wireless networking - What are likely causes of this wifi signal noise that could be causing dropped connections?

08
2014-07
  • Gary S. Weaver

    Seeing a reverse sawtooth-shaped noise spike in OS X Wi-fi Diagnostics that is associated with wireless connection drops. My wireless router is old, so it might just be dying. It seems to be somewhat random, and more of a problem when I'm farther away from the wireless router, probably due to the decreased signal level, but I might be imagining that.

    Is this spike similar to what you'd see with a problematic, old wireless router? If not, what are other likely causes (bad firmware update, router config issues, external source causing noise)?

    Also, what would be a likely reason for the almost immediate increase in noise intensity, followed by a mostly linear drop in noise strength back to normal for an extended time?

    Sawtooth-shaped signal noise as shown in the OS X Wireless Diagnostics application

    Update: Just replaced the router, and the noise spikes are still occurring.

    • Answers
  • Frank Thomas

    common wireless devices like portable phones, Indoor/outdoor thermometers, analog AV rebroadcasters, are a common source of interference. non-wireless devices like florescent lights, microwaves, and even high power speakers can cause spikes in noise in unexpected bands.


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  • Ben S

    The strength of a wifi signal depends on both the sender and the receiver, so buying an adapter that has a very strong output signal will make the router have better reception, but in order to get the computer to have a higher signal without changing the output level of the router usually means a bigger antenna.

    If you know the direction of the signal and are looking for a cheaper alternative, you could build a simple directional antenna from a can of Pringles (yes, the potato chip can). Of course, this requires your current wifi adapter to have a removable antenna.