Question:

How to fix wifi interference caused by a new gaming PC?

I have a new gaming PC that is connected to the internet via ethernet cable (cat5e). However, whenever the PC is on, the wifi performance of my PS5 drops significantly, causing high ping and lag in Fortnite. The PS5 is located downstairs, while the router is upstairs. I cannot use ethernet for the PS5 due to the distance. I have tried using a different ethernet cable (cat5) for the PC, but the problem persists. The wifi signal strength of all devices is shown as strong by Xfinity. This issue did not occur with the previous gaming PC that used the same ethernet cable. What could be the cause of this interference and how can I resolve it?

Answer:

Wifi interference is a common problem that can affect the performance and stability of your wireless devices, such as your PS5. In this article, we will explain what causes wifi interference, how to identify it, and how to fix it.

What causes wifi interference?

Wifi interference occurs when there are other radio signals that operate on the same or nearby frequencies as your wifi network. These signals can interfere with the communication between your router and your devices, resulting in slow speeds, high latency, packet loss, and disconnections.

Some common sources of wifi interference are:

• Other wifi networks, especially if they use the same channel as yours
• Bluetooth devices, such as keyboards, mice, headphones, and speakers
• Microwave ovens, which emit radio waves when in use
• Cordless phones, baby monitors, and security cameras, which use the 2.4 GHz band
• Wireless speakers, smart TVs, and game consoles, which may use wifi direct or Miracast
• Powerline adapters, which use the electrical wiring of your house to transmit data

How to identify wifi interference?

One way to identify wifi interference is to use a wifi analyzer app on your smartphone or laptop. These apps can scan the wifi networks in your area and show you information such as their signal strength, channel, and bandwidth. You can use these apps to find out if there are any overlapping or congested channels that may be causing interference.

Another way to identify wifi interference is to perform a speed test on your devices. You can use online tools such as [Speedtest] or [Fast] to measure your download and upload speeds, as well as your ping and jitter. You can compare the results of your devices when they are connected to wifi and when they are connected to ethernet. If you notice a significant difference in performance, it may indicate that there is wifi interference.

How to fix wifi interference?

There are several steps you can take to fix wifi interference and improve your wifi performance. Here are some of the most effective ones:

• Change the channel of your wifi network. You can use a wifi analyzer app to find the least crowded channel and set your router to use it. Ideally, you should use a channel that is at least 5 channels away from any other network. For example, if channel 1 and 6 are occupied, you can use channel 11. You can also try switching to the 5 GHz band, which has more channels and less interference than the 2.4 GHz band. However, keep in mind that the 5 GHz band has a shorter range and may not reach all your devices.
• Move your router to a central location. You can improve your wifi coverage and signal quality by placing your router in a central and elevated location, away from walls, metal objects, and other sources of interference. You can also adjust the antennas of your router to point in different directions and optimize the signal for your devices.
• Upgrade your router and devices. If your router and devices are old or outdated, they may not support the latest wifi standards and features, such as 802.11ac, MU-MIMO, and beamforming. These technologies can enhance your wifi speed, capacity, and reliability. You can check the specifications of your router and devices and see if they support these technologies. If not, you may want to consider upgrading them to newer models that do.
• Use ethernet or wifi extenders. If none of the above steps work, you may need to use a wired or wireless solution to extend your wifi network. You can use ethernet cables to connect your devices directly to your router or to a switch. This can eliminate wifi interference and provide the best performance and stability. Alternatively, you can use wifi extenders, which are devices that receive and amplify your wifi signal and create a new network. You can place these devices in areas where your wifi signal is weak or nonexistent. However, be aware that wifi extenders may reduce your wifi speed and introduce latency.

Conclusion

Wifi

interference can be a frustrating problem that can ruin your gaming experience on your PS5. However, by following the steps in this article, you can identify and fix wifi interference and enjoy a smooth and lag-free wifi connection. We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Happy gaming!