Wireless LAN (WLAN) channels are frequently accessed using IEEE 802.11 protocols. The 802.11 standard provides several radio frequency bands for use in Wi-Fi communications, each divided into a multitude of frequency channels numbered at 5MHz spacing (except in the 45/60GHz band, where they are 0.54/1.08/2.16GHz apart) between the centre frequency of the channel. The standards allow for channels to be bonded together into wider channels for faster throughput.

860/900 MHz (802.11ah)

802.11ah operates in sub-gigahertz unlicensed bands. There are two main bands in use, with Europe mainly using 860MHz, and the rest of the world mostly using 900MHz.

860 MHz

900 MHz

Each world region supports different sub-bands, and the channel numbers depend on the starting frequency on the sub-band it belongs to. Therefore there is no global channel numbering plan, and the channel numbers are incompatible between world regions (and even between sub-bands of a same world region). However, for the purposes of illustration, the following table lists all the worldwide permitted frequencies with the channel numbers assigned to the region with the largest number of permitted frequencies, the United States.

Indonesia permits use in the 920–923 MHz band, however only with 250kHz channels, below the minimum 1MHz required for 802.11ah.

2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/n/ax/be/bn)

14 channels are designated in the 2.4GHz range, spaced 5MHz apart from each other except for a 12MHz space before channel 14. The abbreviation F0 designates each channel's fundamental frequency.

Interference happens when two networks try to operate in the same band, or when their bands overlap. The two modulation methods used have different characteristics of band usage and therefore occupy different widths:

• The DSSS method used by legacy 802.11 and 802.11b (and the 11b-compatible rates of 11g) occupies 22MHz of bandwidth. This is from the 11MHz chip rate used by the coding system. No guard band is prescribed; the channel definition provides 3MHz between 1, 6, and 11.

• The OFDM method used by 802.11g and 802.11n occupies a bandwidth of 16.25MHz. The nameplate bandwidth is set to be 20MHz, rounding up to a multiple of channel width and providing some guard band for signal to attenuate along the edge of the band. This guardband is mainly used to accommodate older routers with modem chipsets prone to full channel occupancy, as most modern Wi‑Fi routers are not prone to excessive channel occupancy.

While overlapping frequencies can be configured at a location and will usually work, it can cause interference resulting in slowdowns, sometimes severe, particularly in heavy use. Certain subsets of frequencies can be used simultaneously at any one location without interference (see diagrams for typical allocations). The consideration of spacing stems from both the basic bandwidth occupation (described above), which depends on the protocol, and from attenuation of interfering signals over distance. In the worst case, using every fourth or fifth channel by leaving three or four channels clear between used channels causes minimal interference, and narrower spacing still can be used at further distances. The "interference" is usually not actual bit-errors, but the wireless transmitters making space for each other. Interference resulting in bit-error is rare. The requirement of the standard is for a transmitter to yield when it decodes another at a level of 3dB above the noise floor, or when the non-decoded noise level is higher than a threshold Pth which, for Wi-Fi 5 and earlier, is between -76 and -80dBm.

As shown in the diagram, bonding two 20MHz channels to form a 40MHz channel is permitted in the 2.4GHz bands. These are generally referred to by the centres of the primary 20MHz channel and the adjacent secondary 20MHz channel (e.g. 1+5, 9+13, 13–9, 5–1). The primary 20MHz channel is used for signalling and backwards compatibility, the secondary is only used when sending data at full speed.

3.65 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. However, not in the original specification, under newer frequency allocations from the FCC, it falls under the Citizens Broadband Radio Service band. This allows for unlicensed use, under Tier 3 GAA rules, provided that the user doesn't cause harmful interference to Incumbent Access users or Priority Access Licensees and accepts all interference from these users, and also follows all the technical requirements in CFR 47 Part 96 Subpart E.

A 40MHz band is available from 3655 to 3695MHz. It may be divided into eight 5MHz channels, four 10MHz channels, or two 20MHz channels.

The division into 5MHz channels consumes all eight possible channel numbers, and so (unlike other bands) it is not possible to infer the width of a channel from its number. Instead each wider channel shares its channel number with the 5MHz channel just above its mid frequency:

• channel 132 can be either 3660-3665 or 3655-3665;

• channel 133 can be either 3665-3670 or 3655-3675;

and so on.

