| Basic Wireless Network Interference Explained |
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On-Site gets quite a few calls regarding wireless networking. One of the more frequent service calls we run is associated with wireless drop out, or lack of coverage in homes and small businesses. If you have ever experienced an area of your home or office that you were unable to connect to your network do to poor signal quality or no signal at all, or had been surfing along the Internet and then all of a sudden, wham, no signal, you have experience this condition. Typically when this happens, if you move a little bit, or wait a few minutes, your connection is back. Most of us assume that the service provider is having some sort of an issue. In 95% of cases this actually isn't true. More likely that not, you have experience drop out from your own router.
Drop out can be a few different simple things, and a couple of more difficult ones. We will talk about the simple, easy to fix side of drop outs. One of the most common reasons a wireless network experiences this condition is from interference. Interference can come from several different sources, even the actual structure that the network is operating in, such as the home or office. Though this is common, even more common is the use of wireless phones near the network, specifically phones that operate on the 2.4Ghz frequency. You see, most wireless B and G routers operate in this same frequency. They end up competing for the air space. Especially when they are in the same room together. Other devices such as baby monitors and wireless video cameras can also cause issues. As a matter of fact, even microwave ovens can cause interference. So what do you do? Well in most cases, the answer is quit simple. Follow these steps to insure and always on never interrupted connection: - If you are experiencing dead zones or are unhappy with your coverage area you might want to add a repeater (sometimes called an extender) or an external antenna. We have calls all the time from people who wish to bring their laptops out to their deck or patio only to find that the signal is shaky at best. Repeaters can be attached to just about any Wi-Fi network and most manufacturers make specific units that work with their particular routers, so finding one is easy. Antennas are also available but not for every router. Check your manufacturers website for more information on what's available. Repeaters work by repeating the signal in another room of the home or office. Basically, they connect to the existing signal, and then extend its range. Antennas attach directly to the router and enhance the signal strength from its original location. - If you are having interference when you seem to have a good signal, it is more than likely something along the lines of a cordless phone, or possibly even a neighbors wireless network. The good news is, routers have built in channel selection settings. In most cases you can simply change the channel of the router and you will end the complications. To do this consult you routers owners manual for model specific instructions. You may also consider upgrading to 5.8Ghz cordless phones. However, if you are considering upgrading to the new, soon to be standard, wireless-N platform, you might want to keep your current phones. The new N platform operates on the 5.8Ghz spectrum and your current phones will no longer be an issue when you upgrade. We hope this helps you in your quest for a strong reliable wireless network. In the event that these solutions don't work in your situation, feel free to call On-Site at 1-888-725-4509 and we would be more than happy to help. |