WLAN Frequency Bands & Channels

WLAN Frequency Bands and channels showing allowed wireless local area network channels using IEEE 802.11 protocols as used in Wi-Fi Networks

WLAN Frequency Bands: The 802.11 working group currently documents use in five distinct frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5.9 GHz bands.Each range is divided into a multitude of channels. Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges.
In some countries, such as the United States, licensed Amateur Radio operators may use some of the channels at much higher power for long distance wireless access.

2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/n)

Graphical representation of 2.4 GHz band channels overlapping

Most countries

Graphical representation of Wireless LAN channels in 2.4 GHz band

USA

Graphical representation of Wireless LAN channels in 2.4 GHz band

There are 14 channels designated in the 2.4 GHz range spaced 5 MHz apart (with the exception of a 12 MHz spacing before channel 14).

Note that for 802.11g/n it is not possible to guarantee orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) operation thus affecting the number of possible non-overlapping channels depending on radio operation.

Interference concerns

As the protocol requires 16.25 to 22 MHz of channel separation (as shown above), adjacent channels overlap and will interfere with each other. Leaving 3 or 4 channels clear between used channels is recommended to avoid interference.^[4] The exact spacing required depends on the protocol and data rate selected as well as the electromagnetic environment where the equipment is used.

When two or more 802.11b transmitters are operated in the same airspace, their signals must be attenuated by -50dBr and/or separated by 22 MHz to prevent interference.^[5] This is due to fact that the DSSS algorithm transmits data logarithmically along a 20 MHz bandwidth. The remaining 2 MHz gap is used as a guard band to allow sufficient attenuation along the edge channels.

Note: The 40 MHz bands in the diagram above are labelled with their centre channel numbers, the management interface of many Wi-Fi devices labels these bands with the centre channel of one of the 20 MHz bands they overlap plus an Up or Down notation to specify the other half of the band i.e.: Channel 3 = Channel 1+Upper, or Channel5+Lower and Channel 11 = Channel 9+Upper or Channel 13+Lower.

Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges. Network operators should consult their local authorities as these regulations may be out of date as they are subject to change at any time. Most of the world will allow the first thirteen channels in the spectrum.

Channel	Frequency (MHz)	North America	Japan	Most of world
1	2412	Yes	Yes	Yes
2	2417	Yes	Yes	Yes
3	2422	Yes	Yes	Yes
4	2427	Yes	Yes	Yes
5	2432	Yes	Yes	Yes
6	2437	Yes	Yes	Yes
7	2442	Yes	Yes	Yes
8	2447	Yes	Yes	Yes
9	2452	Yes	Yes	Yes
10	2457	Yes	Yes	Yes
11	2462	Yes	Yes	Yes
12	2467	No^B	Yes	Yes
13	2472	No^B	Yes	Yes
14	2484	No	11b only^C	No

In the USA, 802.11 operation in the channels 12 and 13 is actually allowed under low powered conditions. The 2.4 GHz Part 15 band in the US allows spread-spectrum operation as long as the 50 dB bandwidth of the signal is within the range of 2,400–2,483.5 MHz which wholly encompasses both channels 12 and 13. A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) document clarifies that only channel 14 is forbidden and furthermore low-power transmitters with low-gain antennas may legally operate in channels 12 and 13.^[14] However, channels 12 and 13 are not normally used in order to avoid any potential interference in the adjacent restricted frequency band, 2,483.5–2,500 MHz, which is subject to strict emission limits set out in 47 CFR §15.205.

In Canada, 12 channels are available for use, 11 of which at full power and the other (channel 12) is transmit power limited. However, few devices have a method to enable a lower powered channel 12

Channel 14 is valid only for DSSS and CCK modes (Clause 18 a.k.a. 802.11b) in Japan. OFDM (i.e., 802.11g) may not be used. (IEEE 802.11-2007 §19.4.2)

3.6 GHz (802.11y)

Except where noted, all information taken from Annex J of IEEE 802.11y-2008

This range is documented as only being allowed as a licensed band in the United States. Please see IEEE 802.11y for details.

Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges.

