802.11ai Channels =================== .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What frequency bands does 802.11ai use?** 802.11ai operates on the same frequency bands as other 802.11 standards, typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai define new Wi-Fi channels?** No, it uses existing Wi-Fi channels as defined by underlying PHY standards such as 802.11ac and 802.11ax. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ai work on both 20 MHz and wider channels?** Yes, it supports channel widths from 20 MHz up to 160 MHz, depending on the underlying PHY capabilities. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ai help with channel management?** It supports network-assisted channel recommendations to optimize client association and reduce interference. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is dynamic channel selection part of 802.11ai?** While 802.11ai doesn’t define new dynamic channel selection protocols, it integrates with network management features to support dynamic channel use. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ai interact with DFS channels?** It complies with regulatory requirements for DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channels and uses them where permitted. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ai channels be used for fast roaming?** Yes, the standard supports channel recommendations that aid fast BSS transitions and roaming. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai support 6 GHz band channels?** 802.11ai itself does not define 6 GHz operation; this is covered by newer standards like 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E). .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What role do channels play in network-assisted power saving?** Channels affect client wake/sleep scheduling and interference, which 802.11ai manages through network coordination. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How are channels assigned in dense Wi-Fi deployments using 802.11ai?** Network controllers may use 802.11ai features to recommend optimal channels based on load and interference. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai support channel bonding?** Yes, channel bonding is supported through underlying PHY standards and helps increase throughput. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can clients request channel changes in 802.11ai?** Clients may receive channel recommendations from APs to optimize connectivity but do not directly request channel changes. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does channel utilization affect 802.11ai performance?** Efficient channel use reduces interference and improves network-assisted roaming and power saving efficiency. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Are channel switching delays addressed in 802.11ai?** Yes, 802.11ai supports fast transitions minimizing delay during channel changes. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What regulations influence 802.11ai channel use?** Channel usage must comply with regional regulatory rules like FCC or ETSI requirements. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai support channel load balancing?** Yes, it helps steer clients to less congested channels through management frames. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How are channels selected during BSS Transition Management?** APs recommend channels to clients based on load, interference, and client capabilities. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ai operate on non-contiguous channels?** Channel aggregation is based on underlying PHY capabilities; 802.11ai supports whatever the PHY allows. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Where can I learn more about 802.11ai channel usage?** Refer to the IEEE 802.11ai standard and underlying PHY specifications for detailed channel information. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow Topics in this section, * :ref:`List of channels ` * :ref:`List of channel widths ` * :ref:`List of Bands ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. _channels_ai_step4: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 2.4 GHz Channels for 802.11ai ===================== ======================= ====================== ============== Channel Number (MHz) Center Frequency (MHz) Frequency Range DFS Required ===================== ======================= ====================== ============== 1 2412 2401 – 2423 No 2 2417 2406 – 2428 No 3 2422 2411 – 2433 No 4 2427 2416 – 2438 No 5 2432 2421 – 2443 No 6 2437 2426 – 2448 No 7 2442 2431 – 2453 No 8 2447 2436 – 2458 No 9 2452 2441 – 2463 No 10 2457 2446 – 2468 No 11 2462 2451 – 2473 No 12 2467 2456 – 2478 No (region dependent) 13 2472 2461 – 2483 No (region dependent) 14 2484 2473 – 2495 No (Japan only) ===================== ======================= ====================== ============== .. tab-item:: 5 GHz Channels for 802.11ai ===================== ======================= ====================== ============== Channel Number (MHz) Center Frequency (MHz) Frequency Range DFS Required ===================== ======================= ====================== ============== 36 5180 5170 – 5190 No 40 5200 5190 – 5210 No 44 5220 5210 – 5230 No 48 5240 5230 – 5250 No 52 5260 5250 – 5270 Yes 56 5280 5270 – 5290 Yes 60 5300 5290 – 5310 Yes 64 5320 5310 – 5330 Yes 100 5500 5490 – 5510 Yes 104 5520 5510 – 5530 Yes 108 5540 5530 – 5550 Yes 112 5560 5550 – 5570 Yes 116 5580 5570 – 5590 Yes 120 5600 5590 – 5610 Yes 124 5620 5610 – 5630 Yes 128 5640 5630 – 5650 Yes 132 5660 5650 – 5670 Yes 136 5680 5670 – 5690 Yes 140 5700 5690 – 5710 Yes 144 5720 5710 – 5730 Yes 149 5745 5735 – 5755 No 153 5765 5755 – 5775 No 157 5785 5775 – 5795 No 161 5805 5795 – 5815 No 165 5825 5815 – 5835 No ===================== ======================= ====================== ============== .. _channels_ai_step5: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: List of channel widths * channel widths .. _channels_ai_step6: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: List of Bands ======================= ====================== ====================== ============================================================ Band Name Frequency Range (GHz) Frequency Range (MHz) Channels ======================= ====================== ====================== ============================================================ 2.4 GHz Band 2.400 – 2.485 2400 – 2485 1 – 14 (region dependent) UNII-1 5.150 – 5.250 5150 – 5250 36, 40, 44, 48 UNII-2 (DFS) 5.250 – 5.350 5250 – 5350 52, 56, 60, 64 UNII-2 Extended (DFS) 5.470 – 5.725 5470 – 5725 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 144 UNII-3 5.725 – 5.825 5725 – 5825 149, 153, 157, 161, 165 ======================= ====================== ====================== ============================================================ .. _channels_ai_step17: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Reference links * Reference links