Finding a good channel for a new WiFi network
1) Look for a spectrum band
a. Prefer highest frequencies first: 6GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz
b. In 5GHz and 6GHz also select a sub-band (U-NII-x)
2) Look for a channel
a. Prefer a channel with very few or no signals to reduce ACI/OBSS
b. Prefer a channel with low utilization (%)
c. Prefer a channel with few or no beacons to reduce CCI
d. Prefer a channel with fewest STAs (connected devices)
e. In 6GHz prefer channels 5, 21, 37, 53, 69, 85, 101, 117, 133, 149, 165, 181, 197, 213 or 229
f. In 2.4GHz prefer channels 11, 6 or 1 and avoid all others
Notes:
• Your router MUST support the selected band and sub-band
• ALL client devices (STAs) that you want to connect to the network MUST support the selected band and sub-band
• WiFi is unlicensed and anyone can use it at any time – your good selection today may not be good tomorrow.
• Some newer routers and mesh systems optimize channel selection – they may do a better job than you would.
• If you want to move an existing network to a different channel - subtract its signals count from shown totals