When we talk about routers, many concepts such as the 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi bands come to mind , but there is another important aspect of your router’s wireless connectivity that you should know : the channels.
These channels vary depending on the type of WiFi you have enabled. 2.4 GHz networks use different channels than the networks that are broadcast on 5 GHz. That is why we are going to tell you what the channels are and which one is better to use .
The router channels also influence the WiFi signal
First we must know what a channel is. We can affirm that they are divisions within the available wireless bands . So that we understand each other: on a highway there are several lanes and each one is exclusive of the other. Well, something similar happens in the WiFi connection of our home.
Almost like anything else on your router, channels directly affect WiFi coverage . In urban environments, the large conglomerate of intermingling wireless networks sometimes make it difficult to maintain a good signal. Here the saturation factor comes into play, the good thing is that we can see the saturation level of the different channels from the mobile .
To do this, download an application like WiFi Analyzer on your mobile . When you run it, you will see a graph that shows all the WiFi networks that your mobile locates and their corresponding channel. Observe it calmly, to later see which is the least used channel . In fact, if you can, remember those that are not being used.
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Now other questions that you will be asking yourself enter the scene. So which channel should we select? Which is better? Why? We are going to explain it carefully, you will understand it perfectly.
Which channel should we choose and why?
You will be asking yourself these questions, but don’t worry, they have an easy explanation. Routers, by default, select the best channel depending on your particular environment . If you haven’t touched any settings on your router, it will be in automatic mode. It is actually the best option if you are not experiencing WiFi coverage issues.
In the event that you suffer from poor signal quality, you can select the channel manually , or opt for a method to extend it . All routers allow this channel selection. To do this, enter your device’s settings and go to a section named “WLAN”, “WiFi” or “Wireless Network”.
Configuration of the router channels in a ZTE model.
Surely you will see two different connections, here the 2.4 and 5 Ghz networks are referenced. You will see an option labeled “Channel”, change it. We recommend you check before which are the least congested in order to make a better choice.
So yes, we cannot tell you exactly which channel you should choose, since it depends on the place where you place the router . As a general answer, we could affirm that the best channel is the one with the least saturation , allowing data exchange between the connected devices without interference.
Now that we know what the router’s channels are and which are the best ones to choose, you can act accordingly, adapting your WiFi to the environment around you . This way you will get an optimal experience and you will enjoy all the bandwidth that the company provides you .
