List of WLAN channels


channels are frequently accessed using IEEE 802.11 protocols, and equipment that does so is sold mostly under the trademark Wi-Fi. Other equipment also accesses the same channels, such as Bluetooth. The radio frequency spectrum is vital for wireless communications infrastructure.
The 802.11 standard provides several distinct radio frequency ranges for use in Wi-Fi communications: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, 5.9 GHz and 60 GHz bands. Each range is divided into a multitude of channels. In the standards, channels are numbered at 5 MHz spacing within a band, and the number refers to the centre frequency of the channel. Although channels are numbered at 5 MHz spacing, transmitters generally occupy at least 20 MHz, and standards allow for channels to be bonded together to form wider channels for higher throughput. Those are also numbered by the centre frequency of the bonded group.
Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges. The ISM band ranges are also often used.

900 MHz (802.11ah)

operates in sub-gigahertz unlicensed bands. Each world region supports different sub-bands, and the channels number depends on the starting frequency of the sub-band it belongs to. Thus, there is no global channels numbering plan, and the channels numbers are incompatible between world regions.
The following sub-bands are defined in the 802.11ah specifications:
RegionSubband
Bandwidths
Australia915–9201, 2, 4
Australia920–9281, 2, 4, 8
China755–7791
China779–7871, 2, 4, 8
Europe863–8681, 2
Japan916.5–927.51
Korea917.5–923.51, 2, 4
New
Zealand		915–9241, 2, 4, 8
New
Zealand		924–9281, 2, 4
Singapore866–8691, 2
Singapore920–9251, 2, 4
United
States		902–9041, 2
United
States		904–9201, 2, 4, 8, 16
United
States		920–9281, 2, 4, 8

2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/n/ax)

Fourteen channels are designated in the 2.4 GHz range, spaced 5 MHz apart from each other except for a 12 MHz space before channel 14.
ChannelF0 Frequency
Range
North
America
Japan
Most of
world
124122401–2423
224172406–2428
324222411–2433
424272416–2438
524322421–2443
624372426–2448
724422431–2453
824472436–2458
924522441–2463
1024572446–2468
1124622451–2473
1224672456–2478 except CAN
1324722461–2483
1424842473–2495

Nations apply their own RF emission 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.
To guarantee no interference in any circumstances the Wi‑Fi protocol requires 16.25 to 22 MHz of channel separation. The remaining 2 MHz gap is used as a guard band to allow sufficient attenuation along the edge of the band. This guardband is mainly used to accommodate older routers with modem chipsets prone to full channel occupancy, as most modern Wi‑Fi modems are not prone to excessive channel occupancy. In 22 MHz channel width situations, there is 3MHz free/unused spectrum between NON-overlapping channels, this is not called guard band but channel spacing.
While overlapping frequencies can be configured at a location will usually work, it can cause interference resulting in slowdowns, sometimes severe, particularly in heavy use. Certain subsets of frequencies can be used simultaneously at any one location without interference :
However, the exact spacing required when the transmitters are not colocated depends on the protocol, the data rate selected, the distances and the electromagnetic environment where the equipment is used.
The overall effect is that if there is considerable overlap between adjacent channels transmitters they will often interfere with each other. However, using every fourth or fifth channel by leaving three or four channels clear between used channels can cause less interference than sharing channels, and narrower spacing still can be used at further distances.

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.
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:

5.0 GHz ([802.11j]) WLAN

In Japan, 100 MHz of spectrum from 4900 MHz to 5000 MHz can be used for both indoor and outdoor connection starting from year 2002 . Originally, another spectrum 5030–5091 MHz was also available for use, however, it has been re-purposed and cannot be used after the year 2017.
50 MHz of spectrum from 4940 MHz to 4990 MHz 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 or 5.8 GHz (802.11a">802.11a">a/h">802.11h">h/j">802.11j">j/n">802.11n">n/ac">802.11ac">ac/ax">IEEE 802.11ax">ax)

United States

Source:
In 2007, the FCC began requiring that devices operating in the bands of 5.250–5.350 GHz and 5.470–5.725 GHz must employ dynamic frequency selection and transmit power control 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, a type of weather radar system. In FCC parlance, these restrictions are now referred to collectively as the "Old Rules". On 10 June 2015, the FCC approved a "new" ruleset for 5 GHz device operation, 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 2016.

