📶Wi-Fi Channel Overlap: A Hidden Cause of Connection Drops

Here’s an article that focuses on understanding Wi-Fi Channel Overlap and some of the best practices to avoid them:

What do you mean by Wi-Fi Channel Overlap?

Wi-Fi operates on different frequency bands, with the 2.4 GHz band being the most commonly used. In this band, there are 11 channels available, but only three channels (1, 6, and 11) are non-overlapping. This means that when you select these channels, they do not interfere with each other, allowing for better performance and coverage. When multiple Wi-Fi networks (your own and those of your neighbors) operate on the same or overlapping channels, it leads to connection drops, slow speeds, increased latency, reduced signal strength.

Best Practices to Avoid Overlap

  • Use Non-Overlapping Channels: Always configure your Wi-Fi network to use channels 1, 6, or 11 in the 2.4 GHz band to minimize interference.
  • Conduct a Site Survey: Use tools like spectrum analyzers to assess the wireless environment and identify which channels are being used by neighboring networks. This can help you select the optimal channel for your network.
  • Monitor Network Performance: Regularly check your network’s performance and adjust channel settings as needed, especially in environments with many competing networks.
By understanding Wi-Fi channel overlap and implementing these best practices, you can significantly improve your network’s performance and reliability.
💡Additional Tips:
  1. Optimize Router Placement: Place your router in a central location, away from obstructions and other electronic devices that could cause interference (cordless phones, microwaves).
  2. Regularly Reboot your Router: A simple reboot can sometimes clear temporary glitches and help your router re-evaluate the best channel. </aside>

🆘Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps above and still experience any issue, contact Talview support for further assistance. Or if you’d like to raise a support ticket.