Device/Technology
Details
Severity
Workaround

Bluetooth

Standard for wireless communication over short distances. Keyboards, mice, speakers, hands-free headset, etc. 

Low

When not in use, disable. This is also a security measure. 

Cordless Phones

Utilizes some type of wireless communication to send voice signal to base station. 

Low

When choosing a phone, ensure that it does not operate in the Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz /5.8GHz. Some alternatives are DECT 6.0 and 1.9GHz. 

Microwave Ovens

Appliance that uses electromagnetic radiation in the 2.4GHz frequency to heat food. 

Low

If possible, keep ovens to the lunch room. If microwave is old, there is a potential that it might not be shielded properly. 

Humans

A very high percentage of body weight comes from water. 

Low

This is a simple fact of life. If reception is poor, a simple change in position might improve connectivity.

Video transmitters/receivers

Primarily used for surveillance. Their channel utilization tends to be very high.

High

If camera simply connects to a wireless LAN and transmit its data via the network, it should not cause problems. However, if the camera talks to a receiver via wireless, it will cause issues. These types of cameras can have severe impact on wireless LANs. 

Wireless Router

Acts as an Access Point and competes with other Wi-Fi networks.

High

It is best to completely disable the device. Otherwise, restrict use to 5GHz band and lower power to minimum setting. Unfortunately, some devices do not have enough options to allow this. 

Adhoc Network

This refers to the capability of a device, such as a laptop or phone, which can allow for direct communication among other wireless devices without the need of wireless access point.

Medium

It is best to completely disable the device or adhoc function. Otherwise, restrict use to 5GHz band and lower power to minimum setting. 

Mobile Hotspots

Portable device that has the ability to act as an access point.

Medium

It is best to completely disable the device. Otherwise, restrict use to 5GHz band and lower power to minimum setting. 

Wi-Fi Direct

Allows wireless devices to directly communicate with each other. 

Medium

Disable service. Not all devices provide this capability. Some are easier to turn off than others. 

MiFi

A portable device that can function as an access point. 

Medium

Restrict use to off-campus. 

Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

A standard that allows for interconnectivity among multiple wireless devices. Typically low range. 

Low

No workaround. Ensure your client device is dualband to avoid affected band. 

ZigBee

An example of a WPAN that implements a mesh-networking architecture. Used in smart home automation: lighting, energy management, etc. Typically low range. 

Low

No workaround. Ensure your client device is dualband to avoid affected band. 

Miracast

A screen mirroring protocol that is simply described as HDMI over wireless. Supposedly it uses Wi-Fi Direct. 

Low

No workaround. Ensure your client device is dualband to avoid affected band. 

Last Updated: 12/14/2023