Weather we are in the workplace or at home, Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) has become essential aspect of our daily lives. But it becomes annoying when we experience unstable connections and slow internet speeds. One potential cause for these issues could be Wi-Fi Interference.
What is Wi-Fi Interference?
Wi-Fi interference is occurred when other wireless signals and devices operating on same frequency band disrupt or interrupt your Wi-Fi signals. Interference effect the wireless connection by weakening or destabilizing your Wi-Fi signals, resulting in slow internet speeds or disconnections.
What Causes Wi-Fi Interference?
It could happen due to many reasons, like neighbors Wi-Fi Network, Microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices or cordless phones etc. let’s get into more detail on how it’s caused and how to fix it.
1.Channel Overlapping
One of the most common reasons behind Wi-Fi Interference is overlapping wireless signals from nearby devices such as neighbor’s wireless network or public hotspots. When multiple networks share same channel or adjacent channel for communication causing in less available channel space for wireless communication. Which results in slow speed or disconnections.
To avoid channel overlapping a site survey should be conducted before implementing as it gives an idea of nearby wireless devices and selecting suitable channel.
2.Channel Overcrowding
Channel overcrowding occurs when too many devices are trying connect or use same Wi-Fi channel resulting in congestion and slower speeds.it is common issue in public places such as cafes and hotels.
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To avoid channel overcrowding proper planning should be taken in to account to ensure that use of multiple access points in such a way that users load is distributed over different channels.
3.Other Devices and Gadgets
Devices such as cordless phones, microwave ovens or other wireless devices can create interference with Wi-Fi signals. This occurs because these wireless devices are operating on the same frequency band as Wi-Fi network.
This can be identified by wireless site survey whether any of these may be a problem or not. To avoid it its best to place Wi-Fi access point away from other wireless devices or use wired connections.
4.Physical Obstructions
Physical Obstacles like walls, metal sheets or even furniture can cause low Wi-Fi signals or signal disturbance. Materials like aluminum sheets thick walls can completely block Wi-Fi signals.
To avoid this place wireless access points in areas where they can provide best coverage also avoiding to place router near physical obstructions like in side ceiling that contain aluminum sheet or thick Walls.
Final Thoughts
Wi-Fi interference can cause frustrations and led to low productivity level in organizations. So it is recommended to Implement wireless network at large scale after proper planning and designing. So that interference can be minimized
