How to Make a Microwave Not Interfere With WiFi

Using wireless Internet at home is a convenient solution to hard-wired ethernet connections, because it offers connectivity and freedom of movement. But the frequencies over which wireless Internet operates are shared by other home appliances, and you may occasionally encounter problems when using appliances that share the same frequencies. Considering some of the science behind this interference can provide clues as to how to avoid it.

Instructions

1. Move the wireless router away from your microwave oven. Wireless interference by microwave ovens is exacerbated the closer the microwave is to the wireless router emitting the wireless network. After the wireless router is moved away from the microwave, check for an improvement in the performance of your wireless network.

2. Inspect the microwave for damage. Because of the relative weakness of the radiation used in microwave ovens, wireless interference is unlikely unless the microwave oven is damaged seriously enough to be leaking large amounts of radiation while in use. If this is the case, replace the microwave oven immediately.

3. Tolerate the interference if possible. According to wireless router manufacturer Cisco, "[i]f your only application on the [wireless network] is convenience data networking (for example, Web surfing), [the] loss of throughput [caused by microwave interference] may not be immediately obvious." If your wireless Internet demands are more substantial, such as web hosting or corporate server management, the loss of data throughput will be more dramatic, and you may need to investigate installing shielding materials such as grounded mesh or Faraday cages on the insides of your walls.

References

• Cisco: 20 Myths of Wi-Fi Interference
• The Guardian: Microwave oven interrupts Wi-Fi
• Apple Support: AirPort and Bluetooth: Potential Sources of Wireless Interference