. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the interference common household appliances cause to Wireless-G networks. A network is a system that allows a group of computers to communicate with one another. Wireless networks use radio transmitters and receivers to send the packets of information. Certain household appliances use the same radio frequency as the wireless router and reduce the strength of the signal sent by the router to the laptop. With the results of this project, one can set up a wireless network without external interference. The hypothesis was, “If common household appliances compete with Wireless-G networking for use of the electromagnetic spectrum, then the signal strength will be reduced.”
The materials needed are a microwave oven, cordless phone, two-way radios, cell phone, laptop with Wireless-G capability, and a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router. To begin, set up the laptop with an unobstructed view of the router, which is 10 meters away. Second, record the signal strength shown on the laptop with each bar of connectivity equaling 20%. Third, place the microwave oven next to the laptop. Fourth, turn on the microwave. Fifth, record the signal strength shown on the laptop. Sixth, repeat steps 1-5 replacing the microwave with the cell phone, the two-way radio, and the cordless phone. Seventh, repeat Steps 1-6 ten times.
The hypothesis “If common household appliances compete with Wireless-G networking for the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, then the signal strength will be reduced” was proven partially correct in that even though all of the appliances ran on the electromagnetic spectrum, only appliances that ran on the same frequency reduced the signal strength. The microwave, two-way radios, and cell phone had a minimal effect on the connection strength. The cordless phone was the only appliance to have a strong negative effect on the network.
Walt Houser CPCUG
Coordinator at .