WiFi interference - how can I find it?

[pdes]

Lately, I have been suffering serious drop-outs in the 2.4 GB spectrum. Speedtest.net often struggles to get above 20k! Normal speed is around 4.5mb and this is consistently achievable when I use the 5g connection so I am assuming that this is nothing to d with the ISP. I have found this happening with two high spec routers so now think I have external influences at play. I have found that the problem is better if I fix the router on Channel 1 but it is still flaky.

I live in a small spaced-out rural community and I can only see low level signals from the neighbours. I have been round the house and disconnected all the 2.4ghz devices I can think of but this problem is reminiscent of problem I had a couple of years ago when a TV sender went nuts and wiped out the spectrum.

So, can someone suggest a tool - maybe an android app, that could hel to pinpoint any erroneous 2.4ghz signals? I have the usual WiFi analyzer installed but this only looks at router signals.

Thanks

 

[Saikat Das]

I am no pro,but I think I may suggest you some ways to consider.
Firstly check if the connection drop persists when you are very near to the router,preferable within 5 feet distance.If the problem is still occurring,I guess you might consider using a different router.
You did not mention your routers make and model but most of the routers these days support WDS and they provide a function which scans for near by same spectrum networks(access points) and shows their signal strength.This is a easy and effective way to find out most unoccupied channel around.You should use that particular channel .

You may also want to check surrounding networks at the point where you access the wireless net.
Hope this helps

 

[bill001g]

A spectrum analyzer is expensive...especially ones that cover large frequencies ranges. You can get one designed for wireless from metageeks, these are the guys that used to give away my favorite tool called inssider for finding AP but they charge for it now. They sell relatively inexpensive spectrum analyzer but they still are not what anyone would even think to call cheap.

The best solution I have found is to by a inexpensive wireless bridge from ubiquiti (many just over $50 depends on the band). As long as you get a unit that runs the common AIROS software you get a spectrum analyzer for free.

http://wiki.ubnt.com/Best_channel_using_airview

Why they in a way give this away I have no idea but it is a great tool for finding interference from things other than 802.11 based wireless stuff

 

[pdes]

Thanks for the responses. The two routers used were an Asus DSL-AC68u and a Netgeard D6300. The distance to the router makes very little, if any difference.

I have a WiSpy analyzer from Metageek but to be honest, it's designed for SMEs not the "layman" so I find it hard to understand. Maybe I should persevere!

I'll take a look at the link.

Cheeers