Sources of Wireless Network Interference
Wireless networks are subject to interference from many sources. This interference can bring your network to a standstill, or shut it down completely. Fortunately, for the home user or small business with a simple wireless network, there are only a few common sources of interference and testing is not too hard
Common Problems, Simple Solutions
The most common wireless network today is 802.11g. This is the 54 Mbps equipment that works in the 2.4 GHz band. Because you don't need a license to transmit in this band, there are all sorts of equipment that use it, some does not share well. The worst offenders are the 2.4 GHz cordless phones and microwave ovens. Both of these are easy to test, simply turn on the microwave, or make a phone call and see if your wireless still works. If not, pick a different wireless channel. Most microwaves cause problems with channel 11, most phones are problems on channel 6. So, channel 1 is often your best bet. If changing channels won't fix it, get a new phone, perhaps in the 900 MHz or 5 GHz range.
Use a Spectrum Analyzer
If you are in an apartment or office building with neighbors, it's a little trickier. You can just try a few different channels, or you can get an inexpensive spectrum analyzer, or hire a professional who already has one. These little devices will show you what sort of noise you have in the 2.4 GHz range that might be causing your problems.
Additional Solutions
Other tricks you can use to help are slowing down the connection. Set your equipment to use only the slower 802.11b standard. It is less likely to have problems, and is plenty fast enough to keep up with high speed internet connections. Try moving the Access Point closer to where you will use your equipment. This can be a big help, and often only requires a longer cable.
When All Else Fails
For more difficult situations a directional antenna can be pointed to cover the area you need, it will mostly ignore signal from other areas. If you can pinpoint the interference source, offer to split the cost of a new phone or repair with the neighbor causing the problem. It's often the cheapest and easiest solution. Metal surfaces do a good job of blocking signal. If a remodel is in the works, insulation with a foil cover does wonders for killing interference. It also means you won't get your Access Point to work on the other side of the wall. If all else fails install cabling, or switch to the 5 GHz band. Cable will have better performance and 802.11a equipment will have a completely different band to work with.
For additional information or support please contact us at 303-482-1242.
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