How to fix devices causing WiFi interference

Overview

Crossed Wireless Signals is a one of the largest contributors to faulty WiFi reception. 

Some electronic devices that broadcast wireless signals can cause interference with the campus wireless network. Interfering devices clutter the airwaves causing performance and connection issues.  Devices include wireless printers, gaming systems, media players, personal cellular hotspots, or other devices broadcasting a wireless signal.  These devices may have a negative impact on your own or your neighbour's wireless experience. 

This article provides the steps and solutions to help you troubleshoot WiFi interference:

  1. Determine whether you or your neighbours have any personal devices listed in this article.
  2. Perform the steps necessary, as below, to disable the wireless broadcast, referred to as the "Ad-hoc wireless". 

Devices

Common devices that may broadcast an ad-hoc wireless signal:

Steps and solutions

Wireless Printers

  • Turn off the wireless broadcast on your printer. 

Often personal wireless printers offer an ad-hoc wireless services which interferes with the Acadia's wireless system and can prevent you or others from connecting to the Acadia network. Instead connect your personal printer using a USB cord. 

Instructions to disable your wifi network can be found by doing a google search for "Turn off wireless on <Make and model number of printer>

Wireless Access Points / Routers

  • Turn off any personal routers. The use of personal wireless Access Points or routers is prohibited in residence.

These devices cause interference and prevent others from using Acadia's wireless network correctly.

Cellphone Hotspots

  • Turn off any personal cell phone hotspots and the experience on Acadia's wireless will improve for everyone, and you will save on your data plan. These device cause interference and prevent other users from using Acadia's wireless network correctly. 

Apple Time Capsule

  • Please turn off wireless on these devices
  • Connect your Apple Time Capsule on the wired network to back up your devices.

Apple Time Capsules can fill the entire wireless bandwidth in their area and make other use of Acadia's wireless difficult.

Streaming devices (Chromecast / Roku /Amazon Echo Devices etc.)

Many streaming devices broadcast a wireless network for initial setup. Devices that are in this state cause interference and should be disconnected or set up properly to avoid this. To request access to Acadia's Acadia-DeviceNet network , please use the service found here

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