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Fix: A Router/Access Point Channel Conflict Has Been Detected

An end to Wi-Fi dead spots when you switch out your channels

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 18, 2023

updated onOctober 18, 2023

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You probably installed your wireless router and joined a local network just fine. But now you are getting an odd error message that an access point conflict has been detected.

Wireless network conflicts happen way more often than you think, but fortunately, they are generally easy to remedy.

What is a Router/Access Point Channel Conflict?

A router or access point sends and receives data packets using radio frequencies. The two most common frequencies for networking are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Because these frequencies overlap, two devices on the same network can simultaneously use the same frequency channel.

When this happens, it can cause interference with the signal and make ithard for devices like your printer to stay connectedand reduce the overall performance of your network connection.

How do I fix a router/access point channel conflict?

How do I fix a router/access point channel conflict?

Attempt the following basic fixes before you move to the technical steps:

1. Change your router’s channel

Alternatively, you can let an automatic tool do this work for you. Setting your Wi-Fi channel manually doesn’t guarantee you’re switching to the best option and can sometimes cause more problems, like yourPC not connecting to your printeranymore.

However, aWi-Fi channel scannercan analyze your wireless network, detect the most efficient channel, and connect your router to avoid overloading and overlapping.

2. Enable auto channel selection

3. Change your network band

4. Update your Network driver

Updating your network drivers will fix many issues, includingproblems with your access points, and is a prerequisite toconnecting an access point to a wireless router without cable.

Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Reset your network

Still, wireless adapters vary widely in how they handle channel conflicts. You may have adjusted your router settings, but you get anotheraccess channel point is full error, or aprinter won’t recognize your router. If so, you should consider getting a dual-band ortri-band router.

Other times, you may haveset up your access point to have a similar SSID to your router, which brings about the conflict.

We hope this article has been illuminating and you’ve figured out your network connection issues. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to avoid problems with your routers is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Regular power cycling your router, updating its firmware, and minimizing interference is a good start.

We’d love to hear your feedback, and if this guide was helpful, please let us know as well.

More about the topics:wifi

Claire Moraa

Windows Software Expert

Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.

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Claire Moraa

Windows Software Expert

With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.