Are there any tools to detect sources of WiFi interference?

[Sky1111]

Guys,

I am having issues with my 2.4 GHz, and I was wondering if there are ANY tools/apps for iPhone or Android to detect source of EMI impacting 2.4GHz band?

CORRECTION: I meant RFI and/or possibly EMI, not just EMI

I am not talking about tools to check on neighbor networks, but local (hidden) sources of EMI which reduce signal to noise ratio.

So is there anything I can try?

thanks for all replies

 

[Nerre]

As far as I know: No.

You need special hardware for it to work. Essentially a spectrum analyzer.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Go to inSSIer's web site. They offer hardware starting at $199 to do what you want to accomplish.

 

[TonyH]

Hmm,
Random RFI or EMI sniffing primitive way is using a good potable AM radio, You can hear the noise loud and clear. When the source is in operation that is. To be more effective
turn the AGC off if the radio has the switch.

 

[thiggins]

You can still get the Wi-Spy for about $100.

There is also the Oscium Wi-Pry if you have an iPad, iPhone or iTouch.

 

[PrivateJoker]

You could run some throughput tests and manually try every single channel. You might want to try different corners of your house/apt for the test since you can have something that is specific to a particular spot/client location.

Off the top of my head I have a few clients (DD-WRT bridges, maybe a couple other things too) that will give instantaneous SNR #s on their connection to my router. Wouldn't be surprised if such a # is divulged elsewhere in other clients/OSes/utilities as well. But, doing throughput tests is probably even more of a clear indication on connection quality.

 

[stevech]

Guys,

I am having issues with my 2.4 GHz, and I was wondering if there are ANY tools/apps for iPhone or Android to detect source of EMI impacting 2.4GHz band?

I am not talking about tools to check on neighbor networks, but local (hidden) sources of EMI which reduce signal to noise ratio.

So is there anything I can try?

thanks for all replies

Nill chance that EMI is your problem.

 

[Sky1111]

Nill chance that EMI is your problem.

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their replies. While for business use the suggested tools are not expensive ($100-200), it is a bit too much for home use - and I am not being cheap, simply how often would I need to use such tool...

Stevech - I want to correct myself - not just EMI, but mostly RFI.
I do have a baby monitor, and I have LED light bulbs in the house (each of them has a built-in PSU which probably emits a lot of RF noise)... occupancy switches... But I have no idea if any of these devices pollutes 2.4GHz band.

 

[stevech]

Is baby monitor 2.4GHz?
If so, they typically use up 6MHz or so of the 40MHz band. They often have a "channel #" switch. If turned off, you can of course correlate WiFi degredation.

LED Lamps - probably not to WiFi. Dimmers can affect IP over power lines but not WiFi.

Neighbor that streams HD TV on or near your chosen WiFi channel - can slow you down. Unlikely to cause de-association. Just choose a channel 3+ away. Ideally, everyone uses one of the 3 non-overlapping channel-centers: 1, 6 and 11.

 

[TonyH]

Hmm,
One thing I know for sure is microwave oven in the kitchen when it is on, certain light dimmer,s X13 type VS DC blower motors in high efficiency furnaces(manufacturer has RFI suppression kit for the asking) Some noises are so broad spectrum even noise blanker on my HAM RX is barely effective. Ferrite core is good at choking out RFI when right kind is used. Also utility power poles and x-formers when bad can cause loud, I mean strong noise. I used to hunt source of RFI for local HAM club finding and dealing
with it when I was actively involved with club. Being retired I only take care of my problem nows, LOL! Rule No. 1, good grounding for every thing. In FM, strong signal can survive against weaker ones even if in crowded situation. On 2.4 I use ch. 9 because that is best for me in my neighborhood.