Step by step instructions on how to change the Wi-Fi router channel
Wi-Fi networks have come to long way since their inception. Technological advancements had made them more efficient. Wi-Fi speeds can be affected by many things, including how your router is set up and interference from other objects or buildings. It is easy to change the channel of your Wi-Fi router. You will find various channels in your router’s settings. Most likely, however, Auto is the default setting.
What are Wi-Fi channels?
Wi-Fi channels can be found in Wi-Fi frequency bands. They are used to transmit and receive data. Depending on which frequency band your router operates in, there are many channels that you can choose from. There are many channels you can choose from:
- Eleven channels are available on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Only channels 1, 6, and 11 overlaps. These channels have a width of 22 MHz and 5 MHz space between adjacent channels.
- There are 45 channels in the 5 GHz frequency range. It includes 23 channels at 20 MHZ, non-overlapping channels, many 40 MHz, 80, and 160 MHz channels.
Co-Channel interference, which is when devices are too crowded on one channel, and Adjacent-Channel Interference (where devices from different channels but overlapping channels compete to communicate) are two reasons why some channels are better than others. You can choose a channel that is less crowded and non-overlapping to avoid interference.
Wi-Fi Channel Width
Each Wi-Fi channel has a 20 MHz frequency segment. You can join them to create a larger segment. The Wi-Fi channel width affects the data that can be sent and how fast it can do so. A larger channel will send more data faster unless interference is present.
How can you find the best channel?
It is subjective and relative to which channel is the best. It is important to check the channels used by other networks in your area. A Wi-Fi analyzer app for Android or Windows will allow you to identify problems and determine the best channel. There is no WiFi analyzer available for iOS and no app in the Apple App Store to report signal strength.
Log in to the app by connecting your phone to the Wi-Fi network. Connect to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels of your router and see which one is more crowded. The graph shows all nearby networks in different colors. The graph shows the signal strength and channels they are on. You can see the signal strength of your network by looking at its curves.
How do I change the Wi-Fi channel on my Router?
This guide will show you how to change your Wi-Fi channel step by step.
Step 1
You can either wirelessly connect your computer to the router, or you can use an Ethernet cable for connection to its LAN port. Navigate to the address bar and type 192.168.3.1. This will take you to the router’s management webpage.
Step 2
Navigate to Other Functions and click Wi-Fi Settings. Select Wi-Fi Advanced. Choose the Wi-Fi channel that you prefer from the 2.4GHz channel.
Apple Router Channel Change
You can still change the channel if your router is an Apple device such as Airport Extreme and Time Capsule. Select the Airport Utility folder from Applications. Enter the password and search for the base station of the network provider. Click on “Edit” then “Wireless.”
You will find the channel selection by clicking on the “Wireless Options” button at the bottom. Choose from 1,6 to 11, or the Wireless Diagnostic will suggest. You can save changes.
Change Channel with a Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android
- The Wi-Fi Analyzer opens and displays channel graphs when you launch it. Click on Menu Key on your device to view the channel rating.
- Click on Channel Rating from the list.
- Click on “Please Tap Here to Set an AP” to select your network.
- Once you have selected your AP, a list of star-rated channels appears. Your AP and network channels will appear at the top of the screen. Wi-Fi Analyzer will recommend other channels if they are less crowded.
Signal Meter
You can check whether your router’s location is ideal with the Wi-Fi Analyzer’s Signal Meter. The signal meter allows you to test the signal reach at different locations within your home or office.
Conclusion
It isn’t as difficult as you might think to change your Wi-Fi channel. It is possible to do this manually using the steps above or you can use a Wi-Fi analyzer which will simplify the process.