What is Dynamic Frequency Selection?

DFS is a channel allocation scheme for Wi-Fi designed to prevent interference by cooperatively sharing the wireless spectrum with systems that predate Wi-Fi. These systems include weather radars and satellite communications, among others. DFS enables the device to detect these radar signals and automatically switch to a different channel to avoid disrupting critical systems. This can result in disruptions due to the access point switching channels when those systems are detected. DFS is mandatory in many regulatory domains to protect those higher priority systems.

DFS on Alta Labs Access Points

Automatic selection

You may toggle the selection of DFS channels by the automatic channel planner by navigating to Settings -> System -> Advanced -> Auto Channel DFS. Disable this option if your network operates in a region that is frequently disrupted by other 5GHz systems.

5 GHz Auto Channel Restrictions may be applied to limit the channels that our automatic channel planner will assign to access points. If you know certain DFS channels that are more commonly used by other systems, you may list them here in an effort to reduce network disruptions. See our article here for more details about the automatic channel planner.

Manual selection

From the Network tab of the management platform or Alta Networks app, click the icon of the access point you wish to configure. Each channel within the DFS range is labeled in this list.

Warning: Setting a manual value here may prevent the automatic channel planner from selecting the most efficient AP channel.

DFS Hits

If RADAR is detected on any DFS channel, the AP will continue to operate on a different DFS or non-DFS channel during the duration of the mandatory timeout period. The AP will then resume operation on the originally selected DFS channel around 02:00 AM local time.