Week 8 Tool

Wireless Channel Planner

Plan non-overlapping 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels, recognize 802.11 frames, and review AP/WLC, SSID, and security concepts.

Wireless Security Builder

Build and evaluate WLAN security stacks (WPA2/WPA3, PSK vs 802.1X, RADIUS, and CCNA exam traps).

2.4 GHz band

2.4 GHz channel planning challenge

Three APs cover adjacent areas and can hear each other. Assign a channel (1–11) to each AP so no two cells overlap, then check your plan. Channel centers are only 5 MHz apart but each channel is ~22 MHz wide — that's the whole trick.

AP 1
AP 2
AP 3
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5 GHz Channel Planner

Interactive CCNA study tool for 5 GHz channels, widths, DFS, and basic reuse planning. Simplified US/FCC-style model — not a regulatory channel planner.

Channel map

Click a channel to inspect it. Select a width to see bonded 20 MHz channels highlighted.

Channel width:

An 20 MHz channel consumes 1 twenty-MHz channel. This can improve throughput but reduces channel reuse.

Highlighted: 36

UNII-1Non-DFSCommon indoor non-DFS channels.
UNII-2ADFSDFS channels. AP may need to move if radar is detected.
UNII-2C / ExtendedDFSDFS channels with more spectrum available, but DFS behavior matters.
UNII-3Non-DFSCommon non-DFS upper 5 GHz channels.

Study explanation

Channel 36 · 20 MHz width view

UNII-1DFS: noCommonly used non-DFS

Channel 36 is in UNII-1 and is a commonly used non-DFS channel. With 20 MHz width, it only consumes channel 36. With 20 MHz width, it bonds 36.

CCNA note: 5 GHz offers more non-overlapping options than 2.4 GHz, but wider channels consume more spectrum. DFS channels expand availability but may require the AP to change channels after radar detection.

AP channel assignment lab

Assign channels and widths to three APs. Check for overlap, co-channel reuse, and DFS warnings.

AP-1
Non-DFSUNII-1

Uses: 36

AP-2
Non-DFSUNII-1

Uses: 40

AP-3
Non-DFSUNII-1

Uses: 44

Lab feedback

Good basic reuse pattern.

Quick Quiz

10 CCNA-focused questions on 5 GHz channel planning.

Question 1 of 10Score: 0/10

Which 5 GHz channel width consumes the least spectrum?

802.11 Frame Recognition

CCNA wireless — match each scenario to the correct 802.11 frame type or subtype.

Score: 0/10Question 1 of 10

A wireless client is looking for nearby SSIDs before joining a WLAN. Which frame is used?