A 40 MHz band is available from 3655–3695 MHz. It may be divided into 8 5 MHz channels, 4 10 MHz channels,or 2 20 MHz channels, as follows:

Channel	Frequency (MHz)	United States
Channel	Frequency (MHz)	5 MHz	10 MHz	20 MHz
131	3657.5	Yes	No	No
132	3660.0	No	Yes
132	3662.5	Yes	No
133	3665.0	No	No	Yes
	3665.0	No	No	Yes
	3667.5	Yes	No	No
134	3670.0	No	Yes
134	3672.5	Yes	No
135	3675.0	No	No
	3675.0	No	No	No
	3677.5	Yes	No
136	3680.0	No	Yes
136	3682.5	Yes	No
137	3685.0	No	No	Yes
	3685.0	No	No	Yes
	3687.5	Yes	No	No
138	3690.0	No	Yes
138	3692.5	Yes	No

4.9 GHz (802.11y) Public Safety WLAN

50 MHz of spectrum from 4940 MHz to 4990 MHz (WLAN channels 20–26) are in use by public safety entities in the United States. Within this spectrum space, there are two non-overlapping channels allocated, both with a width of 20 MHz. The most commonly used channels are 22 and 26.

5 GHz (802.11a/h/j/n/ac)

European standard EN 301 893 covers 5.15–5.725 GHz operation, and v1.8.1 is in force.

In 2007 the FCC (United States) began requiring that devices operating on 5.250–5.350 GHz and 5.470–5.725 GHz must employ dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and transmit power control (TPC) capabilities. This is to avoid interference with weather-radar and military applications. In 2010, the FCC further clarified the use of channels in the 5.470–5.725 GHz band to avoid interference with TDWR weather radar systems. In FCC parlance, these restrictions are now referred to collectively as the “Old Rules”. On June 10, 2015, the FCC approved a newruleset for 5 GHz device operation (called the “New Rules”), which adds 160 and 80 GHz channel identifiers, and re-enables previously prohibited DFS channels, in Publication Number 905462. This FCC publication eliminates the ability for manufacturers to have devices approved or modified under the Old Rules in phases; the New Rules apply in all circumstances as of June 2, 2016.

Germany requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.250–5.350 GHz and 5.470–5.725 GHz as well; in addition the frequency range 5.150–5.350 GHz is only allowed for indoor use, leaving only 5.470–5.725 GHz for outdoor and indoor use.

Since this is the German implementation of EU Rule 2005/513/EC, similar regulations must be expected throughout the European Union.

Austria adopted Decision 2005/513/EC directly into national law. The same restrictions as in Germany apply, only 5.470–5.5725 GHz is allowed to be used outdoor and indoor.

South Africa simply copied the European regulations.

Japan no longer allows 34, 38, 42, and 46 channels for connecting J52 supported old APs. Authorization to use these channels expired in May 2012.

In Brazil, the TPC use in 5.150–5.725 GHz band is optional. DFS is required only in 5.470–5.725 GHz band.

As of 2015, some of the Australian channels require DFS to be utilised (a significant change from the 2000 regulations, which allowed lower power operation without DFS). As per AS/NZS 4268 B1 and B2, transmitters designed to operate in any part of 5250–5350 GHz and 5470–5725 GHz bands shall implement DFS in accordance with sections 4.7 and 5.3.8 and Annex D of ETSI EN 301 893 or alternatively in accordance with FCC paragraph 15.407(h)(2). Also as per AS/NZS 4268 B3 and B4, transmitters designed to operate in any part of 5250–5350 GHz and 5470–5725 GHz bands shall implement TPC in accordance with sections 4.4 and 5.3.4 of ETSI EN 301 893 or alternatively in accordance with FCC paragraph 15.407(h)(1).

New Zealand regulation differs from Australian

Singapore requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.250–5.350 GHz above 100 mW (e.i.r.p.) and below or equal to 200 mW (e.i.r.p.), and requires DFS capability on 5.250–5.350 GHz below or equal to 100 mW (e.i.r.p.). In addition, 5.150–5.350 GHz is only allowed for indoor use.

