Non-Overlapping Channels

[bm_5789]

i understand that there are 11 channels in the 2.4gz band. I also see that channels 1, 6 & 11 are said to be the only Non-Overlapping channels on the 2.4 frequency. What I don't understand is what makes those 3 channels non-overlapping? Can anyone give a simple explanation of this? TIA.

[scottmac]

It's pretty much as it sounds: the three channels (1, 6, and 11) are far enough apart that, once modulated / fully modulated, their frequencies do not "touch" at the edges.

The other channels 1<->2, 2->3<-4, 3->4<-5 ...) have their center frequency close enough, that the modulated signal frequencies "touch" or overlap at the edges.

SO, if you had three APs, each on it's own channel (1, 6, and 11), they could operate in proximity without interfering with each other.

If you had three access points on adjacent channels (1, 2, 3), because the frequencies *do* overlap, you're like to experience some interference in the course of their communication (which causes re-transmission, slowing things down considerably on busy channels).

Let us know if you need more details.

FWIW

Scott