802.11s Channels

What frequency bands does 802.11s support for channels?

802.11s operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, depending on the underlying 802.11 PHY.

Does 802.11s define new channel frequencies?

No, it uses the channel plans defined by the base 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac).

How does 802.11s use channels differently from traditional Wi-Fi?

It supports multi-hop mesh networking by managing channel usage for mesh links between nodes.

What is a mesh channel in 802.11s?

A mesh channel is the operating frequency used for communication between mesh nodes.

Can mesh nodes operate on different channels simultaneously?

Yes, nodes can switch or operate on multiple channels to optimize network performance.

What channel widths does 802.11s support?

It supports standard channel widths like 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and wider depending on PHY capabilities.

How are channels selected in 802.11s mesh networks?

Channels are selected based on interference, load, and regulatory constraints to optimize performance.

Does 802.11s support channel switching?

Yes, nodes can switch channels dynamically to improve mesh connectivity and reduce interference.

What role do beacon reports play in 802.11s channels?

Beacon reports provide information about neighbor channels and load to assist in channel management.

How does channel load measurement help in 802.11s?

It helps nodes avoid congested channels and balance traffic across the mesh.

Are DFS channels supported in 802.11s?

Yes, 802.11s can operate on DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channels where allowed by regulations.

Can 802.11s mesh networks operate on 6 GHz channels?

Support depends on updates to the base standard and device capabilities, with newer standards enabling 6 GHz.

How does channel utilization affect mesh performance?

High utilization can cause congestion and packet loss, so 802.11s uses measurements to adapt channel usage.

What is channel bonding in 802.11s?

Combining two or more adjacent channels to increase bandwidth and throughput in mesh links.

How are interference issues managed across mesh channels?

Through channel selection, power control, and dynamic switching to avoid overlapping networks.

Do mesh nodes coordinate channel assignments?

Yes, nodes exchange information to coordinate channel use and reduce conflicts.

What is the effect of channel width on mesh network range?

Wider channels can increase throughput but may reduce effective range due to higher noise susceptibility.

Can 802.11s operate on non-overlapping channels?

Yes, using non-overlapping channels helps minimize interference in dense deployments.

Where can I find the official channel lists for 802.11s?

Channel lists are defined by the base 802.11 standards and regional regulatory bodies.

How do regulatory rules affect channel usage in 802.11s?

Regulatory domains restrict available channels and transmit power to ensure legal operation.

Topics in this section,

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)

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

  • channel widths

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

  • Reference links