Whether WiFi or wired, network performance is a lifeline for businesses of all sizes.
Most of our daily work hinges on internet connectivity and data access, so when a network crashes or experiences interruptions, it can bring operations to a standstill. Understanding the factors affecting your network’s performance is crucial, as some are easily remedied, while others may require professional intervention.
When we refer to network performance, we’re essentially talking about response time. It’s the speed at which you can retrieve documents or send a message, among other tasks.
What is WiFi interference?
WiFi interference is when other wireless signals and devices disrupt or interrupt your WiFi signal.
This can happen for various reasons, such as other nearby WiFi networks, microwave ovens, PIRs and Bluetooth devices. Interference affects your connection by weakening or destabilising your WiFi signal, resulting in slower internet speeds or even disconnections.
WiFi interference can be a common issue in densely populated areas, such as apartment buildings or urban environments, where many devices are competing for limited wireless bandwidth.
Types of WiFi Interference
There are three main types of WiFi interference:
Co-Channel Interference
This occurs when two or more wireless networks are using the same channel or frequency, causing interference and reducing the speed and reliability of both networks.
Adjacent Channel Interference
This happens when wireless networks use channels that are close to each other, such as channels 1 and 2 or channels 6 and 7, causing interference and reducing the speed and reliability of both networks.
Non-WiFi Interference
This type of interference comes from other sources of electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with WiFi signals, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and even some types of lighting.
So now that we’ve covered what WiFi interference is and the different types of WiFi interference, let’s get into more detail on how it’s caused and how to fix it.
1. Channel overcrowding
One of the most common sources of WiFi interference is overlapping wireless networks from nearby devices in the local area, such as neighbouring businesses or public hotspots. When multiple networks share similar channels, congestion or slow speeds can occur. This is called channel overcrowding.
Channel overcrowding is a common issue in public WiFi settings such as cafes and hotels. This interference occurs because too many devices are trying to use the same WiFi channel, causing congestion and slower speeds.
To avoid channel overcrowding, it’s best to use multiple access points and separate them across different channels. This way, the load is distributed across multiple channels, and each access point can handle more devices.
A WiFi site survey will also be able to determine if nearby interference would be an issue with your particular business premises. When we’re installing your network, we’ll then be able to make some quick fixes and get you on the appropriate channel.
2. Physical obstructions
Physical obstructions such as walls, doors and even furniture can cause WiFi interference. Materials such as concrete, metal and plaster can significantly reduce the range of WiFi signals.
The solution is to strategically place routers in areas where they can provide optimal coverage. It’s best to avoid placing routers near physical obstructions, such as concrete walls, and instead place them in open areas that provide a clear line of sight.
In a way, you could also look at distance being a physical factor that can cause WiFi interference for users such as hotel guests or office workers that require wifi for business. Being too far from a router can lead to a poor WiFi signal, which is a common cause of frustration.
If your business occupies a large area, such as a whole office floor or something up to the size of a shopping centre, then we’ll be able to recommend solutions that will guarantee strong WiFi signal coverage no matter where you access the network across your site.
3. Other devices and gadgets
Other wireless devices such as cordless phones and Bluetooth devices can cause interference with WiFi signals. This interference occurs because these devices also operate on the same frequency as WiFi signals. To avoid interference, it’s best to keep routers away from other wireless devices or use wired connections instead of wireless.
A wireless survey will be able to identify whether or not any of these may be a problem if you’re looking to get your business running on a fast network. But it’s easy to see how in a busy, public space or modern office filled with gadgets, there are numerous items that can realtor in WiFi interference.
4. Outdated technical settings
Outdated network security protections and firmware can cause WiFi interference, especially on older or cheaper systems. Any security settings may impede the wireless network from working at its optimum capacity, which can slow down performance for the end-user.
To avoid interference, it’s essential to regularly update network security protections and firmware to the latest versions. This will ensure that the WiFi network is functioning optimally and that security settings are not hindering the network’s performance.
