Wireless home network troubles becoming more frequent
Computer techs are more frequently coming across problems with wireless home networks where too many wireless devices in close proximity are causing interference and reliability issues.
The most common wireless network standards – 802.11b and 802.11g – transmit radio waves in the unlicensed 2.4 Ghz frequency spectrum. You may have seen that same “2.4 Ghz” frequency promoted on cordless phones. Bluetooth is another 2.4 Ghz wireless technology that is often used with cell phone headsets and wireless keyboards and mice. Even microwave ovens cook food using powerful radio waves at 2.4 Ghz.
With so many devices transmitting at 2.4 Ghz, interference can be a problem. Interference can cause wireless networks to become slow or completely drop the connection. Devices such as “repeaters” that claim to extend the range and increase the signal of wireless networks also tend to increase the interference problem.
If you have a wireless network and are experiencing frequent drop-outs or disconnects, there are some things we can do with your existing equipment to help reduce the problems. However a few of our customers have had too much interference in their neighborhood to reliably operate on a wireless network. If that is the case I am now recommending a newer wired technology that uses the existing household power plugs and wires to connect computers and share high-speed internet connections in different rooms.