Understanding Why Your WiFi Analyzer Keeps Recommending Different Channels

The behavior you're seeing with your WiFi Analyzer app is likely due to interference and congestion on the wireless channels. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening:

Channel Interference

WiFi networks operate on overlapping channels, especially in the 2.4 GHz band. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are the only non-overlapping channels in this band. If you switch to channel 1 and there are other networks on that channel causing interference, the analyzer may recommend switching to channel 6 for better performance.

Dynamic Environment

WiFi environments can change rapidly. New networks may come online, or existing ones may change their settings, leading to different levels of interference. This could cause the analyzer to suggest different channels as conditions change.

Signal Strength and Quality

The app might be assessing not just the number of networks on a channel but also the strength and quality of the signals. If channel 1 has strong interference from nearby networks, it may recommend channel 6, which could have less congestion or better signal quality at that moment.

Frequency Band

If you're using the 5 GHz band, it has more channels available but can also become congested. The analyzer may be suggesting channels based on the current usage in both bands.

Recommendations

Try Different Channels

You can manually test channels to see which one provides the best performance. Monitor the signal strength and speed after switching channels.

Consider 5 GHz

If your devices support it, consider switching to the 5 GHz band. It typically has more channels and less interference, although it has a shorter range.

Use Auto-Select Feature

Many routers have an auto-select feature that chooses the best channel based on current conditions. If your router supports this, it might be worth enabling.

By continuously monitoring and adjusting, you can find the optimal channel for your WiFi network.

Choosing the Best Channel

There are several WiFi analyzers available. If you have an Android phone, I recommend downloading WiFi Analyzer from the Android Play Store. It will show you all the WiFi signals, their SSIDs, and signal strength. You will also get several different graphs to help you analyze the environment around you. There are no “advanced features” to pay for.

Ideally, You Want Your WiFi to Be on a Channel Nobody Else is Using

If you have neighbors, that’s probably not possible. So the next best thing is to be on a channel where the signals from neighbors are weakest. Given the popularity of WiFi these days and since there are only 3 unique channels on the 2.4 GHz band (1, 6, and 11), that’s also probably also a futile effort.

For a complete analysis, you should place your phone near your router and near every spot you normally use your WiFi. However, on the 2.4 GHz band, it doesn’t make any difference. I see strong signals from my neighbors on every channel. You will probably have better luck on the 5 GHz band. There are more channels, and 5 GHz doesn’t penetrate walls as well, so your neighbor's signals won’t look as strong.

When using WiFi Analyzer, keep in mind that the app only shows WiFi signals. Other wireless devices such as baby monitors can also use these frequencies and don’t have to use the WiFi protocols. You might move your router to a channel that looks empty, but it could give you lousy throughput because a non-WiFi device is broadcasting on that channel.