WiFi Channel Planner
Plan WiFi channel assignments across access points, see which channels overlap, and understand why wider channels reduce throughput in dense deployments rather than increasing it.
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2.4 GHz has three usable channels, not thirteen
The 2.4 GHz band offers up to thirteen channels in most regions, and each occupies about 22 MHz of spectrum while the channels are spaced 5 MHz apart. Adjacent channels therefore overlap heavily, and only channels 1, 6 and 11 are far enough apart not to interfere. Using channel 3 or 9 does not find a gap between the others; it interferes with two of them at once. This has been true since 802.11b and it is still the single most common WiFi misconfiguration.
Wider channels are worse in dense deployments
An 80 MHz channel offers higher throughput to a single client on a clear channel, and it consumes four times the spectrum. In an office with a dozen access points, that leaves almost no non-overlapping channels, so every access point contends with its neighbours and the aggregate throughput falls. Dense deployments are usually better on 20 or 40 MHz, where channel reuse is possible, and the counterintuitive result is that narrower channels deliver more total capacity.
Interference and noise are different problems
Co-channel interference means another access point is using the same channel, and the two politely take turns, halving the airtime each gets. Adjacent channel interference means a partial overlap, where neither can decode the other so both transmit over each other and corrupt frames. Co-channel is inefficient; adjacent channel is destructive. That is why three access points all on channel 1 outperform three on channels 1, 3 and 5.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why only channels 1, 6 and 11 on 2.4 GHz?
Each channel occupies about 22 MHz while channels are spaced 5 MHz apart, so anything closer than five channels apart overlaps. 1, 6 and 11 are the only set of three that do not overlap at all in a 13 channel regulatory domain.
Is a wider channel always faster?
For one client on a clear channel, yes. In a dense deployment it is usually slower overall, because an 80 MHz channel consumes four times the spectrum and leaves too few non-overlapping channels for the access points to avoid each other. Aggregate capacity falls even though the headline rate rises.
What are DFS channels?
5 GHz channels shared with weather and military radar. They are available and must be vacated within seconds if radar is detected, which drops every client on that channel. They add a great deal of spectrum and are unsuitable where an interruption matters.
What does 6 GHz add?
Up to 1200 MHz of new spectrum with no legacy devices, which means many non-overlapping 80 and 160 MHz channels are genuinely available. It requires WiFi 6E or 7 hardware on both ends, and the range is shorter than 5 GHz at the same power.
Should I use the same SSID on all bands?
Generally yes, with band steering, so clients choose the best band. Separate SSIDs give manual control at the cost of clients staying on 2.4 GHz because they connected there first and have no reason to move.
Privacy & Security
Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to Use
Choose your band and channel width to see the non-overlapping channels and a reuse plan.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.
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