List of WLAN channels

United States

There are 14 channels designated in the 2.4 GHz range spaced 5 MHz apart (with the exception of a 12 MHz spacing before channel 14).

Note that for 802.11g/n it is not possible to guarantee orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) operation thus affecting the number of possible non-overlapping channels depending on radio operation.

Interference concerns

As the protocol requires 16.25 to 22 MHz of channel separation (as shown above), adjacent channels overlap and will interfere with each other. Leaving 3 or 4 channels clear between used channels is recommended to avoid interference. The exact spacing required depends on the protocol and data rate selected as well as the electromagnetic environment where the equipment is used.

When two or more 802.11b transmitters are operated in the same airspace, their signals must be attenuated by -50 dBr and/or separated by 22 MHz to prevent interference. This is because the DSSS algorithm transmits data logarithmically along a 20 MHz bandwidth. The remaining 2 MHz gap is used as a guard band to allow sufficient attenuation along the edge channels.

Note: The 40 MHz bands in the diagram above are labelled with their centre channel numbers, but the management interface of many Wi-Fi devices labels one of these bands with the centre channel of one of the 20 MHz bands it overlaps plus an Up or Down notation to specify the other half of the band i.e. Channel 3 in the diagram is called Channel 1+Upper or Channel 5+Lower and Channel 11 in the diagram is called Channel 9+Upper or Channel 13+Lower.

Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges. Network operators should consult their local authorities as these regulations may be out of date as they are subject to change at any time. Most of the world will allow the first thirteen channels in the spectrum.

^B In the US, 802.11 operation in the channels 12 and 13 is actually allowed under low powered conditions. The 2.4 GHz Part 15 band in the US allows spread-spectrum operation as long as the 50 dB bandwidth of the signal is within the range of 2,400–2,483.5 MHz which wholly encompasses both channels 12 and 13. A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) document clarifies that only channel 14 is forbidden and furthermore low-power transmitters with low-gain antennas may legally operate in channels 12 and 13. However, channels 12 and 13 are not normally used in order to avoid any potential interference in the adjacent restricted frequency band, 2,483.5–2,500 MHz, which is subject to strict emission limits set out in 47 CFR §15.205. Probably not the case anymore.

In Canada, 12 channels are available for use, 11 of which at full power and the other (channel 12) is transmit power limited. However, few devices have a method to enable a lower powered channel 12.

^C Channel 14 is valid only for DSSS and CCK modes (Clause 18 a.k.a. 802.11b) in Japan. OFDM (i.e., 802.11g) may not be used. (IEEE 802.11-2007 §19.4.2)

3.65 GHz (802.11y)

Except where noted, all information taken from Annex J of IEEE 802.11y-2008

This range is documented as only being allowed as a licensed band in the United States. Please see IEEE 802.11y for details.

Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges.

A 40 MHz band is available from 3655–3695 MHz. It may be divided into eight 5 MHz channels, four 10 MHz channels, or two 20 MHz channels, as follows:

4.9 GHz (802.11j) public safety WLAN

50 MHz of spectrum from 4940 MHz to 4990 MHz (WLAN channels 20–26) are in use by public safety entities in the United States. Within this spectrum space, there are two non-overlapping channels allocated, both with a width of 20 MHz. The most commonly used channels are 22 and 26.

5 GHz (802.11a/h/j/n/ac)

Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges. Network operators should consult their local authorities as these regulations may be out of date as they are subject to change at any time.

European standard EN 301 893 covers 5.15–5.725 GHz operation, and v1.8.1 is in force.

In 2007, the FCC (United States) began requiring that devices operating on 5.250–5.350 GHz and 5.470–5.725 GHz must employ dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and transmit power control (TPC) capabilities. This is to avoid interference with weather-radar and military applications. In 2010, the FCC further clarified the use of channels in the 5.470–5.725 GHz band to avoid interference with TDWR weather radar systems. In FCC parlance, these restrictions are now referred to collectively as the "Old Rules". On June 10, 2015, the FCC approved a new ruleset for 5 GHz device operation (called the "New Rules"), which adds 160 and 80 MHz channel identifiers, and re-enables previously prohibited DFS channels, in Publication Number 905462. This FCC publication eliminates the ability for manufacturers to have devices approved or modified under the Old Rules in phases; the New Rules apply in all circumstances as of June 2, 2016.

Germany requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.250–5.350 GHz and 5.470–5.725 GHz as well; in addition the frequency range 5.150–5.350 GHz is only allowed for indoor use, leaving only 5.470–5.725 GHz for outdoor and indoor use.

Since this is the German implementation of EU Rule 2005/513/EC, similar regulations must be expected throughout the European Union.

Austria adopted Decision 2005/513/EC directly into national law. The same restrictions as in Germany apply, only 5.470–5.5725 GHz is allowed to be used outdoor and indoor.

South Africa simply copied the European regulations.

Japan's use of 10 and 20 MHz-wide 5 GHz wireless channels is codified by Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB) document STD-T71, Broadband Mobile Access Communication System (CSMA). Additional rule specifications relating to 40, 80, and 160 MHz channel allocation has been taken on by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).

In Brazil, the TPC use in 5.150–5.725 GHz band is optional. DFS is required only in 5.470–5.725 GHz band.

As of 2015, some of the Australian channels require DFS to be utilised (a significant change from the 2000 regulations, which allowed lower power operation without DFS). As per AS/NZS 4268 B1 and B2, transmitters designed to operate in any part of 5250–5350 GHz and 5470–5725 GHz bands shall implement DFS in accordance with sections 4.7 and 5.3.8 and Annex D of ETSI EN 301 893 or alternatively in accordance with FCC paragraph 15.407(h)(2). Also as per AS/NZS 4268 B3 and B4, transmitters designed to operate in any part of 5250–5350 GHz and 5470–5725 GHz bands shall implement TPC in accordance with sections 4.4 and 5.3.4 of ETSI EN 301 893 or alternatively in accordance with FCC paragraph 15.407(h)(1).

New Zealand regulation differs from Australian.

Singapore requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.250–5.350 GHz above 100 mW (e.i.r.p.) and below or equal to 200 mW (e.i.r.p.), and requires DFS capability on 5.250–5.350 GHz below or equal to 100 mW (e.i.r.p.). In addition, 5.150–5.350 GHz is only allowed for indoor use.

China MIIT expanded allowed channels as of Dec 31 2012 to add UNII-1, 5150 ~ 5250 GHz, UNII-2, 5250 ~ 5350 GHz (DFS/TPC), similar to European standards EN 301.893 V1.7.1.

5.9 GHz (802.11p)

The 802.11p amendment, also known as Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE), published on July 15, 2010, specifies WLAN in the licensed Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) band of 5.9 GHz (5.850–5.925 GHz). The 802.11p standard is intended for use in vehicular communication systems.

60 GHz (802.11ad)

The 802.11ad, also known as WiGig. This operates in 60 GHz ISM band.

900 MHz (802.11ah)

802.11ah operates in sub-gigahertz unlicensed bands.