01-07-2009 02:11 AM
I was wondering if someone would be kind enough to explain the following:
What is the significance of each different standard channel?
Is there a particualr channel that should be preferred in the router setup?
01-07-2009 02:43 AM
There are 11 channels of wireless g in the USA (13 channels in parts of Europe). Most routers are set to a default of channel 6, therefore this channel tends to be the most crowded, especially in urban areas. Additionally, the channels overlap, so you can get interference from your neighbors if you use the same channel or a nearby channel.
If possible, you should try to stay 5 channels away from your strongest neighbors, so if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, then try using any channel 1 through 4.
If you have problems on the default channel 6, then it is usually best to try channel 1 or 11.
When areas are particularly crowded with wireless networks and phones (for example, an apartment building), then you might need to use one of the other channels.
As long as you are getting a good wireless connection, there is no reason to prefer one channel over the other.
For additional technical info on this subject, see this URL: