For more than two months, the Wi-Fi and mobile-data signal from every device in the house has suddenly become extremely weak and inconsistent. The broadband and mobile services come from different providers, and mobile data works normally as soon as we leave the house. The router offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but neither is reliable. The problem began on the same day a new digitally controlled fan was installed, so I suspected it was causing interference, but unplugging it for over a month made no difference. Restarting and resetting the router twice also had no effect. What could cause both Wi-Fi and cellular signal problems in one home, and how can I track it down?
1 Answer
Wi-Fi and cellular service use different frequencies, so interference affecting both points toward something local rather than a normal router or provider fault. Try using a Wi-Fi analyzer to check for crowded channels and weak spots, and a cellular-signal app to monitor signal strength while walking around the house. You can also start with almost everything powered off, switch the router on, and then restore devices one at a time until the problem returns. Faulty power supplies, smart-home equipment, microwave ovens, garage-door systems, amplifiers, or other transmitters can sometimes create severe interference. It may also be worth testing the router with an Ethernet cable, since that separates an internet connection problem from a wireless problem.
Yes. An old device can develop a failing power supply or oscillator and begin producing interference unexpectedly. If switching off individual devices does not reveal anything, turn off circuits at the electrical panel one at a time, leaving the router on a circuit you can identify. If the cellular signal is still poor with the house power off, look for an outside source such as a neighbour’s faulty equipment or signal booster, and contact the relevant providers or an interference specialist.
That’s really helpful, thanks! I’ll try shutting things down and testing them one by one. Could an older appliance that has been in the house for years suddenly start causing interference, even though nothing new was installed besides the fan?