What are likely causes of this wifi signal noise that could be causing dropped connections?

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Seeing a reverse sawtooth-shaped noise spike in OS X Wi-fi Diagnostics that is associated with wireless connection drops. My wireless router is old, so it might just be dying. It seems to be somewhat random, and more of a problem when I'm farther away from the wireless router, probably due to the decreased signal level, but I might be imagining that.

Is this spike similar to what you'd see with a problematic, old wireless router? If not, what are other likely causes (bad firmware update, router config issues, external source causing noise)?

Also, what would be a likely reason for the almost immediate increase in noise intensity, followed by a mostly linear drop in noise strength back to normal for an extended time?

Sawtooth-shaped signal noise as shown in the OS X Wireless Diagnostics application

Update: Just replaced the router, and the noise spikes are still occurring.

Gary S. Weaver

Posted 2013-03-26T18:00:32.153

Reputation: 185

Do you have a microwave or any other devices that put out radiation or operate on or near the wireless frequency? – Rachel Nark – 2013-03-26T18:10:59.950

Do your neighbors? – Sam Axe – 2013-03-26T18:11:31.747

Also TV channel changers that work between rooms, video repeaters, and baby monitors. – Col – 2013-03-26T18:14:13.243

I have one new appliance, but it's a fridge, not a microwave. So, afaik, I don't have a microwave or any other devices nearby that put out radiation or operate on or near its frequency when the connection is dropping. – Gary S. Weaver – 2013-03-26T18:16:27.127

i only recently found out even a misplaced new mirror on a wall may interrupt certain channels of transmission on wireless routers. tested and confirmed. – Lorenzo Von Matterhorn – 2013-03-26T19:30:38.387

Answers

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common wireless devices like portable phones, Indoor/outdoor thermometers, analog AV rebroadcasters, are a common source of interference. non-wireless devices like florescent lights, microwaves, and even high power speakers can cause spikes in noise in unexpected bands.

Frank Thomas

Posted 2013-03-26T18:00:32.153

Reputation: 29 039

I did replace a florescent bulb in the house recently, but it doesn't make any strange intermittent noises. I think more likely than not, it is the wireless router itself, but I'm not ruling out external sources like the ones mentioned. – Gary S. Weaver – 2013-03-26T18:20:03.550

Asked: 2013-03-26T18:00:32.153

Viewed: 1 581 times

Active: 2013-03-28T12:36:45.443