What does Wi-Fi channel width mean?
Channel width describes how much radio spectrum a Wi-Fi channel uses. Wider configurations can offer more capacity under suitable conditions, but also occupy more spectrum. The widest available choice is not automatically the most reliable in every building or band.
Why it matters
Use the router's guidance for the relevant frequency band and region. Neighbouring networks, client support and placement all affect the practical result. A manual change should be reversible and tested during ordinary viewing. Changing width, channel and location together makes it difficult to know which adjustment helped. A channel-width setting cannot restore an unavailable media source.
A practical example
A crowded apartment can behave differently from a detached home with little nearby radio activity. Copying the latter's maximum-width setup may provide no benefit to the apartment's television.
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Related terminology: Wi-Fi airtime, Wi-Fi Multimedia.
For practical setup and troubleshooting, browse the journal or support guides.