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.