Wi-Fi interference is one of the most common problems when it comes to slow Wi-Fi speed and dropouts. This can happen when other radio-emitting appliances in your home are operating on the same frequency as your Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Interference
To reduce the likelihood of Wi-Fi interference, make sure your modem or router isn’t next to anything that could be causing interference. Some examples of household items that can cause interference include:
- TVs
- Microwave Ovens
- Cordless Phones
- Baby Monitors
- Bluetooth Devices
You can also avoid interference by using a wired connection (via ethernet cable) whenever possible e.g. for game consoles, Smart TVs and laptops. It’s nearly always faster than Wi-Fi and provides greater reliability and security.
Wi-Fi Positioning
Another cause of unreliable Wi-Fi can be the positioning of your modem. Here are some tips to help improve your Wi-Fi signal:
- Make sure your modem is out in the open and not obstructed from view (e.g. not hidden away in a cabinet or behind a bookshelf or TV unit).
- Make sure your modem is not on the floor. We generally recommend placing your modem at least 1 meter above floor level. Higher is usually better for a strong signal.
Wi-Fi Channel Congestion
WiFi dropouts and slower speeds are common issues if you live in an apartment complex or in close proximity to a number of neighbouring homes. If your modem is on the same WiFi channel as your neighbours, you could experience interference with their networks.
If you are using our Nokia Beacons, they are already monitoring channel congestion and automatically switching channels to optimise your connection.
However, if you are using a NetComm modem, we may need to manually adjust your modem settings to find a less congested channel. Please give us a call on 07 306 2700 (or 0800 668 236) if you think you might be experiencing channel congestion from neighbouring networks.