5. Electrical devices
Electrical devices such as fluorescent lights, motors and other electronic devices can cause interference with WiFi signals. This interference occurs because electrical devices generate electromagnetic fields that can disrupt WiFi signals.
To avoid interference, it’s best to keep routers away from electrical devices or use shielded Ethernet cables.
If your business had a network installed a long time ago, and it’s not been updated in a while, then any firmware may very well be out of date, slowing down performance for the end-user.
What Are the Factors That Affect Network Performance?
Many things can affect a network’s performance. Some are easily diagnosed, while others require more investigation to determine the cause. Below are some of the most common.
Devices
As we said, a few things can cause issues with a network’s performance. For example, if your business has grown but your infrastructure has not been future-proofed, there may be more devices connected to the network than it can handle. Other wireless devices such as cordless phones and Bluetooth devices can cause interference with WiFi signals.
This interference occurs because these devices operate on the same frequency as WiFi signals. To avoid interference, it’s best to keep routers away from other wireless devices or use wired connections instead of wireless.
Hardware
The hardware you use, switches, routers and access points (Aps) will play a factor in the overall performance of your network. If you have not updated your hardware for a while, it may no longer be suitable for your network and the amount of people or information it is processes now from when installed initially.
Hardware also needs to be maintained to perform well; if the hardware has been neglected in terms of firmware updates, it will not be performing to the best of its ability and also, more worryingly, it will not be as secure. Outdated network security protections and firmware can cause WiFi interference, especially on older or cheaper systems. Any security settings may impede the wireless network from working at its optimum capacity, slowing down the end-user’s performance.
To avoid interference, it’s essential to regularly update network security protections and firmware to the latest versions. This will ensure that the WiFi network is functioning optimally and that security settings are not hindering the network’s performance.
Bandwidth
Sometimes, network performance issues can be attributed to bandwidth. Simply put, bandwidth is the measure of a network or internet connection’s data transfer rate. Often mistaken for internet speed, bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be processed at one time.
The better the bandwidth, the more data can be processed at the same time, meaning faster download speeds. This is why having poor bandwidth speeds but too much data to process can lead to poor network performance.
Bandwidth will change depending on the medium delivering your connection. For example, copper wire typically provides up to 10 gigabits per second, compared to fibre optic cabling, which provides 100 gigabits per second.
Design and Building layout
The design of your network, hardware placement, and actual building structure will always play a part in network performance. If you are having issues with WiFi or a bad WiFi connection, this could mean your access points have not been strategically placed, considering how close they are to the next access point, where they need to reach or if they are covering the space they need to.
Old buildings with thick walls can cause signal performance issues and other interference issues with WiFi. It can sometimes come down to interference from microwaves on the same frequency!
Network Latency
The latency of your network can often affect its performance. What is network latency? Simply put, it means how long it takes for a message to get from one device to another on the same network. Low latency implies that there are few delays, whilst high latency implies that there are many delays.
The latency of a network is affected by how many devices are connected at one time and the type of connected devices. This is why switches are important for business networks, as switches work by only transmitting messages to the intended recipient rather than sending all messages to all devices.
Cloud Servers
When issues used to happen with dropouts or networks being consistently slow, the problem was relatively easy to diagnose and would usually be an issue with the LAN or the servers.
However, now that more and more people are using cloud-based servers, there are more complex fault-finding measures in place. We now need to look at the firewall, the WAN, and the hosting servers to diagnose, as well as the network itself.
Expert Troubleshooting and Solutions
At Performance Networks, we provide troubleshooting services that consider all these factors. No matter what issue you are experiencing, our technicians have probably seen it before and will be able to both diagnose and provide a solution. We provide detailed site surveys which will look at your network, your set up and hardware.
We will use WiFi heatmap technology to assess your WiFi connectivity and any interference from other sources. Once these steps are out of the way, we will have the information needed to provide you with a design.
We will suggest upgrades to cabling and lines where needed and hardware and firewall suggestions when required. We can advise and implement segmentation of your network and guest network services.
