WiFi interference is a common issue that occurs in households and offices around the world, leading to slow speeds, connection drops, and buffering. WiFi interference occurs when WiFi signals from the router are either disrupted, weakened, or blocked, preventing your devices from communicating efficiently with the router. Understanding why interference happens and how you can prevent it can improve your internet experience dramatically. So, let’s take a look at why interference happens and how you can prevent it.

What Is WiFi Interference?

WiFi interference refers to the disruption in the WiFi signal between your router and devices. The disruption in the signal can be due to multiple reasons, including overlapping frequencies, physical obstructions, or competing signals from other devices or networks. As the interference occurs, the signal quality degrades, causing slower speeds, higher latency, limited coverage, signal strength fluctuation, and frequent disconnections. 

 

There are three main types of WiFi interference that you should know about:

• Co-Channel Interference: When multiple WiFi networks operate on the same frequency channel.
• Adjacent-Channel Interference: Arises when networks use overlapping channels that collide with each other.
• Non-WiFi Interference: Caused by nearby electronic devices that emit electromagnetic waves in the same frequency band, such as microwaves or cordless phones.

Common Causes of WiFi Interference

 

Now that we know what WiFi interference is, let us discuss some common causes of WiFi interference:

Physical Obstructions

WiFi signals are a type of electromagnetic waves that can be weakened or blocked by physical objects such as walls, metals, heavy objects, etc. If your router is placed close to a physical object, let’s say in a closet or behind a concrete wall, then the signal that will reach your device will be considerably weaker.

Nearby Electronic Devices

Nearby electronic devices and appliances like wireless speakers, microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, etc., can interfere with the WiFi signals from your router, resulting in signal interference. This usually happens when WiFi routers are operating on the 2.4 GHz band, since it is the default band for many devices and is more susceptible to interference.

Neighboring WiFi Networks

If you are living in a crowded area, let’s say in an apartment or a crowded neighbourhood, then chances are that you will be surrounded by multiple WiFi routers. If your router and other routers nearby are using the same or overlapping channels, then interference can happen in no time, even if your network is password protected.

Outdated Equipment

An old WiFi router is much more susceptible to interference than a newer one because it lacks modern technologies and doesn’t have the latest hardware that maintains stable connections and reduces signal interference.

How to Prevent WiFi Interference

Now that we know the common causes of WiFi interference, let us discuss some effective solutions to prevent it.

Use the 5 GHz Frequency Band

Most modern WiFi routers support the 5 GHz frequency band these days, and it is better to enable it to prevent interference. The 5 GHz frequency band is less congested and offers faster speeds with reduced interference. Since fewer devices and networks use the 5 GHz band, and it is not a default frequency band for any device, there is less competition and less interference. You can enable the 5 GHz band from the settings of your WiFi router through the default IP address 192.168.0.1.

Change the Transmission Channel

Most WiFi routers are often set on default as far as selecting a transmission channel is concerned, which is not always an optimal choice, especially in a crowded area. To avoid interference in crowded areas, you need to change the channel to a less crowded one manually.

 

You can do this from the admin panel of the router via 192.168.1.1 under the Wireless Settings section. For the 2.4 GHz, use channels 1, 6, and 11, and for 5 GHz, while for 5 GHz, there are multiple non-overlapping channels to choose from.

Limit Interfering Devices

Keeping known interference culprits away from your WiFi router is important to prevent interference. This includes devices like microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless phones, and other Bluetooth devices. In case you want the best possible connection, prefer a wired connection over a wireless connection.

Adjust Router Placement

Router placement plays an important role in minimising interference as well. Therefore, keep the router elevated and centrally located. Avoid placing it close to electronic devices, heavy furniture, heavy metal objects, and thick walls. Ensure that it is not enclosed in cabinets for the best coverage.

Upgrade Your Router

Modern WiFi routers come with advanced features like dual- or tri-band support, beamforming, MU-MIMO, and automatic channel switching, and advanced hardware that can significantly reduce interference and improve reliability. If your router is more than 3–5 years old, it might be time for an upgrade, especially if you have smart devices in your home.