4.9–5.0 GHz (802.11j) WLAN

In Japan since 2002, 80MHz of spectrum from 4910 to 4990MHz has been available for both indoor and outdoor use, once registered.

Until 2017, an additional 60MHz of spectrum from 5030 to 5090MHz was available for registered use, however it has since been re-purposed and can no longer be used.

50MHz of spectrum from 4940 to 4990MHz (WLAN channels 20–26) are in use by public safety entities in the United States. Within this spectrum there are two non-overlapping channels allocated, each 20MHz wide. The most commonly used channels are 22 and 24.

5 GHz (802.11a/h/n/ac/ax/be/bn)

Country-specific information

DFS and TPC

Source:

United States

In 2007, the FCC (United States) began requiring that devices operating in the bands of 5.250–5.350GHz and 5.470–5.725GHz 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 5.470–5.725GHz band to avoid interference with Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR). In FCC parlance, these restrictions are now referred to collectively as the Old Rules. On 10 June 2015, the FCC approved a new ruleset for 5GHz device operation (called the New Rules), which adds 160 and 80MHz 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

Source:

United Kingdom

The UK's Ofcom regulations for unlicensed use of the 5GHz band is similar to Europe, except that DFS is not required for the frequency range 5.725–5.850GHz and the SRD maximum mean e.i.r.p is 200mW instead of 25mW.

Additionally, 5.925–6.425GHz is also available for unlicensed use, as long as it is used indoors with an SRD of 250mW.

Germany

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

European standard EN 301 893 covers 5.15–5.725GHz operation, and v2.1.1 has been adopted. 6GHz can now be used.

Austria

Austria adopted Decision 2005/513/EC directly into national law.

Japan

Japan's use of 10 and 20MHz-wide 5GHz wireless channels is codified by Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB) document STD-T71, Broadband Mobile Access Communication System (CSMA). Additional rule specifications relating to 40, 80, and 160MHz channel allocation has been taken on by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).

Brazil

In Brazil, the use of TPC is required in the 5.150–5.350GHz and 5.470–5.725GHz bands is required, but devices without TPC are allowed with a reduction of 3dB. DFS is required in the 5.250–5.350GHz and 5.470–5.725GHz bands, and optional in the 5.150–5.250GHz band.

Australia

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 5250–5350MHz and 5470–5725MHz 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 5250–5350MHz and 5470–5725MHz 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

New Zealand regulation differs from Australian.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) allows the use of 5150MHz to 5350MHz and 5470MHz to 5850MHz frequency bands indoors with an effective radiated power (ERP) not exceeding 250mW. Indoor Wireless Data Network (WDN) equipment and devices shall not use external antenna. All outdoor equipment/radio station whether for private WDN or public WDN shall be covered by appropriate permits and licenses required under existing rules and regulations.

Singapore

Singapore regulation requires DFS and TPC to be used in the 5.250–5.350GHz band to transmit more than 100mW effective radiated power (EIRP), but no more than 200mW, and requires DFS capability on 5.250–5.350GHz below or equal to 100mW EIRP, and requires DFS and TPC capabilities on 5.470–5.725 below or equal to 1000mW EIRP. Operating 5.725–5.850GHz above 1000mW and below or equal to 4000mW EIRP shall be approved on exceptional basis.

South Korea

In South Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT has public notices. 신고하지 아니하고 개설할 수 있는 무선국용 무선설비의 기술기준, Technical standard for radio equipment for radio stations that can be opened without reporting. They allowed 160MHz channel bandwidth from 2018 to 2016–27.

China

China MIIT expanded allowed channels to add UNII-1, 5150–5250MHz, UNII-2, 5250–5350MHz (DFS/TPC), similar to European standards EN 301.893 V1.7.1. China MIIT expanded allowed channels to add U-NII-3, 5725–5850MHz.

Indonesia

Indonesia allows use of the band with maximum EIRP of () and maximum bandwidth of , and the band with the same maximum EIRP and maximum bandwidth of for indoor use. Outdoors, use of the band with maximum EIRP of () is allowed, with a maximum bandwidth of .

India

In exercise of powers conferred by the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, the Government of India made the Use of Wireless Access System including Radio Local Area Network in 5GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018.

