FIGURE 3: Channel numbers designated for Wi-Fi use within the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands for the United States. (Source: Fluke Corporation)
While the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands offer non- overlapping channels, most 2.4 GHz channels overlap, increasing the potential for interference and reduced transmission speeds. Only channels 1, 6, and 11 in the 2.4 GHz band are non-overlapping, so the others are not recommended. The non-overlapping nature of 5 GHz and 6 GHz channels enables bonding multiple smaller 20 MHz channels into wider 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz channels to improve throughput. Some Wi-Fi channels are restricted or designated for specific uses, which can vary by region. For example, channels 12 and 13 of the 2.4 GHz band in North America can only operate in low power mode to avoid interfering with satellite phones. Channel 14 in the 2.4 GHz spectrum is prohibited in North America due to military use. In addition, channels 68 through 96 of the 5 GHz band are not allocated for unlicensed use in North America. Understanding channel usage regulations based on your region is crucial for configuring Wi-Fi APs to avoid restricted channels. Outdated protocols, outdated firmware, disabled encryption, or weak passwords can result in overall weak Wi-Fi security. Wireless security protocols have
evolved significantly over the years. WEP, the initial security protocol introduced in 1997, is now obsolete due to known security vulnerabilities. WPA and WPA2 offered improvements, but WPA3 is the latest recommended security protocol. It provides the most robust protection through individualized encryption rather than shared passwords and a secure handshake to enhance authentication. Configuring all APs to use the WPA3 protocol is highly recommended. STEP 5: ANALYZE THE RF ENVIRONMENT When troubleshooting has ruled out the previously mentioned issues, it is time to analyze the RF environment. The three main factors to investigate are interference, signal strength, and utilization. RF-capable Wi-Fi testers that analyze these three factors within each frequency band and indicate AP-specific data like MAC address, encryption protocol, and channel are essential for understanding and troubleshooting the RF environment. Because RF environments are dynamic, these tools are also handy for ongoing Wi-Fi assessments to maintain performance.
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