Wi-Fi Channels Reference (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz)
Channel table for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, with the non-overlapping channels and which one to pick.
2.4 GHz: only 3 channels are worth it
Longer range, more interference. Use only 1, 6 or 11: they are the only ones that don't overlap each other.
| Channel | Frequency | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2412 MHz | No overlap ✓ |
| 6 | 2437 MHz | No overlap ✓ |
| 11 | 2462 MHz | No overlap ✓ |
| 2-5, 7-10 | intermediate | Avoid: they overlap 1/6/11 |
5 GHz: many channels, less interference
Ideal near the router. UNII-1 (36-48) and UNII-3 (149-165) channels are usually the freest at home. DFS (52-144) requires releasing the channel if there is nearby radar.
| Block | Channels | Note |
|---|---|---|
| UNII-1 | 36, 40, 44, 48 | Free, indoor ✓ |
| UNII-2 (DFS) | 52-64 | May pause for radar |
| UNII-2e (DFS) | 100-144 | May pause for radar |
| UNII-3 | 149-165 | Free, good power ✓ |
6 GHz: Wi-Fi 6E / 7
New, empty spectrum, without the old devices. Only works with a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router and devices. Shorter range, but excellent speed and latency near the router.
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz: which to choose?
Rule of thumb: 5 GHz when you are in the same room or near the router (more speed, less interference); 2.4 GHz for range, walls and distant IoT devices. Many routers use the same name (SSID) on both bands and choose on their own, called band steering.
How to choose the right channel on 2.4 GHz
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer (a phone app) to see which of channels 1, 6 and 11 is least congested in your neighborhood and lock the router to it. Locking to 1/6/11 is almost always better than leaving it on "automatic" in buildings full of networks.
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