WI-FI Channel

A 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 is the means by which devices on wireless networks can send and receive data.

Currently, there are three bands available in the US: the 2.4 𝐆𝐇𝐳, 5 𝐆𝐇𝐳, and 6 𝐆𝐇𝐳 bands.

The 2.4 𝐆𝐇𝐳 band has 3 non-overlapping 20MHz bandwidth channels and 1 40MHz channel. Where channels don't overlap, there is no interference. The 2.4 GHz band is ideal for sending moderate amounts of data over long distances.

The 5 𝐆𝐇𝐳 band has 25 non-overlapping 20MHz channels, 12 40MHz channels, 6 80MHz channels, and 2 160MHz channels. Wi-Fi 5 devices only use the 5 GHz band. Wi-Fi 6 devices are capable of using the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band is capable of delivering and receiving exponentially higher amounts of data but over shorter distances than 2.4 GHz.

The 6 𝐆𝐇𝐳 band is the newest band to be opened up by the FCC back in April 2020. It has 59 non-overlapping 20 MHz channels, 29 40MHz channels, 14 80MHz channels, and 7 160MHz channels.