2400 MHz spectrum (WLAN)

The figure below provides a simplified overview of WLAN in the 2.4 GHz band.

In addition the the5 GHz band and the 6 GHz band are used for WLAN.

The additional bands have a shorter range due to the higher frequency, but enable significantly higher data rates due to the higher bandwidth.

2.4 GHz

(EN 300 328, e.g. IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac)

Power in EIRP (Equivalent isotropically radiated power)

In the 2.4 GHz band, WLAN devices use the channels 1 (2.412 GHz) to 13 (2.472 GHz). As WLAN uses a bandwidth of approximately 20 or 40 MHz but the spacing between adjacent WLAN channels is only 5 MHz, there are overlaps between adjacent WLAN channels. Given a required bandwidth of 20 MHz, therefore, only 4 (not 13) channels can be used in practice, in this case the channels 1, 5, 9 and 13. With a required bandwidth of 40 MHz, only two channels can be used (e.g., the centre frequency of Channel 3 / Channel 11).

WLAN devices compliant with the current Commission Decision on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices (SRD Decision) are harmonised Class 1 devices of Subclass 22 as defined in the RTTE Directive (Directive 1999/5/EC, implemented in the Austrian Federal Act on Radio Systems and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment [FTEG]). These devices do not require notification under Article 6.4, and their operation is not subject to any special technical or administrative requirements. Moreover, a "call sign" is not required in the CE marking for these devices.

As long as a WLAN hotspot is not offered to 3^rd parties on a commercial basis, there is no obligation to notify the services to the regulatory authority (general authorization pursuant to §15 TKG 2003, AGG).

Contact: Addresses of the BMF

Last update: January 30, 2020