How do you handle Wi-Fi interference from other devices?

1 Common sources of Wi-Fi interference

Wi-Fi interference can come from various devices that use the same or overlapping radio frequencies as your Wi-Fi network. These include cordless phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, wireless cameras, baby monitors, and other nearby Wi-Fi networks. Some of these devices can create noise or signal distortion that affects your Wi-Fi quality. Others can compete for the same bandwidth and reduce your Wi-Fi speed.

2 Best channels for Wi-Fi

One way to handle Wi-Fi interference from other devices is to choose the best channel for your Wi-Fi network. A channel is a specific frequency range within the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands that Wi-Fi uses. The 2.4 GHz band has 11 channels in North America, but only three of them are non-overlapping: 1, 6, and 11. The 5 GHz band has more channels and less interference, but it has a shorter range and may not be compatible with some older devices. To find the best channel for your Wi-Fi network, you can use a tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot to scan the available channels and see which ones are less crowded or have less interference.

3 Router settings for Wi-Fi

Adjusting your router settings is another way to handle Wi-Fi interference from other devices. The transmit power, channel width, and security mode are all settings you can tweak. Increasing the transmit power can boost your Wi-Fi range and signal strength but create more interference and heat. Alternatively, decreasing the transmit power can reduce interference and power consumption, yet weaken your Wi-Fi coverage and speed. Changing the channel width from wide to narrow can reduce interference and improve stability, but also lower your Wi-Fi speeds. As for the security mode, using a strong encryption like WPA2 or WPA3 can protect your network from hackers but decrease your Wi-Fi speed and compatibility. A weaker security mode like WEP or no encryption can improve your Wi-Fi speed and compatibility, however, it leaves you vulnerable to security risks.

4 Tools for Wi-Fi

To handle Wi-Fi interference from other devices, you can use some tools to enhance your Wi-Fi experience. A Wi-Fi extender is a device that can boost your signal and extend the range, but it can also introduce latency and reduce speed. A Wi-Fi mesh system is a set of devices that creates a seamless network, but it can be expensive and complex to set up. A Wi-Fi monitor is software or an app that can monitor your network and provide you with information and insights. It can also help you troubleshoot problems, optimize settings, and improve performance.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?