Wifi signal barrier

This a document discussing the causes of WiFi interference. WiFi was first released for consumers back in Since then it has played an integral role in keeping us connected to the internet at home, at work, and even in public, to the point where most of us take its existence for granted. With every new technology comes problems and WiFi is certainly no exception, with WiFi problems being one of the most common complaints surrounding modern day connectivity.

In this document we aim to look at, and offer solutions for the causes of WiFi interference which may be giving you connection issues. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to consider WiFi interference being the cause.

Regularly you will find that there is a certain spot within a building or area where you cannot seem to reach any reliable WiFi signal, no matter where you place your device. Physical barriers, such as the materials that a building is constructed with, is one of the most likely reasons for a WiFi signal being unable to reach your device. Here is a list of common building materials and the level of likely interference they are causing you:.

The best way to combat a physical barrier interfering with your signal is obviously to move the router or wireless access point to a better location so the signal does not have to go through the barrier. Finally, a physical barrier to a WiFi signal that most people never consider is…themselves! More specifically, your hand when holding a mobile device. Trying changing your grip for a better signal.

Frequency interference is when another signal crosses paths with your signal on a similar bandwidth and corrupts or overpowers it. Unfortunately the list of devices that has been known to cause this form of bandwidth interference is almost never ending, but here we provide a list of the common ones:.

Wireless Devices — Technically speaking, any other devices that transmits or receives a wireless signal is capable of causing an interference to signal, so look to things like wireless speakers, baby monitors, walkie talkies, garage door openers. Microwaves — Most microwaves operate on the 2. Cordless WiFi Phones — Cordless phones also commonly operate on the 2. Satellite Dishes — If a satellite has been wired up incorrectly or the wiring is old and deteriorating, it is common for them to leak signal interference into the vicinity.

Neighbouring WiFi Network — Powerful WiFi networks, especially those seen in large corporate environments, in a close proximity to your own can affect your signal and performance, and vice versa. Installing WLAN controllers with rogue detection functionality can help detect this. Hearing Aids — If a person with a hearing aid is in very close proximity to a wireless broadcasting device, signal disruption can be experienced. Refrigerators — the motors on the inside of a fridge can cause disturbance with WiFi signals, as well as the fact that they are packed with ice, which can act as a barrier.

Keeping WiFi broadcasting devices away from fridges is always a good idea. Avoid having internet based equipment near either of these. Poorly Shielded Cabling — External hard drives or other devices you are connected to with poorly shielded cabling can interfere with a wireless signal and you can of course test this by temporarily removing the device to see if the signal improves.

Try replacing the cable s that connect into the troublesome device. In most instances, altering the broadcast channel on your WiFi device will solve a frequency interference issue. Typically a channel can be set between , try a few different ones to see which works best.

Typically the best ones to use in the UK are channels 1, 7 or Run a WiFi scanning tool in your vicinity WiFi Analyzer is a good free one, available for mobile devices , check out which channel of those three is most commonly used in your area and pick one of the others. Higher end routers will allow you to broadcast on the 5GHz frequency which helps eradicate a lot of frequency issues and is the most effective solution at present.

A wireless device is only capable of serving a finite amount of bandwidth, regardless of how fast the internet connection into the building is, and that amount is divided amongst the number of people connecting to it. So if for example you have an office with 50 people all connecting to the same access point, the amount of available bandwidth from that access point is divided by Coverage also plays a very important part here, so consider the distance that people are having to connect across.

Also consider the manner in which your wireless devices are installed to provide that coverage. If you have access points that are lodged in the ceiling tiles or buried on a shelf in the back of a room, this is not the way they were intended to be used. Check the manufacturers guide that came with your device and the aerials to determine the intended coverage pattern and ensure they are installed correctly. Learn more or call us for a free consultation: Routers also known as WiFi access points wirelessly transmit radio waves to communicate with your wireless devices.

The waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Anything that blocks the radio waves path or causes electromagnetic interference, will block or weaken the signal. Building materials are the ultimate WiFi signal blockers, but they are not the only obstacles.

Signal interference can also be caused by physical objects and radio waves from other devices. The following list is ranked by severity.

What does electricity have to do with WiFi? Radio waves are electromagnetic, meaning that metal has the ability to absorb them. Anything that has metal, such as metal blinds, doors, furniture, infrastructure, and walls, can greatly diminish or completely terminate the WiFi signal. The more metal there is between your WiFi router and the connected device, the worse the WiFi signal will be. As a result, the WiFi signal has a hard time passing through concrete walls and floors. Especially if they are coupled with metal laths.

The thicker the concrete, the harder it is for the signal to pierce through - even with the help of a WiFi booster also referred to as WiFi repeaters or WiFi extenders.

Plaster is made up of lime, gypsum, or cement, that is used to coat walls and ceilings. Even though plaster walls are not extremely thick, they will slow down the WiFi signal as it travels. Many modern structures use metal laths in plaster to act as a framework for interior walls. Since metal lath consists of metal and takes part in creating thicker walls, the WiFi signal can be greatly reduced or blocked. Like drywall, the WiFi signal weakens as it travels through ceramic tile.

Typically, mastic is used to install ceramic tiles on plaster or drywall. A combination of these materials increases the amount of WiFi interference. They are transparent and not as thick as walls. While windows are great for letting the light in, they interferer with your signal by reflecting it. Especially Low-E low-emissivity windows.

They have a metallic film to help with energy consumption. Therefore, they can block and reflect the signal more than a clear window. Tinted glass is designed with specific materials to block out the light and often come in an array of colors. Similar to Low-E glass, they sometimes contain a metallic film which interferes with specific radio signals. Similar to windows, mirrors are also reflective. All mirrors are made up of a thin coat of metal on a piece of glass.

Due to the metal backing, they cause electromagnetic interference. The effect a mirror has on your WiFi signal depends on the size of the mirror. For example, a mirror wall will interfere with the WiFi signal more than a small decorative mirror.

Drywall is one of the most common building materials you will find in homes and businesses. It has the smallest amount of impact on your wireless signal. As mentioned earlier, wireless routers wirelessly transmit radio waves to communicate with your wireless devices. The radio waves use two radio frequencies to transmit information - 2. The 2.