Factors affecting Wi-Fi service
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to provide network and Internet connectivity. A complete Wi-Fi service includes:
End‑user devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices)
Radio frequency (RF) spectrum (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz for Wi‑Fi 6E)
Network infrastructure such as access points (APs), controllers, cabling, and uplinks
What Affects Wi-Fi Service?
For all wireless networks, client throughput (speed) always depends on:
Capabilities of the client
Signal to noise of the client at that specific point in time.
Number of other clients connected at that specific point in time.
Capabilities of other clients at that specific point in time.
Activity of other clients at that specific point in time.
Interference at that specific point in time.
1. End‑User Devices
The most common source of issues. Problems may include:
Outdated or buggy Wi‑Fi drivers
Older hardware with limited capabilities (e.g., 2.4GHz‑only devices)
Poor support for enterprise authentication (WPA2/WPA3‑Enterprise)
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference
Wi‑Fi shares unlicensed spectrum with many other devices. Interference can come from:
Microwave ovens
Bluetooth devices
Cordless phone base stations
Unauthorized or rogue access points
3. Wi‑Fi & Network Infrastructure
Network performance varies due to:
Building layout and wall materials blocking signals
AP density in high‑traffic areas
Shared RF channels in crowded environments
4. Technology Limitations
The 2.4GHz band has only three non‑overlapping channels (1, 6, 11)
The 5GHz band has more channels and generally less congestion
Wi‑Fi 6/6E offer improvements, but only with compatible devices
Why Problems Occur Most Often
Even with a well‑maintained campus Wi‑Fi infrastructure, external factors—especially device issues and interference—are the primary contributors to poor service.
Interference and Rogue Access Points
Interference disrupts Wi‑Fi by garbling signals and forcing retransmissions.
Sources of interference:
Microwave ovens
Cordless phones
Off‑channel or improperly configured rogue APs
Rogue AP behaviors:
On‑channel rogues share bandwidth but reduce performance
Off‑channel rogues cause complete disruption due to uncoordinated signals
How We Manage Interference
Automatic AP channel adjustments where possible
Updated guidelines for campus spectrum usage
Blocking unauthorized APs
Directional antennas used to locate strong interference sources
Working with equipment owners to remove or replace interfering devices
If You Experience a Problem
Because multiple factors affect Wi‑Fi, it is often difficult to determine the cause yourself.
What to do:
Report the issue with the online ticketing system or visit an IST Service Desk.
Initial troubleshooting always focuses on the device, including settings and drivers.
When upgrading hardware, choose dual‑band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) or Wi‑Fi 6/6E‑capable devices.
Summary
Wi‑Fi performance depends on several factors, including device quality, interference sources, and RF limitations. Although the infrastructure is continuously maintained, user device issues and environmental interference remain the most common causes of Wi‑Fi problems. Reporting issues helps us identify and resolve them quickly.
Further reading and historical notes
Interference - Memo to the campus community
To: University of Waterloo Campus Community
From: Bruce Campbell, Director, Technology Integrated Services (TIS)
Date: November 13, 2013
Re: Interference from private routers and other sources affecting campus Wi-Fi service
Background
The University has made major investments in upgrades and expansion of the campus Wi-Fi service (eduroam), a reflection of the importance of this service to students, faculty, and staff. The University makes a strong commitment in staff time and budget to ensure this service continues to meet the needs of the campus community.
Issues
We are experiencing problems with radio frequency interference from wireless routers, Wi-Fi Access Points (APs), wireless printers, and some other devices, installed in private offices or labs, to the extent that we cannot provide dependable Wi-Fi service near those areas.
How you can help
We request that anyone who has set up a wireless router or mobile hot spot in their office or lab disable this device, and use the University provided Wi-Fi service. If this service does not meet your needs, please contact me to discuss options for meeting your requirements in ways that do not disrupt Wi-Fi service for other users. We also request that anyone who has set up a wireless printer, AirPort Time Capsule, wireless projector, or similar device, disable the wireless feature and use a cable, to avoid disrupting Wi-Fi service for other users.
IST's role
In the coming months, staff from Information Systems & Technology (IST) will visit campus buildings with equipment to locate remaining devices which interfere with the campus Wi-Fi service. They will ask owners of this equipment to disconnect it, or to move to a technology which does not interfere with Wi-Fi. As always, our staff members are available to assist with a transition to non-interfering technology.
Additional information and obtaining assistance
For additional information, please see the University's wireless guidelines.
For assistance using the University's Wi-Fi network, you may contact a Faculty service desk or the IST Service Desk.
Bruce Campbell
Director, Technology Integrated Services
Information Systems and Technology
University of Waterloo
519-888-4567 ext. 38323