Wireless Technologies

Question 1

2.4 GHz Frequency Channels

Answer 1

2.4 GHz Channels → 14 total channels spaced 5 MHz apart, each with 20 MHz bandwidth (Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping in most regions). Channel 14 banned in US.

Goes through walls better than 5 GHz and travels further, not as fast speeds though.

Question 2

5 GHz Frequency Channels

Answer 2

5 GHz Channels → 25+ channels spaced 20 MHz apart; supports 20, 40, 80, and 160 MHz bandwidths for higher throughput and less interference.

Doesn’t go through walls, travels shorter distance than 2.4 GHz, but much faster speeds though.

Question 3

6 GHz Frequency Channels

Answer 3

6 GHz Channels → Introduced with Wi-Fi 6E; supports 59 non-overlapping 20 MHz channels and up to 160 MHz channel widths for ultra-high-speed, low-latency connections.

Question 4

2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Key Differences

Answer 4

2.4 GHz offers longer range but more interference; 5 GHz provides faster speeds, more channels, and less congestion at the cost of shorter range.

Question 5

Band Steering

Answer 5

Band Steering → A feature that automatically moves dual-band clients from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz for better performance and reduced congestion.

Question 6

FCC

Answer 6

Federal Communications Commission → U.S. agency that regulates radio frequencies and wireless communication standards.

Question 7

ITU

Answer 7

International Telecommunication Union → A United Nations agency that coordinates global radio spectrum, satellite orbits, and technical standards.

Question 8

802.11h

Answer 8

IEEE 802.11h → An amendment for 5 GHz networks adding Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmit Power Control (TPC) to prevent radar interference.

Question 9

DFS

Answer 9

Dynamic Frequency Selection → Automatically detects radar signals and switches Wi-Fi channels to avoid interference in the 5 GHz band.

Question 10

TPC

Answer 10

Transmit Power Control → Adjusts wireless signal power to the minimum necessary for communication, reducing interference and conserving energy.