802.11ak Channels

What frequency bands does 802.11ak operate in?

802.11ak operates primarily in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

How many channels are defined in the 2.4 GHz band for 802.11ak?

Typically 11 to 14 channels depending on regional regulations, similar to legacy 802.11 standards.

What channel bandwidths does 802.11ak support?

802.11ak supports 5 MHz, 10 MHz, and 20 MHz channel bandwidths.

Are channel widths narrower in 802.11ak compared to 802.11ac?

Yes, 802.11ak supports narrower 5 MHz and 10 MHz channels in addition to 20 MHz, aiding extended range.

What is the purpose of supporting narrower channels?

Narrower channels improve signal robustness and penetration, especially in industrial or harsh environments.

How many subcarriers are used for a 20 MHz channel?

For 20 MHz, 234 usable subcarriers are defined with a 256-point FFT.

Does 802.11ak support dynamic channel selection?

Yes, it supports dynamic channel allocation and selection similar to other 802.11 standards.

Are the channels contiguous or can they be non-contiguous?

Channels are contiguous; non-contiguous channel bonding is not defined in 802.11ak.

What regulatory domain considerations apply to 802.11ak channels?

Channel availability and power limits depend on local country regulations and domain settings.

Can 802.11ak channels be used simultaneously with legacy 802.11?

Yes, coexistence mechanisms ensure 802.11ak devices can operate alongside legacy devices.

What are the center frequencies for 5 MHz channels in 802.11ak?

Center frequencies are spaced at 5 MHz intervals, matching half the spacing of traditional 10 MHz channels.

Does 802.11ak support DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection)?

Yes, 802.11ak supports DFS in the 5 GHz band for radar avoidance.

How does channel bonding work in 802.11ak?

802.11ak does not support wider-than-20 MHz channel bonding; it focuses on narrow channels.

Are guard bands required between 802.11ak channels?

Yes, guard bands help reduce interference between adjacent channels.

How does 802.11ak handle interference on crowded channels?

By using narrower channels and dynamic channel selection to find cleaner spectrum.

What channel numbering scheme does 802.11ak follow?

It follows the same numbering scheme as 802.11ac and previous standards.

Is there support for channel aggregation in 802.11ak?

No, 802.11ak focuses on single-channel operation without aggregation.

Where can I find the detailed channel plan for 802.11ak?

The IEEE 802.11ak amendment document and regulatory bodies provide detailed channel plans.

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