How to fix WIFI interference? Part 1

If WIFI is constantly subject to some interference, it’s time to investigate the cause of the problem. WIFI signal obstruction can also be mistaken for poor WIFI coverage, for example. Diagnose the symptoms and fix them. Read the text.

There can be many causes of WIFI interference, such as unfavorable placement of access points, uneven traffic between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, or other sources of radio frequency signals.

Due to the fact that a WIFI network transmits radio waves, it is much more susceptible to interference than a wired network. Sources of interference? Your own or your neighbor’s network, non-WIFI wireless devices, microwave ovens and even radar systems.

Signal-to-noise ratio

Some people only talk about signal levels when designing or troubleshooting WIFI networks, but that’s only one side of the coin. A customer can be right next to an access point with an excellent signal, but there are difficulties connecting if the signal from another WIFI or a different type of device operating on radio frequencies is too strong. These types of signals from other devices are noise.

Signal levels typically range from -30 dBm (the best possible signal) to -90 dBm (the least possible signal). Their role is to combat noise or interference from other WIFI devices and wireless devices in the same frequency band, or even dissimilar interfering electronic devices such as microwave ovens or electrical boxes. As for noise, its level can vary, but typically ranges from -90 dBm (typical moderate noise) to -98 dBm (almost no noise).

To improve WIFI performance, you need to widen the gap between the signal level and the noise level. When the gap becomes very small, the signal can be drowned out by noise.

To observe this gap, you need to look at the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or the difference between the two. If the signal is -60 dBm and the noise is -90 dBm, then the SNR is 30 dB.

Source: https://www.networkworld.com/article/2215287/coping-with-wi-fi-s-biggest-problem-interference.html

The table shows that the minimum SNR, is 25dB, and the most desirable value is 65 dB (rarely achieved).

In the next section, we will describe the other elements you need to pay attention to in order to dispel WIFI interference.