Interference - Wireless Service Providers (2024)

Beebe

Member

2004-Jul-27 5:27 pm

I've been experiencing heavy interference at one repeater for some months now. It frequently knocks users offline, whilst reducing signal strength to all the other users. I've replaced the access point several times and the antenna.

I suspect a cellphone tower about 1/4 mile away, but I can't be sure. I believe whatever it is must be way above legal limits at 2.4ghz. What can I do?

I expect the answer will be to rent a spectrum analyzer, and find out for sure where it's coming from... trouble with that is, I don't know when the interference is coming... I see it once every few weeks. So I might have to have the spectrum analyzer for a few months. I can't aford several grand to buy one.

Also so what if I found out who it was... what could I do then? Say "Umm.. you're messing with my links, quit it." a lot of good that's likely to do. Also, can I find out using a spectrum analyzer if the interfering party has illegal power levels?

Would appreciate any advice on the best thing to do here.

Thanks,
Roger

· actions · 2004-Jul-27 5:27 pm ·

superdog

MVM

2004-Jul-27 7:15 pm

said by Beebe:I suspect a cellphone tower about 1/4 mile away, but I can't be sure. I believe whatever it is must be way above legal limits at 2.4ghz. What can I do?

Thanks,
Roger

Did this just happen?. Is there a backhaul radio on the cell tower?. Look for a large dish with a radome on the tower. Is it pointing towards Your AP?, If so, it may be a Western Multiplex Tsunami, Their power level may not be the issue, as those things will LUNCH the entire spectrum to achieve the high data rates needed for the tower?.

· actions · 2004-Jul-27 7:15 pm ·

Beebe

Member

2004-Jul-27 9:00 pm

I don't think it would be a point to point link... The interference is not there most of the time, sometimes not for weeks or months and then suddenly I'll have all kinds of problems for a week and it'll magically all start working like clockwork again. When the interference is there, the customer radio's signal strengths all drop by around 30% or so.

All I see on the tower are what look like 120 degree sectors.

· actions · 2004-Jul-27 9:00 pm ·

superdog

MVM

2004-Jul-27 11:33 pm

said by Beebe:
All I see on the tower are what look like 120 degree sectors.

OK, then do You see anything else that would cause issues?. There are some HAM operators that use our frequency range for amateur TV, any chance of that?

· actions · 2004-Jul-27 11:33 pm ·

pv8

Member

2004-Aug-3 12:23 pm

Beebe,

I too see crazy recurring interference, which is nonexistent for periods, then completely consuming at times - Very frustrating.

I have seen this type of interference when wireless video units are used, like used to extend the TV to the bedroom. It totally used up the 2.4 spectrum with an analog video signal. As soon as I turned it off, the air was clean again. Not much help though, because anyone can use one of these anytime....:-(

Another problem is within my neighborhoods - too many Best Buy home networks now...

Paul

· actions · 2004-Aug-3 12:23 pm ·

aSic to superdog

Premium Member

2004-Aug-3 2:44 pm

said by superdog:If so, it may be a Western Multiplex Tsunami, Their power level may not be the issue, as those things will LUNCH the entire spectrum to achieve the high data rates needed for the tower?.

Yep..got one of those about a mile from my house. Its pointing away from my home, but I still pick up quite a bit of interference in my home network. After ambushing the Alltel guy that came out to maintain the site, I learned from him WTF is screwing up my links.

· actions · 2004-Aug-3 2:44 pm ·

cgordy to Beebe

Member

2004-Aug-5 11:45 pm

whilst reducing signal strength to all the other users. I've replaced the access point several times and the antenna.

Interference does not affect signal strength, (RSSI) unless it is electro magnetic.

Other providers in your frequency can not cause rssi issues.

· actions · 2004-Aug-5 11:45 pm ·

superdog

MVM

2004-Aug-5 11:51 pm

said by cgordy:Interference does not affect signal strength, (RSSI) unless it is electro magnetic.

Other providers in your frequency can not cause rssi issues.

Huh?

· actions · 2004-Aug-5 11:51 pm ·

cmaenginsb1 to Beebe

Premium Member

2004-Aug-6 2:11 am

Tim, I think what cgordy was trying to say is that unless it is some kind of damping interference will not cause a measured RSSI to decrease (now some radios will show this in their software because they really don't show RSSI but use an SNR number instead.)

If it is truely a reduction in recieved signal strength then the issue might be some kind of EM damping. It's wierd for sure.

· actions · 2004-Aug-6 2:11 am ·

RodDog11 to Beebe

Member

2004-Aug-20 1:01 am

Beebe,

There is a method used to track down the source of a wireless signal that involves the coordination of three people. This is often used to catch a wireless hacker.
You could use this technique to track down your interference source when it happens. It's not expensive but does require 3 people. If you need any help with this or want some more details just let me know by replying to this post. I am right here in Little Rock and have a spectrum analyzer for the 2.4GHz band and might be able to assist in some way if needed.

Thanks,
RodDog

· actions · 2004-Aug-20 1:01 am ·

odnc

Premium Member

2004-Aug-20 5:14 am

Sounds like a triangulation party!

woohoo, I'll bring the SoCo and tanqueray.

· actions · 2004-Aug-20 5:14 am ·

superdog

MVM

2004-Aug-20 10:28 am

said by odnc:Sounds like a triangulation party!

woohoo, I'll bring the SoCo and tanqueray.

I'll bring lawn chairs and a case of Coors Light and watch the fun!:). It is a cool idea!

· actions · 2004-Aug-20 10:28 am ·