802.11v Channels

Does 802.11v define new channels?

No, 802.11v uses standard channels as defined in 802.11 PHY layers like 802.11a/b/g/n.

What is the role of 802.11v in channel management?

It helps manage client transitions between access points, potentially across different channels.

Can 802.11v be used in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands?

Yes, 802.11v operates across all bands supported by the device’s PHY layer.

Does 802.11v allow for channel load awareness?

Yes, it allows clients to request and receive channel utilization data for better decision-making.

What is BSS Transition Management in 802.11v?

It’s a feature that helps clients move between APs and potentially across channels for better service.

Can 802.11v help reduce congestion on crowded channels?

Yes, by suggesting transitions to less congested APs on different channels.

Does 802.11v support operation in DFS channels?

Yes, if the underlying PHY and device support DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), 802.11v works over them.

How does 802.11v interact with channel bonding (e.g., 40/80 MHz)?

It can be used over bonded channels, as long as the AP and client support them.

Does 802.11v itself choose the operating channel?

No, channel selection is typically managed by the AP; 802.11v helps clients move between them.

Can 802.11v trigger roaming across channels?

Yes, via BSS Transition Management Requests, clients can be encouraged to roam across different channels.

What is Channel Report Request in 802.11v?

It allows an AP to request a client to report on the quality of specific channels.

Can clients request available channel info using 802.11v?

Yes, clients can use 802.11v to obtain information on channel conditions and utilization.

Does 802.11v improve channel efficiency?

Indirectly, by optimizing client distribution across channels and APs, it helps improve overall efficiency.

Can 802.11v work with 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) channels?

Yes, if the PHY layer and device support 6 GHz, 802.11v operates transparently over them.

How is interference handled with 802.11v?

802.11v doesn’t mitigate interference directly, but helps clients avoid congested or interfered channels.

Are there channel width constraints for 802.11v?

No, it supports all widths (20/40/80/160 MHz) supported by the PHY and the device.

Is automatic channel selection part of 802.11v?

Not directly; it supports AP recommendation and transition, but not the actual channel selection algorithm.

Does 802.11v improve spectrum utilization?

Yes, by enabling smarter client steering and load balancing across channels.

Is 802.11v required for band steering?

No, but it can enhance band steering by providing standardized client transition mechanisms.

Can 802.11v influence multi-band operation (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)?

Yes, it helps steer clients between APs operating on different bands for optimal performance.

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