What RF parameters define Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

From RF Design Wiki · By the RF Design Wiki editorial team · Published October 21, 2026 · Last reviewed October 21, 2026 · How we research

Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) operates in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and, since 2020 in the US, 6 GHz (5925–7125 MHz) bands with channel widths from 20 MHz up to 160 MHz (Wi-Fi 6/6E) and 320 MHz (Wi-Fi 7), using OFDM up to 1024-QAM (802.11ax) and 4096-QAM (802.11be).^[1] Bluetooth uses 2400–2483.5 MHz: Classic (BR/EDR) hops over 79 one-MHz channels, while Bluetooth Low Energy uses 40 two-MHz channels, three of which (37, 38, 39 at 2402, 2426 and 2480 MHz) are primary advertising channels.^[2]

How are 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channels arranged?

Channel centers are spaced 5 MHz apart from 2412 MHz (channel 1) to 2472 MHz (channel 13), with channel 14 at 2484 MHz in Japan (802.11b only). With 20 MHz-wide signals, channels 1, 6 and 11 are the non-overlapping set commonly used in North America.^[1]

What are Bluetooth power classes?

BR/EDR power classes are Class 1 (up to 100 mW, +20 dBm), Class 2 (2.5 mW, +4 dBm) and Class 3 (1 mW, 0 dBm). LE devices commonly transmit between about −20 and +10 dBm, with the specification allowing up to +20 dBm. Modulation is GFSK (with π/4-DQPSK and 8DPSK for EDR).^[2]

How do Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexist?

Bluetooth adaptive frequency hopping avoids occupied channels; combo chips use packet traffic arbitration; front-end filters and antenna isolation reduce desensitization when both radios share a device. LTE/5G bands adjacent to 2.4 GHz (e.g., n40, n41, n7) require sharp filtering.

Frequently asked questions

What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) extended into the 6 GHz band.

What modulation does Bluetooth LE use?

GFSK, at 1 Mbps or 2 Mbps, plus coded PHY for long range.

Is 6 GHz Wi-Fi available everywhere?

No; availability and band range vary by country.

References

Online sources accessed October 21, 2026; printed works cited by edition. See all sources.

“IEEE Std 802.11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications”. IEEE. 2020 revision and amendments.
“Bluetooth Core Specification”. Bluetooth SIG. version 5.x / 6.0.

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