What is the goal of channel planning in WLANs, and what is a typical 2.4 GHz assignment?

• A. Minimize overlap and interference by using non-overlapping channels 1, 6, and 11 on 2.4 GHz.
• B. Use overlapping channels to maximize coverage.
• C. Use a single channel for all APs to simplify management.
• D. Randomly assign channels without planning.

Answer: (A)

Channel planning in WLANs focuses on reducing interference between nearby access points by assigning non-overlapping frequencies to neighboring APs. In the 2.4 GHz band, the available 20 MHz channels largely overlap, so a typical approach is to use the non-overlapping channels in a repeating pattern across the area. This minimizes co-channel and adjacent-channel interference and improves overall performance. Using overlapping channels would increase interference, while trying to run a single channel across all APs would cause collisions and degrade throughput; random channel selection lacks the reliable coordination that planning provides.