300-430 Question 116
Single answerA network engineer is troubleshooting poor Wi-Fi performance in a corporate office. After performing a spectrum analysis, the engineer identifies non-Wi-Fi interferers causing disruptions in the 2.4 GHz band. Which of the following devices is most likely the source of interference?
- A
Cordless phones operating in the 5.8 GHz band
- B
Bluetooth devices like wireless keyboards and mice
- C
Microwave ovens near the Wi-Fi access points
- D
Cellular phones using LTE frequencies
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Microwave ovens are a common non-Wi-Fi interferer in the 2.4 GHz band because they emit electromagnetic radiation in this spectrum during operation. This interference can disrupt Wi-Fi performance, especially if the microwave is located near the access points or client devices. Understanding the impact of non-Wi-Fi interferers is crucial for diagnosing and resolving wireless network issues.
- A. Incorrect.
Cordless phones operating in the 5.8 GHz band are unlikely to interfere with the 2.4 GHz spectrum, as they operate on a completely different frequency range.
- B. Incorrect.
Bluetooth devices do operate in the 2.4 GHz band and can cause some interference, but they use frequency hopping, which minimizes their impact on Wi-Fi performance.
- C. Correct.
Microwave ovens emit significant electromagnetic interference in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, especially when they are in use near Wi-Fi access points. This makes them a common source of interference in this frequency band.
- D. Incorrect.
Cellular phones using LTE frequencies operate in bands completely separate from Wi-Fi (usually 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz for LTE), and therefore, they are not likely to interfere with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signals.