Yes, there are some channels in the 2.4 GHz spectrum that don't overlap with the other channels. This is what causes the interference on your network and and a lag in your WiFi's performance.Ĭertain channels yield better WiFi performance than others because they are non-overlapping. Considering the 2.4 GHz band is only 100 MHz wide, the 11 channels of 20 MHz overlap with one another. To further explain channel overlapping, let's look at the 2.4 GHz band, where each channel is allotted 20 MHz and separated by 5 MHz. The channels with the most interference are those that overlap with each other. The time it takes to transmit data is increased and you are left waiting for your Internet request to be made. Adjacent-Channel interference occurs when devices from overlapping channels are trying to talk over each other.Ĭhannels that have interference from other devices are considered to be 'crowded'. There are a couple different ways this interference is caused: Co-Channel interference results when there are numerous devices all competing for time to talk on the same channel. The reason that certain channels aren't the best choice to use is because they have interference. MetaGeek has a great explanation as to why we should avoid using certain channels, which I'll summarize below: Why should I care what WiFi channel I'm on? For routers made in the U.S., the 2.4 GHz band has 11 channels and the 5 GHz band has 45 channels. A WiFi channel is the medium through which our wireless networks can send and receive data. Within these WiFi frequency bands, we have smaller bands which are referred to as WiFi channels. If you're looking for more WiFi coverage, you want to be using the 2.4 GHz band if you're looking for faster speeds, you want to be using the 5 GHz band. The main difference between these two frequency bands are the range and bandwidth that they provide. Some routers are dual-band routers, so you can choose which frequency band to use for your wireless network (Check out this article by LifeWire on the pros and cons of each).

Our routers use one of the two WiFi frequency bands for signal: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Frequency bands, WiFi channels, and your WiFi performance

So what's causing your slow WiFi connection, and, more importantly, making you miss seeing your favorite show? It could be the WiFi channel your router is using. adult spends an average of 72 minutes per day streaming video from their connected devices. WiFi connection and performance issues aren't an unfamiliar occurrence, especially in today's world where the U.S. You're trying to stream that new episode of your favorite show from your smart device, and it's taking what feels like years to load- Don't worry, we've all been there.

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