The 2401 MHz frequency lies within the globally recognized 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band, making it a cornerstone of modern wireless communication, IoT, and consumer electronics. From Wi-Fi to Zigbee and Bluetooth, this frequency powers a vast ecosystem of unlicensed low-power technologies.
2401 MHz typically represents Channel 1 in many Zigbee and 802.15.4-based devices and is close to the lower edge of the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi range.
🌍 Regional Use Summary
🌐 Region
Allocation
Primary Uses
License Type
🌍 Region 1
ISM applications (unlicensed)
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee
License-exempt
🌎 Region 2
ISM applications (unlicensed)
Remote controls, sensors, drones
License-exempt
🌏 Region 3
ISM applications (unlicensed)
Smart home, healthcare, telemetry
License-exempt
All ITU regions support license-free use, provided devices meet local emission and power constraints (e.g., ETSI in Europe, FCC in the US).
📱 Common Applications of 2401 MHz
Technology
Description
Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz)
Near Channel 1, common for older routers and long-range coverage
Bluetooth
Part of the frequency-hopping spread spectrum pool
Zigbee / IEEE 802.15.4
Channel 11 uses 2405 MHz; 2401 MHz is close to its lower edge
Proprietary RF Protocols
Used in industrial, drone, and telemetry systems
Wireless Game Controllers
Many use fixed or agile transmissions near 2401 MHz
🔐 Licensing and Regulations
Region
Regulatory Body
Standard
Notes
US
FCC
Part 15 Subpart C
Max 1 W for spread spectrum
EU
ETSI
EN 300 328
Max 100 mW e.i.r.p.
Japan
MIC
ARIB STD-T66
Similar to FCC rules
Devices must:
Use spread spectrum or low-duty-cycle narrowband transmissions
Adhere to maximum power and bandwidth limits
Accept interference and not cause harmful interference
⚙️ Technical Specs at a Glance
Parameter
Typical Value
Center Frequency
2401 MHz
Modulation
DSSS, FHSS, OFDM, OQPSK
Typical Bandwidth
1–22 MHz (depending on protocol)
Max EIRP (FCC)
1 W (Wi-Fi); 10 mW (Bluetooth Class 2)
Antenna Length
~3.1 cm (quarter-wave monopole)
🛰️ Related Spectrum and Adjacent Bands
Band
Frequency Range
Use Case
2300–2400 MHz
S-band (some regions)
LTE Band 40, telemetry
2400–2483.5 MHz
ISM Band
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, drones
2483.5–2500 MHz
SRD / LTE uplink
LTE Band 41 edge, sometimes restricted
🔁 Interference Considerations
2.4 GHz band is crowded, especially in urban areas
Coexistence managed via:
Frequency hopping (Bluetooth)
Adaptive channel selection (Wi-Fi)
Low duty cycles (Zigbee)
Overlap with microwave ovens (~2450 MHz) and other ISM noise sources
Interference mitigation through robust modulation and error correction
🧠 Summary Table
Attribute
Details
Frequency
2401 MHz
Band
2.4 GHz ISM
Primary Uses
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IoT
License
Exempt (Part 15 / EN 300 328)
Max Power (FCC)
1 W (spread spectrum)
Typical Antenna
PCB trace, dipole, monopole
Global Availability
Universally available ISM band
Mobitex
📶 Mobitex helps engineers, regulators, and innovators navigate radio frequencies, decoding MHz to GHz with engineering-grade spectrum insights, tools, and clarity for better decisions.