Channel	Center Frequency (GHz)	Frequency Range (GHz)	Bandwidth (MHz)	Unites States FCC U-NII Band(s)	United States	Canada	Europe	Switzerland	Russia	Japan	Japan 10 MHz	Singapore	China	Palestine	Korea	Turkey	Australia	South Africa	Brazil	Taiwan	New Zealand
7	5035	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
8	5040	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
9	5045	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
11	5055	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
12	5060	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
16	5080	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
34	5170	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	Indoors	Yes	Client only	No	Yes	No	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
36	5180	5170-5190	20	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	N/A	Yes	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
38	5190	5170-5210	40	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Client only	N/A	Yes	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
40	5200	5190-5210	20	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	N/A	Yes	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
42	5210	5170-5250	80	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	No	No	Yes	Client only	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	No	No	No	Indoors	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No
44	5220	5210-5230	20	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	N/A	Yes	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
46	5230	5210-5250	40	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Client only	N/A	Yes	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
48	5240	5230-5250	20	U-NII-1	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	N/A	Yes	Yes	Indoors	Yes	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors	No	Indoors
50	5250	5170-5330	160	U-NII-1 and U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
52	5260	5250-5270	20	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	Indoors/DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors/DFS/TPC	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors	DFS/TPC	Indoors	Indoors	No	DFS/TPC
54	5270	5250-5290	40	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	Indoors/DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	Indoors/DFS/TPC	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Indoors	No	Indoors	DFS/TPC	Indoors	Indoors	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC
56	5280	5270-5290	20	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	Indoors/DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors/DFS/TPC	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors	DFS/TPC	Indoors	Indoors	Yes	DFS/TPC
58	5290	5250-5330	80	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	No	No	No	Indoors	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	No
60	5300	5290-5310	20	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	Indoors/DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors/DFS/TPC	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors	DFS/TPC	Indoors	Indoors	Yes	DFS/TPC
62	5310	5290-5330	40	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	Indoors/DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	Indoors/DFS/TPC	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Indoors	No	Indoors	DFS/TPC	Indoors	Indoors	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC
64	5320	5310-5330	20	U-NII-2A	DFS	DFS	Indoors/DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors/DFS/TPC	N/A	Indoors/DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Indoors/DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 100mW instead of 200mW)	Yes	Indoors	DFS/TPC	Indoors	Indoors	Yes	DFS/TPC
100	5500	5490-5510	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
102	5510	5490-5530	40	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
104	5520	5510-5530	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
106	5530	5490-5570	80	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No
108	5540	5530-5550	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
110	5550	5530-5570	40	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
112	5560	5550-5570	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
114	5570	5490-5650	160	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
116	5580	5570-5590	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
118	5590	5570-5610	40	U-NII-2C	DFS	No	DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
120	5600	5990-5610	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	No	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
122	5610	5570-5650	80	U-NII-2C	DFS	No	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No
124	5620	5610-5630	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	No	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
126	5630	5610-5650	40	U-NII-2C	DFS	No	DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
128	5640	5630-5650	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	Yes	DFS/TPC	No	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
132	5660	5650-5670	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
134	5670	5650-5690	40	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	Unknown	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
136	5680	5670-5690	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
138	5690	5650-5730	80	U-NII-2C and U-NII-3	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No
140	5700	5690-5710	20	U-NII-2C	DFS	DFS	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC (otherwise limited to 500mW instead of 1W)	Yes	DFS/TPC	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	DFS/TPC	Yes	DFS	Yes	DFS/TPC
142	5710	5690-5730	40	U-NII-2C and U-NII-3	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC
144	5720	5710-5730	20	U-NII-2C and U-NII-3	DFS	DFS	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	No	DFS/TPC	No	No	No	DFS/TPC
149	5745	5735-5755	20	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
151	5755	5735-5775	40	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
153	5765	5755-5775	20	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)^[	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
155	5775	5735-5815	80	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
157	5785	5775-5795	20	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
159	5795	5775-5815	40	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
161	5805	5795-5815	20	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
165	5825	5815-5835	20	U-NII-3	Yes	Yes	in study, SRD (25 mW)	No	Yes	No	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
183	4915	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
184	4920	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
185	4925	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
187	4935	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
188	4940	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
189	4945	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
192	4960	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
196	4980	Unknown	Unknown	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No

In Japan, authorization to use channels 34, 38, 42 and 46 expired in May 2012, seven years after channels 36, 40, 44 and 48 were initially allowed. ARIB STD T-71v5_2 clause 5.3.8.3.3 lists permitted channels.

China MIIT expanded allowed channels as of Dec 31 2012 to add UNII-1, 5150 ~ 5250 GHz, UNII-2, 5250 ~ 5350 GHz (DFS/TPC), similar to European standards EN 301.893 V1.7.1.

5.9 GHz (802.11p)

The 802.11p amendment, also known as Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE), published on July 15, 2010, specifies WLAN in the licensed Intelligent Transportation Systems(ITS) band of 5.9 GHz (5.850-5.925 GHz). The 802.11p standard is intended for use in vehicular communication systems.

60 GHz (802.11ad)

The 802.11ad, also known as WiGig. This operates in 60 GHz ISM band.

900 MHz (802.11ah)

802.11ah operates in sub-gigahertz unlicensed bands.

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