AirPort and Bluetooth: Potential sources of interference for wireless devices and networks

Preventing interference for wireless networking

If an AirPort network is out of range or often interrupted or a Bluetooth wireless device has difficulty in discovery or loses connection intermittently, it may be due to interference.

Interference results in:

• A decrease in the range of contact with a wireless access point like an AirPort Base Station.
• A decrease in the rate of data transfer over a wireless network.
• Intermittent loss of connection to a Bluetooth wireless device.
• Difficulty in discovery when pairing a Bluetooth wireless device.

Sources of interference for wireless devices and networks

The farther away the interference source, the less likely it is to cause an issue. The following items can cause interference with wireless communication:

• Microwave ovens: Placing your computer, Bluetooth wireless device, or AirPort base station near a microwave oven that is in use may cause interference.
• Direct Satellite Service (DSS) RF leakage: The coax cable that comes with certain types of satellite dishes may cause interference. Obtain newer cables if you suspect RF leakage.
• Certain electrical devices such as power lines, electrical railroad tracks, and power stations.
• 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz phones: A cordless telephone that operates in this range may cause interference with wireless devices or networks when used.
• Metal objects: If possible, move metal objects or change the placement of the computer, wireless device or wireless access point so the path between your computer and the wireless device or wireless access point is free from metal objects that may cause interference.
• Video senders (transmitters/receivers) that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
• Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
• Any other "wireless" devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth (microwaves, cameras, baby monitors, and so on).
  
  Note: Some devices may not overtly state that they operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwith. The operations manual should indicate the frequencies the device uses to operate. These may be referred to as "Dual Band" or "Wireless" devices.

Effect of home and office elements on wireless communication

Where you are located and what materials you are surrounded by can affect your wireless networking performance or Bluetooth wireless device. The table below shows common elements and their potential for interference.

How to reduce effects of interference from other wireless devices

To minimize interference between your wireless network and Bluetooth wireless devices, try the following:

1. Change channels on your wireless network. For AirPort base stations, reset the base station and it will attempt to use the 2.4 and 5GHz channels with the least interference when it starts up.
2. Connect to a 5GHz wireless network (if possible).
3. Minimize the number of active Bluetooth wireless devices you have connected to the computer or operating in the area.

If you experience less-than-optimal performance on your wireless network due to interference from other wireless devices, you may be able to reduce the effect of interference by changing to a different channel on your wireless network. Less-than-optimal performance may be characterized by low signal strength in the AirPort menu bar, slow connection to the Internet, or slow file transfers between wireless computers. Simply reset the AirPort base station and it will attempt to use the 2.4 and 5GHz channels with the least interference when it starts up.