Wi-Fi channel interference

Just like the radio, Wi-Fi uses electromagnetic waves to transmit information. The difference is in the range of the frequency used. The two main frequency bands are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Both bands are divided into channels and, when using the Wi-Fi connection, your router chooses one of the channels from one of the previously enabled bands (The Brazilian Telecommunications Agency has regulated 13 channels for the 2.4 GHz band and 24 channels for the 5 GHz band) to transmit information.

Problems can arise when a neighbor’s router chooses the same band and channel as yours (or a very close channel), because it generates interference and consequently degrades communication. In these cases, changing the channel in your router settings can help. Simply access the administrative interface (we recommend reading the router manual or that of your Internet operator) and changing the channel chosen by your router.

Many routers, by default, automatically choose the least-used channel. However, they do not always make the best choice. You could use signal analysis software and change the channel if necessary, in the case of interference. 

Here are some software programs that analyze Wi-Fi signals: Vistumbler, WiFiman, WifiEagle, WiFi Scanner, WiFi Analyzer and NetSpot. 

This list should not be understood as recommendations, but as examples to illustrate the type of software program referenced in this video and explanatory text. Before choosing one of these options or any other, carefully read the description and license, and check the company's reputation and reviews by other users. Be very careful to download it from a trusted repository and test it until you feel comfortable actually using it on a day-to-day basis.

Accessibility:

In the first scene, there is a man using a computer. His feelings are expressed by angry emojis. The router signal turns red and the following phrase appears: “Internet not working well?”

The second scene shows three houses, two of them with red Wi-Fi signals. Then, one of the signals disappears and becomes blue. In this scene, the following phrases appear: "It could be interference from other networks!" “Access the network settings and change your Wi-Fi channel."

In the third scene, the character is on the computer and his feelings are expressed by happy emojis while the router emits a blue Wi-Fi signal. The following phrase appears: "Browse without interference."