Wireless routers and devices sometimes list all available 5G WiFi frequencies as "no IR" (no Initiate Radiation), which blocks the device from transmitting on those channels in access point (AP) mode. This prevents you from setting up a 5G WiFi network for clients to connect to, limiting network speed and connectivity options. Addressing this issue involves understanding regulatory domain settings, firmware limitations, and driver configurations that control wireless transmission rights.

Check and Set the Correct Regulatory Domain

Step 1: Confirm your device's current regulatory domain setting. The regulatory domain (also called "country code") determines which WiFi channels and transmission rights are permitted by law in your region. Use the following command in your terminal to view the current setting:

iw reg get

This will display the current country code and permitted channels. If the country code is set to "00" (world), your device will restrict transmission on many frequencies, including all 5G channels, marking them as "no IR."

Step 2: Set the correct regulatory domain for your country. Replace US with your two-letter country code:

sudo iw reg set US

Setting the proper domain updates the allowed channels and may enable "IR" (Initiate Radiation) rights on some 5G frequencies. Note that some devices require you to set the domain in system configuration files such as /etc/default/crda or /etc/conf.d/wireless-regdom for the change to persist after reboot.

Step 3: Restart your network manager or reboot your device to apply the new regulatory settings. This ensures that the wireless driver reloads with the updated permissions.

Update Wireless Drivers and Firmware

Step 1: Verify your wireless chipset and driver version. Use the following command to identify your WiFi hardware and driver:

lspci -nnk | grep -A3 Network

Some wireless drivers do not support AP mode or have incomplete regulatory support, especially on 5G bands.

Step 2: Update your wireless drivers to the latest version. Check your operating system’s package manager or the device manufacturer's website for the newest drivers and firmware. On Linux, you can update drivers with:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

or install specific driver packages as needed.

Step 3: After updating, reboot your system and check again if 5G channels are still marked as "no IR." Sometimes, newer drivers unlock additional channel support or fix regulatory domain bugs.

Configure Hostapd for 5G AP Mode

Step 1: Edit your hostapd.conf file to specify a valid 5G channel. Choose a channel that is allowed and not marked as DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) unless your device and driver support DFS operation. For example:


interface=wlan0
driver=nl80211
ssid=Your5GSSID
hw_mode=a
channel=36

Step 2: Restart hostapd and monitor logs for errors. If you see messages about "no IR" or "AP mode not permitted on this channel," try a different channel or re-check your regulatory domain and driver support.

Step 3: If your region allows DFS channels and your device supports them, you may need to enable DFS support in hostapd.conf and ensure your kernel and drivers are up to date. Be aware that using DFS channels may require the access point to scan for radar signals before transmitting, causing a delay during startup.

Alternative: Use a Different WiFi Adapter or Hardware

If your current hardware and drivers do not allow enabling 5G in AP mode despite the above steps, consider using a different WiFi adapter known to support 5G AP mode in your region. Research chipsets with strong Linux or Windows support for AP mode on 5G bands, such as certain Qualcomm Atheros, Intel, or Broadcom models. USB adapters with well-supported chipsets can be a practical workaround.

Resolving the "no IR" restriction on 5G frequencies often comes down to matching regulatory settings, updating drivers, and using compatible hardware. With the right configuration, you can activate 5G AP mode and provide faster wireless connections to your network clients.