network’s RSSI and any other networks occupying the same
channel.

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