These rules exempted the spectrum of 5150–5250 MHz, 5250–5350 MHz, and 5725–5875 MHz in the 5 GHz band from licensing, allowing their use for establishing wireless access systems in both indoor and outdoor environments. For transmitters operating in the 5150–5250 MHz, 5250–5350 MHz, and 5470–5725 MHz bands, out-of-band emissions were limited to an e.i.r.p. of . For transmitters operating in the 5725–5875 MHz band, emissions within 10 MHz of the band edge were limited to an e.i.r.p. of , while anything beyond this range was limited to . Additionally, it defined procedures for interference and specified the standards to be followed by wireless equipment.

5.9 GHz (802.11p802.11p)

The 802.11p amendment published on 15 July 2010, specifies WLAN in the licensed band of 5.9GHz (5.850–5.925GHz).

6 GHz (802.11ax/be/bn)

The Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced the term Wi‑Fi 6E to identify and certify IEEE 802.11ax devices that support this new band, which is also used by Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) and Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn).

Notes

• ↑ Channel 2: The 802.11ax specification defines a special Operating Class 136 starting at 5925Mhz at 20Mhz wide containing channel 2. Not all regions reserved frequencies this low for 6Ghz. European regulations allow the first channel to begin at 5945Mhz. Others such as New Zealand, India begin at 5925MHz. Thus, the separate operating class was created to allow flexibility for any regions (where regulations allow) to make use of channel 2, however the industry considers this channel as a reserved guard band to ensure there is no possibility of overlap with the 5Ghz band or other adjacent spectrum reservations.

Initialisms (precise definition below):

• LPI: low-power indoor

• VLP: very-low-power

United States

On 23 April 2020, the FCC voted on and ratified a Report and Order to allocate 1.2GHz of unlicensed spectrum in the 6GHz band (5.925–7.125GHz) for Wi-Fi use.

Standard power

Standard-power access points are permitted indoors and outdoors at a maximum EIRP of 36dBm in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 sub-bands with automatic frequency coordination (AFC).

Low-power indoor (LPI) operation

Note: Partial channels indicate channels that span UNII boundaries, which is permitted in 6GHz LPI operation. Under the proposed channel numbers, the U-NII-7/U-NII-8 boundary is spanned by channels 185 (20MHz), 187 (40MHz), 183 (80MHz), and 175 (160MHz). The U-NII-6/U-NII-7 boundary is spanned by channels 115 (40MHz), 119 (80MHz), and channel 111 (160MHz).

For use in indoor environments, access points are limited to a maximum EIRP of 30dBm and a maximum power spectral density of 5dBm/MHz. They can operate in this mode on all four U-NII bands (5,6,7,8) without the use of automatic frequency coordination. To help ensure they are used only indoors, these types of access points are not permitted to be connectorized for external antennas, weather-resistant, or run on battery power.

Very-low-power devices

The FCC may issue a ruling in the future on a third class of very low power devices such as hotspots and short-range applications.

Canada

In November 2020, the Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) of Canada published "Consultation on the Technical and Policy Framework for Licence-Exempt Use in the 6GHz Band". They proposed to allow licence-exempt operations in the 6GHz spectrum for three classes of radio local area networks (RLANs):

Standard power

For indoor and outdoor use. Maximum EIRP of 36dBm and maximum power spectral density (PSD) of 23dBm/MHz. Should employ Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) control.

Low-power indoor (LPI)

For indoor use only. Maximum EIRP of 30dBm and maximum PSD of 5dBm/MHz.

Very-low-power (VLP)

For indoor and outdoor use. Maximum EIRP of 14dBm and maximum PSD of -5dBm/MHz. (-8 dBm/MHz was in consultation, -5 dBm/MHz was finalized)

Europe

ECC Decision (20)01 from 20 November 2020 allocated the frequency band from 5945 to 6425MHz (corresponding almost to the US U-NII-5 band) for use by low-power indoor and very-low-power devices for Wireless Access Systems/Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLAN), with a portion specifically reserved for rail networks and intelligent transport systems.

India

On January 20, 2026, the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, through a Gazette notification, has officially de-licensed the lower portion of the 6 GHz spectrum (from 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz) for the Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System.

Low-power indoor (LPI)

For indoor use only. Maximum EIRP of 30dBm and maximum PSD of 11dBm/MHz.