Germany

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 allowed only 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.
European standard EN 301 893 covers 5.15–5.725 GHz operation, and as of 2017 v2.1.1 has been adopted.

Austria

Austria adopted Decision 2005/513/EC directly into national law. The same restrictions as in Germany apply, only 5.470–5.725 GHz is allowed to be used outdoor and indoor.

South Africa

Source for South Africa:

Japan

Japan's use of 10 and 20 MHz-wide 5 GHz wireless channels is codified by Association of Radio Industries and Businesses document STD-T71, Broadband Mobile Access Communication System . 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.

Brazil

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

Australia

, some of the Australian channels require DFS to be utilised. 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. Also as per AS/NZS 4268 B3 and B4, transmitters designed to operate in any part of 5250–5350 MHz and 5470–5725 MHz 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.

New Zealand

New Zealand regulation differs from Australian.

Singapore

Singapore regulatory – IMDA requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.250–5.350 GHz above 100 mW EIRP and below or equal to 200 mW EIRP, requires DFS capability on 5.250–5.350 GHz below or equal to 100 mW EIRP, and requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.470–5.725 below or equal to 1000mW EIRP. Operating 5.725–5.850 GHz above 1000mW and below or equal to 4000mW EIRP shall be approved on exceptional basis.

South Korea

In Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT has public notices. 신고하지 아니하고 개설할 수 있는 무선국용 무선설비의 기술기준, Technical standard for radio equipment for radio stations that can be opened without reporting. They allowed 160MHz channel bandwidth from 2018-6-27.

China

China MIIT expanded allowed channels as of 2012 to add UNII-1, 5150–5250 GHz, UNII-2, 5250–5350 GHz, similar to European standards EN 301.893 V1.7.1.

5.9 GHz (802.11p)

The 802.11p amendment published on 15 July 2010, specifies WLAN in the licensed band of 5.9 GHz.

6 GHz (802.11ax)

United States

On 23 April 2020, the FCC voted on and ratified a Report and Order to allocate 1.2 GHz of unlicensed spectrum in the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use.
The Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced the term "Wi-Fi 6E" to identify and certify Wi-Fi devices that support this new band. Channel numbers will be defined by the IEEE's 802.11ax task group.

Low-Power Indoor (LPI) Operation

Band20MHz40MHz80MHz160MHz
-5241263
U-NII-652.51.250.5
U-NII-717.58.754.252.25
U-NII-812.55.752.51.25
TOTAL5929147

Note: Partial channels indicate channels that span UNII boundaries, which is permitted in 6GHz LPI operation). Under the proposed channel numbers, the U-NII-7/U-NII-8 boundary is spanned by channels 185, 187, 183, and 175. The U-NII-6/U-NII-7 boundary is spanned by channels 115, 119, and channel 111.
For use in indoor environments, access points are limited to a maximum EIRP of 30dBm and a maximum Power Spectral Density of 5dBm/MHz. They can operate in this mode on all four U-NII bands without the use of automatic frequency coordination. These types of access points are not permitted to be connectorized for external antennas.

Standard Power

Standard power access points are permitted indoors and outdoors at a maximum EIRP of 36dBm in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 sub-bands with automatic frequency coordination.

Very Low Power Devices

The FCC will issue a ruling in the future on a third class of very low power devices such as hotspots and short-range applications.

Client Devices

Clients are limited to 6dB below the power of the access point.

Europe

The European Commission is expected to rule on 6GHz in early 2021. It is currently expected that EU regulations will permit operation only in the band from 5925-6425MHz by Low Power Indoor and Very Low Power devices.

United Kingdom

The UK's OFCOM is expected to generally mirror EU regulations.

60 GHz (802.11ad/ay)

The 802.11ad/ay, also known as WiGig. This operates in the 60 GHz V band ISM band.
Most original 802.11ad based chipset products only use channels 1-4.
Some exceptions are what IgniteNet has done. They incorporated "Half channels".  Because the RF channels are so wide, these half channels are now 1.08GHz and still provide high throughput but now allow for 8 total channels.