What is Wi-Fi Interference?
A wireless network is usually affected most by wireless interference. Some symptoms of interference are intermittent connectivity or sudden disconnections, delays in connection and latency, slow network speeds, and poor signal strength. Radio frequency interference is the most common source of Wi-Fi issues.
The interference reasons can be varied:
- Where the wireless router is positioned
- Physical obstructions, like walls and floors
- Other wireless devices (baby monitors, garage door openers, etc.)
- Kitchen appliances, such as a microwave or a fridge
- Other nearby Wi-Fi networks
How to Position a Wireless Router
The way a wireless router is positioned can significantly impact Wi-Fi signal strength and range.
How to troubleshoot :
- The ideal router position is in the middle of the space where it will be most used. When a router is placed to the side of an area, the signal will likely not be evenly distributed.
- Make sure the router antenna is vertical. Many router antennas are adjustable. However, straight up is usually the best position.
- Place the router on an elevated surface. The reception will be better at the desk rather than on the floor.
Physical Obstructions
Whether a home or office, the construction method affects wireless range and speed. Wood or glass will have minimal impact, while concrete, brick, or metal can make the connection more difficult to establish and cause slower network speeds. Pay attention to the type of materials near where the router is placed.
How to troubleshoot:
- Try moving the wireless device to a different location. Just a few feet can pay off big in Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Some wireless devices, like Wi-Fi routers or signal boosters, have adjustable antennas. Point that antenna in a different direction to see if it reduces Wi-Fi interference.
- Don’t place Wi-Fi routers behind picture frames or in the middle of bookcases. You are effectively creating a Faraday Cage.
- Never put your router in a Faraday Cage.
- Add a Wi-Fi extender to your network. Extenders re-transmit the signal from your router or other extenders, providing a better connection to devices farther from the main Wi-Fi router.
Effects of Materials on Wi-Fi Reception
| Type of Barrier | Interference Level |
|---|---|
| Wood | Low |
| Plaster | Low |
| Synthetic Material | Low |
| Glass | Low |
| Water | Medium |
| Bricks | Medium |
| Marble | Medium |
| Concrete | High |
| Metal | High |
| Mirror | Very High |
Interference from Wireless Devices
Devices that are not Wi-Fi-enabled may be affecting 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies. Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, and baby monitors are common culprits. Appliances like microwaves may be generating radio frequency noise, and as a result, the network may perform more slowly or disconnect altogether. Here is a list of probable sources of signal interference:
- Microwave — the closer the router is to a microwave, the more network interference you can expect. Microwave interference occurs in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.
- Cordless Phone — again, 2.4 GHz spectrum. Phones can cause significant interference. Wi-Fi interference will arise when using the phone.
- Poor Quality Connections or Wires — Older or low-quality Ethernet or coaxial cables are often susceptible to electrical interference, or the plug may be loose.
- Other Wireless Devices: Technically, any wireless device can cause interference. Such devices can be wireless speakers, baby monitors, garage door openers, etc. Other wireless devices operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz spectrums, including wireless cameras and handheld radios.
- Power sources: Nearby chargers, power outlets, older desktop PC, or breaker boxes can be causing Wi-Fi interference. Yes, routers require power, but avoid positioning your Wi-Fi router near major power components in the wall or close to the breaker box.
- An older monitor or TV can specifically affect the 2.4GHz band between channels 11 and 14. Make your access point use 5 GHz or a lower 2.4 GHz channel.
- Neighbors’ Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi networks that overlap can affect each other. Apartments are very susceptible to this.
How to troubleshoot:
- Turn off and unplug electronic devices temporarily, and turn them on one by one to see how it affects the wireless interference issue.
- Replace old data cables connected to your modem or router, especially if the connector seems loose. Consider types of connections less susceptible to interference, such as fiber-optics.
- Another option is moving the wireless devices.
- If there is a specific wireless device causing the issue, check whether it offers options to switch Wi-Fi channels. Try switching to the more robust 5GHz frequency.
- If these steps are not helping, upgrade to a router with better radio wave noise shielding.
Frequency interference can often be addressed by changing the channel for the Wi-Fi router. The channel can usually be set from 1 to 11 for the broadcast frequency.
Most modern routers can broadcast at 5 GHz frequency, which is excellent.
Interference from Nearby Wi-Fi Networks
Nearby Wi-Fi networks could be using the same network channel. Wi-Fi networks in North America can work on any of the 11 available channels. So if more than 1 network is using the same channel, there will always be competition for the bandwidth.
Cities and large apartment buildings are especially prone to interference issues. More overlapping Wi-Fi networks, likely using the same channels, impact reception significantly.
How to Troubleshoot
The latest Wi-Fi routers usually offer an option to find the least busy Wi-Fi channel. Look into the user manual to see how to enable that option. Usually, these routers automatically switch channels for the best results. If this is enabled, but you are still getting a slow speed or a broken connection, try to manually set up the channel.
Interference From Other Sources
Other issues influencing Wi-Fi performance may not fall into typical categories:
- Hearing aids can cause some interruption when very close.
- Power lines, power stations, and electric railway tracks may not be the cause of interference, but if you feel they may be affecting your network, make sure you have an up-to-date, well-shielded router.
- How are you holding handheld devices? Yes, laying your tablet on a pillow or how you hold your cellphone can affect Wi-Fi reception.
How to Conquer Wi-Fi Interference
A dual-band 802.11ac router can give you the best Wi-Fi performance, especially when positioned correctly. Set up multiple routers in bridge mode on different levels of a building to boost the Wi-Fi signal even more.
Bonus Tip: Outdated management software on your router is a commonly overlooked issue.
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FAQ
Wireless interference is just what it sounds like: when something interferes with your wireless signal. Wireless interference usually includes such symptoms as irregular connectivity, slow network connection, slow data transfer, and poor signal strength.
If there is physical interference with your Wi-Fi signal, you can troubleshoot it by:
- Moving the router to the middle of desired coverage area.
- Set the router antennas vertically.
- Place the router on an open, elevated surface, like a desk.
Every building has walls, furniture, and nick-nack obstacles in the way of a wireless signal. Solve a poor Wi-Fi signal by:
- Moving the router or wireless receiving device to a different spot. A couple of feet can make a significant difference.
- Add a Wi-Fi extender to your network.
- Don’t place objects around the router or wireless device. Like books, vases, or metal picture frames.
Some wireless devices in your office, though not Wi-Fi related, may be operating on the same frequencies as your network. Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, and microwaves can easily interfere with a wireless signal.
Enable channel auto-switching on your Wi-Fi router. Check the user manual to learn how. If the speed is still slow, try changing the channel manually.