Very-low-power outdoor (VLP)

For indoor and outdoor use. Maximum EIRP of 14dBm and maximum PSD of 1dBm/MHz.

United Kingdom

Since July 2020, the UK's Ofcom permitted unlicensed use of the lower 6GHz band (5945 to 6425MHz, corresponding to the US U-NII-5 band) by Low Power indoor (max 250 mW and 12.6mW/MHz EIRP) and Very Low Power indoor and mobile Outdoor device.

Australia

In April 2021, Australia's ACMA opened consultations for the 6GHz band. The lower 6GHz band (5925 to 6425MHz, corresponding to the US U-NII-5 band) was approved for 250mW EIRP indoors and 25mW outdoors on March 4, 2022. From 1 October 2025 the approved range was increased by 160MHz to 5925–6585MHz, allowing for an additional 160MHz / 320MHz channel in the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use. The ACMA intends to allocate the 6585–7100MHz portion of the band to mobile telephony use, but is delaying that allocation while it monitors spectrum arrangements in other major markets that drive the manufacturing of mobile network equipment, potentially allowing for additional spectrum to be allocated to Wi-Fi at a later date.

This is in line with the following ACMA decisions on the future of the upper 6GHz spectrum in Australia published in the December 2024 consultation outcomes paper:

• Add 6425–6585 MHz to the LIPD class licence to support RLAN (Radio Local Area Network) use. This work is intended to be implemented as part of our task to remake the instrument prior to its sunsetting in October 2025. We are aiming to consult on updates to the LIPD class licence in early 2025.

• Plan for 6585–7100 MHz in defined population areas for potential WA WBB (Wide Area Wireless Broadband) use, but not commence implementation of these arrangements until certainty around progress towards international equipment markets can be provided. This planning will include determination of defined areas in consultation with stakeholders.

• Once defined areas have been determined, make provision for apparatus licensed access in 6585–7100MHz outside those areas to enable the deployment of local area WBB services (either IMT or RLAN-based technologies).'

Low-power indoor (LPI)

For indoor use only. Maximum EIRP of 250mW. The power spectral density must not be greater than 12.5mW EIRP per 1MHz.

Very-low-power (VLP)

For indoor and outdoor use. Maximum EIRP of 25mW. The power spectral density must not be greater than 1.25mW EIRP per 1MHz.

Japan

In September 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced amendments to the ministerial order and notices related to the Radio Act.

Low-power indoor (LPI)

For indoor use only. Maximum EIRP of 200mW.

Very-low-power (VLP)

For indoor and outdoor use. Maximum EIRP of 25mW.

Taiwan

Since August 2023, Taiwan's NCC permitted unlicensed use of the lower 6GHz band (5945 to 6425MHz, corresponding to the US U-NII-5 band) by Low Power indoor and Very Low Power indoor and mobile Outdoor device.

Russia

In December 2022, Russian State Commission for Radio Frequencies authorised 6GHz operation for low-power indoor (LPI) use with transmitter power control (TPC) limited to maximum EIRP of 200mW and maximum PSD of 10mW/MHz, and very low power (VLP) indoor and mobile outdoor use with maximum EIRP of 25mW and maximum PSD of 1.3mW/MHz.

Singapore

In May 2023, Singapore's IMDA will amend its Regulations to allocate the radio frequency spectrum 5,925MHz – 6,425MHz for Wi-Fi use in Singapore.

Philippines

On May 23, 2024, the Philippines' National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is considering the use of 5925MHz to 6425MHz frequency bands indoors with an effective radiated power (ERP) not exceeding 250mW and outdoors with an effective radiated power not exceeding 25mW. On July 5, 2024, the NTC has released Memorandum Circular No. 002-07-2024, allowing 6GHz Wi-Fi use, with the added restriction that the use on unmanned aircraft systems is prohibited.

45 GHz (802.11aj)

The 802.11aj standards, also known as WiGig, operate in the spectrum.

60 GHz (802.11ad/aj/ay)

The 802.11ad/aj/ay standards, also known as WiGig, operate in the V band unlicensed ISM band spectrum.

Indonesia

Indonesia allows the use of the band with maximum EIRP of (), and maximum bandwidth of , for indoor use.

See also

• 2.4 GHz radio use

• High-speed multimedia radio

References