Question Strange Wi-Fi signal behaviour

[gaspell56]

A year ago in late August 2022, strange things started happening with my home Wi-Fi network. This happened not long after connecting a camera system to the network for remote monitoring. Some time after that, I discovered that the Wi-Fi signal on my cell phone had mysteriously gotten stronger (in places where I originally had barely two commas I suddenly had them all). I originally thought it was because it was a new cell phone, but then I tried it on my old cell phone and other family members' phones and found it was the same thing. So I didn't pay attention to it. For some time, I noticed that the data receiving/sending bars on the mobile phone next to the Wi-Fi signal indicator are almost constantly lit, even when no internet-enabled apps are on. Sure, phones occasionally scan for devices on the network, but for it to be on for almost a year straight doesn't seem right. While monitoring the network with Network monitor mini (https://play.google.com/...i=1), I found that even when the arrows are lit there is no data flowing. So I waited and waited, I scanned the network with ESET, I reset the Wi-Fi connection on my phone and the whole Android, I tried turning off and disconnecting the camera system, I tried reloading the firmware in the router and JUST NOTHING. On closer examination, what I found is that no matter what Wi-Fi network I connect to, it's the same.
So to sum up:

• A hardware defect in the router is ruled out because there is another router downstairs doing the same thing. In addition, I tried a third router that was lying around in my basement and I know it was perfectly fine and it's doing the same thing again.
• A defect caused by an Android device update is also ruled out, as that old phone hasn't been updated since 2019.

In short, I don't see a single reason why my Wi-Fi signal should get stronger on its own. I have ruled out automatic channel change, it was happening before and the signal was not getting any stronger. I also scanned my network with Wireshark and everything seems to be ok. I think it is radio interference (jamming) caused by another signal. Would you please know what to do about it? Thank you in advance for the answer.

 

[Ralston18]

One immediate possibility is that when you connected the camera system/remote monitoring configuration you may have "fixed" something that was originally causing a problem.

You mention two routers and perhaps a 3rd router. Do you mean one router and two access points? The network should only have one router (responsible for providing DHCP IP addresses and static IP addresses as required by the network devices). The remaining "routers" would be configured as access points.

If the signal actually got stronger that could also mean that some interference went away. Depending on where you live (not asking) there could be multiple wireless networks via 2.4 and 5.0 GHz. And using various channels within. Maybe some neighboring wireless network was taken down or reconfigured.

And perhaps the overall network/internet simply improved. Your ISP may have quietly fixed something and you are now getting more of what you are paying for. Could have been a problem somewhere else that when that problem was fixed you also benefited.

Also it does not take much to affect those "signal bars". Not all that accurate. Continue using other tools to monitor network activity and performance.

Note: I like Microsoft's tool (free):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NBLGGH33N0N?hl=en-us&gl=US

Sometimes I can see over 40 networks from around my neighborhood area.

Update your post to include more information: make and model modem, router(s), or modem/router if combined. Look at the logs for any firmware updates.

If network performance has improved that is a good thing. May seem strange but not, as I see it, a sign of malicious behaviour or intent.

Just some immediate thoughts - there may be other ideas and suggestions.

 

[gaspell56]

One immediate possibility is that when you connected the camera system/remote monitoring configuration you may have "fixed" something that was originally causing a problem.

You mention two routers and perhaps a 3rd router. Do you mean one router and two access points? The network should only have one router (responsible for providing DHCP IP addresses and static IP addresses as required by the network devices). The remaining "routers" would be configured as access points.

If the signal actually got stronger that could also mean that some interference went away. Depending on where you live (not asking) there could be multiple wireless networks via 2.4 and 5.0 GHz. And using various channels within. Maybe some neighboring wireless network was taken down or reconfigured.

And perhaps the overall network/internet simply improved. Your ISP may have quietly fixed something and you are now getting more of what you are paying for. Could have been a problem somewhere else that when that problem was fixed you also benefited.

Also it does not take much to affect those "signal bars". Not all that accurate. Continue using other tools to monitor network activity and performance.

Note: I like Microsoft's tool (free):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NBLGGH33N0N?hl=en-us&gl=US

Sometimes I can see over 40 networks from around my neighborhood area.

Update your post to include more information: make and model modem, router(s), or modem/router if combined. Look at the logs for any firmware updates.

If network performance has improved that is a good thing. May seem strange but not, as I see it, a sign of malicious behaviour or intent.

Just some immediate thoughts - there may be other ideas and suggestions.

Thank you very much for the answer. I have a little bit old VDSL2 modem/router Zyxel VMG1312-B30B. It actually combines modem, router, wifi AP and 4 port ethernet switch. There is cable going from the ethernet switch downstairs, where I have Xiaomi AX3600, which is in AP only mode. Now I am going to explain CCTV connection to my LAN. In the garage there is a little white box from Lidl (SilverCrest SW733), that is set to a wireless client mode (it converts WiFi signal to standart wired Ethernet). Then the ethernet cable goes to the NVR (https://www.prot.cz/wifi-ip-kamerov...kamerovy-system-wifi-ip-set-nvr-4-kamery.html). The NVR does transmit its own wireless network for WiFi IP cameras. Firmware is up to date on all devices. Thats all.

 

[Ralston18]

Just document as much as you can for future reference.

Keep an eye on any logs that may be available. Watch for changes; especially anything that is not normal or usual with respect to the camera system and host network.

Objective being so you can compare the present "strong" configuration with the configuration that presents if the signal goes "weak" again.

At least the signal got better which does, sometimes, happen.

Favorable Gremlins....