How to Identify Wi-Fi Interference
If you're experiencing slow download speeds, high latency or dropped internet connections when using campus Wi-Fi, it's likely that your signal is being degraded or disrupted by physical obstructions or competing radio transmissions.
Wi-Fi is highly susceptible to interference by:
- other Wi-Fi networks (e.g., personal Wi-Fi access points)
- competing electronic devices (e.g., microwaves, Bluetooth)
- physical obstacles (e.g., heavy furniture, concrete walls)
If moving closer to a Wi-Fi access point isn't an option, check the list of common electronic interference sources below.
Common Sources of Wi-Fi Interference
| Interference Source | Impact | Course of Action |
|---|---|---|
Personal Wi-Fi access points | High Personal Wi-Fi access points degrade the network speed for all users without increasing personal connection speed. | Turn off your personal Wi-Fi access point on campus. Note: Personal Wi-Fi access points are prohibited in the residence halls. |
Wireless webcams | Medium Webcams and similar wireless devices sometimes operate on the same frequency as the campus Wi-Fi network, causing interference. | Replace your webcam with a wired model. |
Wireless printers | Medium Due in part to its impact on network performance, the multicast functionality many Wi-Fi printers rely on for discovery is not enabled on campus. | Turn off the printer's Wi-Fi functionality and use an Ethernet cable to connect it to campus's wired internet. |
Microwave ovens | Medium Microwaves often leak electromagnetic energy, which interferes with nearby wireless signals. | Avoid using a Wi-Fi device near a microwave oven. |
Cordless home telephones | Medium Older cordless telephones sometimes operate on the same frequency as the campus Wi-Fi network, causing interference. | Newer cordless phones that use the 1.9 GHz band are less likely to cause degradation. |
Wireless gaming controllers | Low Wireless game controllers can cause minor service degradation, though they're more likely to experience Wi-Fi interference than cause it. | Use a wired controller to eliminate network degradation and stabilize the connection to your gaming console. When using a wireless controller, turn it off or unpair it when not in use. |
