Wi-Fi Channel 36 vs 100+ in Ireland — DFS vs non-DFS

Last updated: 16 September 2025 GMT

In Ireland, non-DFS 36/40/44/48 is the safe default for live streams. DFS 100–140 can be quieter in some suburbs, but may hop if radar is detected. Use 40 MHz width and test a live stream after each change.

Channel families at a glance (Ireland)

Family	Examples	DFS?	Pros	Watch-outs
Non-DFS (preferred)	36, 40, 44, 48	No	Stable; no radar pauses; ideal for match day	Busier in apartments; rotate through 36→40→44→48
DFS upper	100–140	Yes	Often less congestion; good off-peak	Possible radar CAC/hops → brief drops mid-match

Channel width: which to use?

• 40 MHz — best balance for Irish apartments/semis (keeps latency steady).
• 20 MHz — use only if neighbours are very noisy.
• 80 MHz+ — nice speed tests, worse overlap; avoid on match day.

Quick wins

• Split SSIDs so the TV/box stays on 5 GHz.
• Lock 36/40/44/48 @ 40 MHz; test a live stream for 5 minutes.
• If non-DFS is crowded, try 100+ off-peak; switch back if you see pauses every ~10–15 minutes.

Steps to change channel (generic routers)

1. Open the router admin page (address on the label/manual) and sign in.
2. Give 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz different SSIDs (e.g., Home_24 / Home_5G).
3. Set 5 GHz channel to 36, 40, 44, or 48; width 40 MHz.
4. Save & reboot; reconnect TV/box to the 5 GHz SSID only.
5. Still congested? Test 100+ off-peak. If a stream pauses randomly, return to non-DFS.

Ireland-specific tips

• Apartments: start at 36→40→44→48 before trying DFS.
• Semi/house: 36–48 usually wins; 100+ can work if neighbours are quiet and no radar nearby.
• Mesh: wire backhaul where possible; avoid long wireless daisy-chains.

Troubleshooting

Stream hiccups every ~10–15 minutes

Likely DFS radar action. Move back to 36/40/44/48 @ 40 MHz.

Great speed, still jittery

80 MHz widens overlap. Use 40 MHz for steadier latency.

Related Ireland-specific guides

• Which 5 GHz Wi-Fi channels to use in Ireland?
• Vodafone Gigabox: best Wi-Fi for streaming (IE)
• eir F3000: change Wi-Fi channel (Ireland)

Official context

• ComReg — spectrum/WLAN context (Ireland)

Ireland-specific guidance for lawful streaming only. No channel lists or geo-bypass.