--- a/include/net/mac80211.h
+++ b/include/net/mac80211.h
@@ -625,11 +625,14 @@ struct ieee80211_rx_status {
  *	may turn the device off as much as possible. Typically, this flag will
  *	be set when an interface is set UP but not associated or scanning, but
  *	it can also be unset in that case when monitor interfaces are active.
+ * @IEEE80211_CONF_OFFCHANNEL: The device is currently not on its main
+ *	operating channel.
  */
 enum ieee80211_conf_flags {
 	IEEE80211_CONF_MONITOR		= (1<<0),
 	IEEE80211_CONF_PS		= (1<<1),
 	IEEE80211_CONF_IDLE		= (1<<2),
+	IEEE80211_CONF_OFFCHANNEL	= (1<<3),
 };
 
 
--- a/net/mac80211/main.c
+++ b/net/mac80211/main.c
@@ -111,12 +111,15 @@ int ieee80211_hw_config(struct ieee80211
 	if (scan_chan) {
 		chan = scan_chan;
 		channel_type = NL80211_CHAN_NO_HT;
+		local->hw.conf.flags |= IEEE80211_CONF_OFFCHANNEL;
 	} else if (local->tmp_channel) {
 		chan = scan_chan = local->tmp_channel;
 		channel_type = local->tmp_channel_type;
+		local->hw.conf.flags |= IEEE80211_CONF_OFFCHANNEL;
 	} else {
 		chan = local->oper_channel;
 		channel_type = local->_oper_channel_type;
+		local->hw.conf.flags &= ~IEEE80211_CONF_OFFCHANNEL;
 	}
 
 	if (chan != local->hw.conf.channel ||