If you've ever tinkered with your router, chances are you did it to change your Wi-Fi channel because your internet was too slow or maybe you read that "X" channel somewhere. (just an example; it is not a real X channel) is the perfect one, free from other people and signal interference.
SummaryThere are more channels at 5GHzother considerationsSo which is the best 5GHz channel?ConclusionBut now that most routers come with the ability to transmit signals on 5 GHz frequencies rather than just 2.4 GHz, a big question that keeps coming up is "What is the best channel 5 GHz? “As with 2.4 GHz channels, there is no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on how many people around you are using the same channel and outside signal interference among other things, but there are a few other things to consider if your router is on the faster 5 GHz frequency and to find the best Wi channel -Fi to 5 GHz Connections.
When you enter your router settings on a 5 GHz frequency, you will see that you still have a few channels to choose from. The higher the channel, the higher the frequency, increasing in 5 MHz increments per channel. This technically means that the higher the frequency, the more data can be carried in less time, but it's not that simple, so before you just select the highest possible channel on your Wi-Fi router, there are a few things to consider.
At 5 GHz, four "bands" are available, each containing a group of Wi-Fi channels. Here is an image to give you an idea. (The “ISM band is reserved for industrial, scientific and medical use.) The first band, UNII-1, is designed primarily for home use, from Unii-2 your router must have DFS (dynamic selection frequency) and built-in TPC (Transmit Power Control), which will automatically adjust your router's channel and output power so it doesn't interfere with military signals, radar, weather stations, etc.
Sometimes it also depends on the type of router you have. For example, some newer routers, such as those supporting Wi-Fi 6, only have dual-band mode. The router automatically assigns you 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz based on current traffic, distance from the router, and interference. It may also mean that you have to choose channels for both. However, these routers usually do an amazing job of choosing the right channel for your needs.
In this case, you will also need to select a 2.4 GHz channel. Ideally, 1, 6, and 11 are best, and you don't have to deal with overlapping issues.
Along with Wi-Fi 6 there's also the option of 6GHz, although that's not really a thing yet. However, once it does, it will add even more frequency space, eliminating the need to manually choose channels.
There is no universal best Wi-Fi channel for 5 GHz frequencies, but there are ways to find out which one is best for you. Download a Wi-Fi analyzer application, such as WiFiInfoView or Wi-Fi Commander on computer, iStumbler or AirRadar on Mac, or WiFiAnalyzer for Android, then examine the channel situation in your area.
Are there many people on the same channel as you? It might slow you down. If you're using WiFiAnalyzer, tap the menu icon in the top left, then "Channel Rating" and tap "5GHZ" at the top of the screen. This will rate your channel based on your signal strength, congestion, and interference.
The higher channel numbers, operating at higher frequencies, tend to be used by radar, weather stations and the military. If this happens while you're using your Wi-Fi, your signal may shift to another frequency. This shouldn't be a problem, although it may cause momentary interference when your channel is switched. There are also older phone models that still work on the higher frequencies/channels, although the likelihood of this affecting your signal is very low.
That said, it may be best to stick with the first "band" channels I mentioned earlier (36, 40, 44, 48) as they are intended for home use and are less likely to be disrupted by external factors. . Since these are usually the "default" channels, there will be more people using them, so you should use a Wi-Fi checker to find which ones are less congested while still giving you the best signal. .
It's important to note that if other people in the area make changes, you may find that your current best Wi-Fi channel for 5 GHz needs to change as well. If you start having problems, consider rescanning your connection and changing the channel.
One of the great benefits of 5G is that channel overlap is a virtual non-issue, so virtually any channel you decide to use will be unaffected by it. With the number of channels available, leaving your router on "Auto" will likely put you on the best Wi-Fi channel for 5 GHz at that time. If that doesn't work, the tools and tips above should guide you to the 5GHz channel that will get the most out of your modern, swanky router.
If you start having problems with your router, try these troubleshooting steps to get better connections fast.
Image:Wikimedia Commons/Abhi25t
