The 5 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum is divided into multiple channel ranges, each with specific regulatory requirements and intended use cases. The table above shows how individual 20 MHz channels are grouped to form wider 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz channels, and highlights the centre frequencies used for each bandwidth. It also identifies where Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) applies, along with typical power limits and indoor or outdoor usage restrictions.

Visualising the spectrum in this way helps explain why some channels may be unavailable or subject to radar detection delays, why certain ranges are better suited for indoor or outdoor deployments, and how channel width choices affect capacity, interference, and overall network reliability.

In simple terms, this breakdown shows how Wi-Fi uses small slices of radio spectrum that can be combined to carry more data. Wider channels can deliver higher speeds, but they also use more spectrum and may be more affected by interference or regulatory limits, which is why careful channel selection is important.

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