Wireless Device Interference May Impact 802.11n
Content Type: Maintenance & Performance | Article ID: 000006529 | Last Reviewed: 10/28/2021
By definition of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) the 802.11n Standard for the 2.4 GHz band there are only three non-overlapping channels allowed for the North American Region:
For 802.11n speeds to work on the 2.4 GHz band, a 40 MHz wide channel must be centered on channel 6.
Frequencies from 2417 MHz to 2457 MHz are used simultaneously. Most of the usable spectrum for 2.4 GHz is covered. Older Wireless devices can still operate in the presence of a new Wireless-N router.
To avoid interference and assure interoperability with devices using 802.11b or 802.11g, the router set on 802.11n must use coexistence algorithms. The algorithms prevent older wireless devices from being disconnected from their source, including routers, access points, and peer-to peer connections. The algorithms will force the 802.11n devices to momentarily slow down to 20 MHz channels. Older devices can then transmit and receive information.
Due to high numbers of wireless devices working on the 2.4 GHz band, ranging from wireless cards to cordless phones, your router may encounter interference from neighboring wireless devices. Your connection speed may be affected.
As part of the WIFI Alliance, Intel aims to be certified and compliant with the IEEE standard. Speeds obtained by our adapters are in accordance with the 802.11n Standard regarding what is expected under normal conditions of Interference under the 2.4 GHz band.