Computer Repair in Kalamazoo

You’ve finally got high speed WiFi installed in your home! So you run down to the rec room to watch your favorite Netflix binge show while you work out! But no! The video is stuttering and keeps dropping signal! What’s going on?

Walls affect WiFi signals through environmental phenomenon. Think of it in terms of sound. Some apartments have little sound buffering between units. You can easily hear a conversation with your neighbor between the walls. A wireless signal is essentially radio waves. Similar to light, it bounces off of certain surfaces. Metal, for one, is a highly reflective material. This is a typically in offices as they are tend to be more intricately designed structures. If a large amount of reflection occurs, signals can be weakened and also cause interference.

The biggests factors which reduce Wi-Fi performance are the effect distance and internal walls have on signal strength. The thicker/denser the wall, the more the signal is affected. Everything blocks WiFi signals a little. Wood, plaster, cinder blocks, and glass don’t interfere much, but brick, stone, and water (think of that 30-gallon fish tank) can be more problematic. Worse still are ceramic, concrete, metal, and mirrors, which reflect visible light and radio waves alike.

Other sources of WiFi interference are:

Bluetooth – Bluetooth devices work in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, where we find 802.11b, g, and n WiFi. Most Bluetooth devices are innocuous by avoiding active WiFi channels. But older versions of Bluetooth could be disruptive to WiFi users in the immediate area. And if you get a lot of Bluetooth devices all in the same room, your 2.4 GHz signal will be impacted. The amount of impact will vary, but if your WiFi is having issues, try turning off some of the Bluetooth items.

Microwave – The high-power transmitters in microwave ovens put a wideband interference signature on spectrum analyzers and wireless intrusion prevention systems. They can be frustrating when they disrupt your streaming video while someone is nuking lunch. All microwave ovens are not guaranteed to cause trouble, but as they age, seals and shields break down. Generally, microwaves cause more problems with 2.4 GHz than 5 GHz.

Toys & Gadgets – Assorted gadgetry & toys operating at 2.4 GHz are a very common cause of WiFi interference.. The list includes baby monitors, garage door openers, wireless microphones, display mirroring devices, drones, remote control toy cars, etc.. If it’s “wireless,” it may be built to utilize 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. There’s no real way to know unless you look up specific model numbers, and sometimes you have to go all the way to the FCC’s database of registered products to find a spec. If your wireless is acting flaky, take inventory of everything in the area that transmits via wireless and sleuth out their operating frequencies. You may find the culprit.

Cordless Phones – Cordless phones can be hard on both WiFi bands. When you shop for cordless phones, they may not mention anywhere that it uses 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies. But the interference may be substantial to both bands. Cordless phones may seem old school, but if they are still an option in your home or business, be sure to purchase units that are labeled as based on DECT 6.0 technology. DECT 6.0 works at 1.9 GHz, and couldn’t interfere with WiFi if you wanted it too.

If you’ve tried all of the above, and your WiFi is still not performing, then it’s time to consult your local trusted WiFi experts at Geek Easy Computers! We can advise you on what router will serve you best, and proper placement in your home or office. Feel free to call us anytime with questions at 269-548-TECH(8324) or stop in at 420 N. Church St., Monday – Friday 9a – 6p! We want to make your technology easier!

Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek! Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.