How to avoid interference on your network

GET WIFI ANALYZER

Open the Microsoft Store and search for ‘WiFi Analyzer’ — don’t confuse it with WiFi Analyzer Tool, so verify it’s published by Matt Hafner before clicking the Install button. Once downloaded and installed, click the Launch or Open button to get started with using it. You’ll first be prompted to select your location — choose ‘Australia’ and click or tap Close.

REVIEW CURRENT NETWORK SETTINGS

WiFi Analyzer will first check your local network settings, which it’ll display under the ‘Connected’ section. It basically gives you an indication of your network’s strength and whether or not there are other networks interfering with your signal. The annotated screenshot above provides a more detailed explanation of what to look for on this screen.

ANALYSE NETWORK INTERFERENCE

Where multiple network signals overlap, interference can occur if they’re using the same channel to broadcast on. In areas where the signal is weak, look to see if the star symbol beneath the dBm line turns orange (it may flicker as the signal fluctuates, or be a permanent fixture if it’s particularly weak). If it does, you may be able to improve performance by switching channel.

REVIEW OVERLAPPING SIGNALS

Switch to the ‘Analyze’ tab to view a graph depicting all detected networks, complete with their signal strength and what channel they reside on. Most networks broadcast on channels 1, 6 or 11, so you’ll probably see a number of overlapping signals, with your own network identified by the Wi-Fi symbol above it. Tap the ‘View’ button to show extra detail, such as each network’s SSID.