Wi-Fi Interference
Last updated: March 1, 2023
Why is your Wi-Fi bugging?
That may be a symptom of frequency interference
Frequency interference is when another device is transmitting on the same frequency as Wi-Fi.
The classic symptom of interference is that your device appears to be connected with a strong signal, but web pages are slow to load or videos would “buffer”.
Here is a list of common sources for interference that you might find in a residence hall:
| Device | Impact | Distance | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Routers and Access Points (including Apple Time Capsules) | High | Very Far | Unplug your personal wireless router or access point. (Disable your Time Capsule's wireless connectivity and use a USB cable.) |
| Wireless-capable cameras or set-top boxes like Slingbox and Apple TVs | Disable the wireless connectivity in your device and use wired alternatives. | ||
| Wireless Printers | High | Medium | Disable the wireless feature in your printer and use a USB cable. |
| Wireless speakers or audio systems | High | Medium | Use wired speakers. |
| Cordless phones | High | Medium | Use a wired phone. |
| Microwaves | High | Short | Don't use microwaves next to computers. |
|
Some gaming devices |
High | Short | Make sure that these devices are powered off when not in use. |
| Bluetooth devices | Medium | Short | Make sure that these devices are powered off when not in use or use wired alternatives. |
If your Wi-Fi is really bugging you, contact helpdesk@hamilton.edu.
