Channel Planning and Widths

What matters in practice:

• On 2.4 GHz only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap — use 20 MHz and spread access points across those three.
• Narrower often beats wider in crowded airtime — 80 MHz suits homes and small offices; 40 or 20 MHz suits dense deployments.
• Plan channels from a survey, not a guess — a quick scan of nearby networks is enough to start.

Channels are the lanes Wi-Fi traffic travels in. Choosing them well is one of the cheapest ways to improve a network, especially one with several access points. The interference side of the problem, neighbouring networks crowding the same lane, is covered in Wi-Fi in crowded estates and rentals.

What channels and widths are

Each band is divided into channels. A channel's width, measured in MHz, decides how much data it can carry. Wider channels give higher speed but use more of the band, leaving fewer separate channels to go around.

The 2.4 GHz band

Only three channels do not overlap when using 20 MHz width: 1, 6 and 11. Use 20 MHz here, and do not use 40 MHz in crowded areas, since it takes up two thirds of the space. With several access points, spread them across 1, 6 and 11.

The 5 GHz band

5 GHz offers many more channels, which can be combined into 20, 40, 80 or 160 MHz widths.

• 20 or 40 MHz: best for dense deployments with many access points, since more non-overlapping channels are available.
• 80 MHz: a good default for homes and small offices.
• 160 MHz: fast but uses much of the band, so it suits a single access point in a quiet area.

Width, range and interference

Doubling the width roughly doubles peak throughput but also doubles the noise captured, which can reduce range and stability. In a crowded environment a narrower channel often gives better real-world results than a wider one.

DFS channels

Some 5 GHz channels are shared with radar and weather systems, and use Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). When the router detects radar, it must leave the channel, which briefly drops connections. DFS channels can be less crowded, and so useful in busy areas, but if you notice periodic drops, move to non-DFS channels. Which channels are allowed depends on regulations and the router's region setting.

Planning with several access points

1. Do a quick survey of nearby networks.
2. Assign neighbouring access points to different channels.
3. Reuse a channel only for access points that are far apart or separated by walls.
4. Reduce transmit power on access points in close spaces so cells do not overlap too much.
5. Recheck after a few weeks, since neighbours change their settings.

Auto or manual

Auto channel selection is fine for many homes. Switch to manual when the router keeps choosing a poor channel, or when you manage multiple access points and need predictable results.

Next Steps

Channel plans are quick to write and easy to get wrong under load. Our Networks & Infrastructure team surveys, assigns and rechecks channels for offices, hotels and campuses across Uganda.

Request a Free Site Survey and we will map your channels alongside the rest of the wireless design.