If you've been having trouble with your Wi-Fi signal, there may be something interfering with it. There are many things that can interfere with a Wi-Fi signal, such as other wireless electronic devices or appliances. In this article we discuss ways to minimize Wi-Fi interference and improve your signal.
Why does interference occur?
Interference occurs because Wi-Fi signals become blocked or distorted by other electronic signals, objects, or surfaces. The easiest way to visualize this is by imagining the ripples in a pool of water after a pebble is dropped in the middle of it. Now, imagine that there is a rock jutting out of the water between you and the center of the ripple. That rock is the interference, and if it gets in the way of a ripple coming toward you, that ripple will become weakened, be redirected, or get snuffed out.
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Wi-Fi signals act much in the same way. Even other electronic signals can affect a Wi-Fi signal’s performance, similar to how a second ripple can alter the path of the first ripple.
What are the most common sources of interference?
Interference can be found in any kind of workplace where you connect to a Wi-Fi signal. Here are some of the most common examples:
Everyday appliances
Appliances like microwave ovens, baby monitors, and televisions are common sources of interference. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves of 2.4GHz — a very common Wi-Fi frequency band — to heat food. Baby monitors and two-way radios also operate on the 2.4GHz band, and they tend to affect Wi-Fi routers on the older 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi standards. As for televisions, they are a common culprit, particularly when you place routers and other wireless access points behind TVs.
Household and office gadgets
Household and office gadgets, such as wireless printers, smart lighting, and security cameras, that connect to the internet and/or use Bluetooth are notorious for causing interference. This is more evident than ever with the line between appliance and gadget blurring, thanks to the rise of the Internet of things (IoT). IoT capable devices such as smart refrigerators, smart lighting fixtures, and similar devices may emit enough interference to disrupt your connectivity.
Office layout
Office layout is a key factor when it comes to eliminating interference, especially if your business operates out of an office space that doesn’t have an open floor plan. Walls, floors, support beams, and all other office structures can create interference, particularly if they sit directly in the path of Wi-Fi signals coming from your router.
Neighboring Wi-Fi networks
Being in an environment where there's an abundance of Wi-Fi networks may seem harmless, but it can actually result in connection issues. Wi-Fi routers operate on identical bandwidths, so overlapping signals will affect one another. And if there are too many Wi-Fi signals converging in one area, you can expect that spot to have very poor Wi-Fi connectivity.
Tips for minimizing interference in the workspace
Completely eliminating interference is almost impossible in the real world, but you can minimize its negative effects by doing the following:
- Place your router away from other routers, appliances, and walls, if possible.
- Unplug devices when not in use.
- Avoid placing too many appliances and gadgets in one area of your room or workspace.
- Configure routers that serve only one room to be on the 5 GHz frequency band instead of the 2.4 GHz band.
- Consider upgrading your Wi-Fi router or at least update its firmware to help lessen its susceptibility to interference.
Aside from following these tips, partnering with a reliable wireless network consulting company like USWired can help you optimize your workplace's Wi-Fi. Our tech experts can help improve your wireless network’s efficiency and performance. Contact us today to learn more.
