Wireless internet and WIFI signals can, at times, be unreliable and subject to dropping out.
They can also experience interference which can make internet connections slow down or disconnect completely.
If you live near to a ham radio enthusiast and experience difficulties with your WIFI signal then you may wonder if the radio signals from the amateur radio station are interfering with your internet connection.
Interference can come from many sources and, although it is possible that a ham radio could cause interference to WIFI, it is highly unlikely. It is more probable that interference is coming from another source such as a mobile phone or electrical device in your home.
WIFI operates at different frequencies to ham radio
Due to the big differences in the frequencies used by radio amateurs and those used by WIFI routers, it is highly unlikely that any interference is being caused by ham radio transmissions.
Typical WIFI routers work at 2.4 Ghz or 5Ghz while radio amateurs, in most cases, work in the frequency ranges from 1.8 to 433 Mhz.
So the reality is that ham radio, when used correctly, does not normally interfere with WIFI.
Ham operators will help with interference
If you remain unconvinced about the source of interference and still think that it is being caused by a radio ham then the best course of action is to ask the ham for help.
Most, if not all, radio amateurs are helpful individuals who take great steps to avoid causing interference and it is often a licence requirement.
On learning of your interference issues the radio operator will normally begin to keep a log of his activities which can then be compared with the times that you experience interference with your WIFI, and you should also keep a written record.
Be prepared to be disappointed as you’ll probably discover that the interference is coming from some other source, most likely a device in your home – mobile phones are often the biggest culprits.
You’ll probably find that the ham radio operator will be keen to help you – most love to investigate radio related matters ( and WIFI is just another radio system ) and you may find that they’ll identify the issue or, at the least, help you to understand more fully how to deal with your internet service provider.
Ham radio is checked for interference
Radio amateurs have to abide by strict rules when it comes to the use of their equipment.
Not only are there laws in place to prevent interference but many radio licencing organisations have their own guidelines and regulations which govern the use of amateur radio.
Final Words
As you can see, radio amateurs are highly unlikely to be the source of any interference that your WIFI signal is experiencing.
It is far more likely that the interference comes from a device in your home or from one of your neighbours – and it might not even be radio frequency interference (RFI) at all.
The best course of action is to keep a written record, watch the activity of your ham radio neighbour and ask for his help.
Remember that ham radio operators are helpful people who take great care not to cause interference and they’ll be keen to sort things out for you as most ham operators take great pride in their hobby.
Read Next
- Will a CB antenna work for a ham radio?
- Why do you need a ham radio license?
- What’s better ham radio or CB radio?
- What’s an affordable ham radio for beginners?
- What kind of range can I get with a 10W ham radio?
- What kind of antenna do you need for ham radio?
