802.11ai Channels

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.

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.

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.

How does 802.11ai help with channel management?

It supports network-assisted channel recommendations to optimize client association and reduce interference.

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.

How does 802.11ai interact with DFS channels?

It complies with regulatory requirements for DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channels and uses them where permitted.

Can 802.11ai channels be used for fast roaming?

Yes, the standard supports channel recommendations that aid fast BSS transitions and roaming.

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).

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.

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.

Does 802.11ai support channel bonding?

Yes, channel bonding is supported through underlying PHY standards and helps increase throughput.

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.

How does channel utilization affect 802.11ai performance?

Efficient channel use reduces interference and improves network-assisted roaming and power saving efficiency.

Are channel switching delays addressed in 802.11ai?

Yes, 802.11ai supports fast transitions minimizing delay during channel changes.

What regulations influence 802.11ai channel use?

Channel usage must comply with regional regulatory rules like FCC or ETSI requirements.

Does 802.11ai support channel load balancing?

Yes, it helps steer clients to less congested channels through management frames.

How are channels selected during BSS Transition Management?

APs recommend channels to clients based on load, interference, and client capabilities.

Can 802.11ai operate on non-contiguous channels?

Channel aggregation is based on underlying PHY capabilities; 802.11ai supports whatever the PHY allows.

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.

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