Wireless WiFi Channels

IEEE 802.11g/b wireless nodes communicate with each other using radio frequency signals in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical)
band between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.  Neighboring channels are 5 MHz apart.  However, due to the spread spectrum effect of the signals,
a node sending signals using a particular channel with a frequency spectrum 12.5 MHz above and below the center channel frequency. 
As a result, two separate wireless networks using neighboring channels (for example, channel 1 and channel 2) in the same general vicinity
may interfere with each other.  Applying two channels that allow the maximum channel separation will decrease the amount of channel
cross-talk and provide a noticeable performance increase over networks and minimal channel separation.
  This is why when you have, for
instance, a Wireless Phone in the house, (and who doesn't), it would be a good idea to purchase one on the 5 GHz band.  That way, they won't bang heads.
(Providing you have devices that can operate at 5 GHz band. Good example would be Apple iPads)!  Most iPads will now work on either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
Now-A-Days-- Computers, TV's, Blu-Ray Players, Printers, iOS devices and Wi-Fi External Hard Drives will work on BOTH bands-- so split them up.

Most Routers now default to "Auto Select" for the Frequency.


Channel        Center Frequency         Frequency Spread
--------        ------------------         -------------------
 1 *             2412 MHz                    2399.5 MHz - 2424.5 MHz

 2                2417 MHz                    2404.5 MHz - 2429.5 MHz

 3                2422 MHz                    2409.5 MHz - 2434.5 MHz

 4                2427 MHz                    2414.5 MHz - 2439.5 MHz

 5                2432 MHz                    2419.5 MHz - 2444.5 MHz

 6 *             2437 MHz                    2424.5 NHz - 2449.5 MHz

 7                2442 MHz                    2429.5 MHz - 2454.5 MHz

 8                2447 MHz                    2434.5 MHz - 2459.5 MHz

 9                2452 MHz                    2439.5 MHz - 2464.5 MHz

10               2457 MHz                    2444.5 MHz - 2469.5 MHz

11 *            2462 MHz                    2449.5 MHz - 2474.5 MHz

12 ~           2467 MHz                    2454.5 MHz - 2479.5 MHz

13 ~          2472 MHz                    2459.5 MHz - 2484.5 MHz

*  Channels used by most Routers.

~  Channels 12 & 13 are not used on many Routers.


Copyright © 2008-   Ted J. Mieske
All Rights Reserved.