A white paper from Cisco Systems takes aim at 20 myths about interference in 802.11-based wireless LAN systems. The paper, entitled "20 Myths of WiFi Interference: Dispel Myths to Gain High-Performing and Reliable Wireless," addresses some of the issues that Fluke Networks' Carolyn Carter will also cover in an article in Cabling Installation & Maintenance's November issue. Cisco's paper and Carter's article touch on the following.
- Interference can come from more than just other 802.11 network
- Pre-deployment RF sweeps detect all interference sources
- Interference's impact on a wireless LAN can be significant
Cisco's paper tackles several other issues as well, in a format that briefly states the commonly held myth then goes into detail refuting it. Among the myths addressed in the paper:
- My network seems to be working, so interference must not be a problem.
- I can overcome interference by having a high density of access points.
- There is no interference at 5 GHz.
- Interference is not a security risk.
The white paper, as well as Carter's upcoming article, impress upon the reader that RF analysis tools are necessary for complete interference detection.
