Detecting wireless interference sources

I have a wireless network in place in my house and was really shocked to learn that interferences can arise from various electronic gadgets in the house including microwaves, cordless headsets, cordless phones, bluetooth devices, etc. The items that cause interference are both 802.11 and non 802.11 devices.

More important is the fact that interference can affect your Wifi LAN security. With wifi networking becoming so common, there is a need to understand sources of of wireless interference. I would like to point out that the Farpoint Group, a leading wireless advisory firm, has validated industry research on the effects of interference, pointing out the importance of finding out sources of interference.

In case you are in charge of Wireless Networking in your organisation, take a look at the Cognio products that can detect rogue access points and network jammers. Their spectrum analysis tool classifies and identifies sources of wireless interference.