To prevent your Wi-Fi network from being disrupted by your neighbors, use an analyzer app to find the best frequency range.
If you live in a building, you are not the only one to use an Internet box, in particular for its Wi-Fi connection. It is therefore preferable to choose the Wi-Fi frequency range that is the least subject to disturbances from neighbors. This range is adjusted by changing the channel on the box but you still have to choose the right one. First of all, most recent boxes give the choice between frequencies around 2.4 GHz and around 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band is less congested and less sensitive to disturbance, but its range is limited. It is therefore necessary that the devices are not too far from the box if you use it.
Find the right channel
- To find out which channel is the best to use, download a Wi-Fi network analysis app to your smartphone or tablet, for example Wifi Analyzer for Android.
- Launch the app and find the view mode which shows the Wi-Fi networks around you and their range. It is advisable to do the test in the evening to have the most active networks.
- Then find which channel is the least busy. In the example above, channels 1, 13 and 14 are good choices.
Change the channel of your Internet box
- Connect to your box’s Wi-Fi network, open your browser and type the web address of the box’s administration console. This address is indicated in the documentation, or even marked on the housing.
- Then click on the section dedicated to Wi-Fi settings. You may then be asked for a username and password. These have been communicated to you by your operator.
- Set the channel to the number you found in the Wi-Fi analysis program and validate.
You will then have to reconnect your various Wi-Fi devices but there will be no parameter to change because the channel is detected automatically.