2.4 GHz Interference and Its Effect on EZ-VOTE Voting Systems

Modified on Wed, 15 Aug 2018 at 03:55 PM

You may notice that you are missing votes and generally having a difficult time using your EZ-VOTE system in certain areas, this article lists possible reasons why:

Effects of Interference

  • A decrease in the wireless range between devices
  • A decrease in data throughput over Wi-Fi
  • Intermittent or complete loss of the wireless connection
  • Difficulty pairing during a Bluetooth device's discovery phase

Sources of Interference

  • Microwave ovens: Using your microwave oven near your computer, Bluetooth device, or Wi-Fi base station may cause interference.
  • Direct Satellite Service (DSS): The coax cable and connectors used with certain types of satellite dishes may cause interference. Check the cable for damage and obtain newer cables if you suspect RF leakage issues.
  • Certain external electrical sources such as power lines, electrical railroad tracks, and power stations.
  • 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz phones: A cordless telephone that operates in this range may cause interference with wireless devices or networks when used.
  • Video senders (transmitters/receivers) that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
  • Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.
  • Certain external monitors and LCD displays: Certain displays may emit harmonic interference, especially in the 2.4GHz band between channels 11 and 14. This interference may be at its worst if you have a portable computer with the lid closed and an external monitor connected to it. Try changing your access point to use 5 Ghz or a lower 2.4 GHz channel.
  • Any other wireless devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth (microwaves, cameras, baby monitors, neighbors' wireless devices, and so on).

    Note: Some devices may not specifically state that they operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. The product's documentation should indicate the bands the device uses to operate. These may be referred to as "Dual Band", "Wi-Fi", or "Wireless" devices.

Home and Office Environment

If possible, avoid wireless barriers, or change the placement of the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices for a clearer signal path. The device's location within building and construction materials used can affect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The table below shows common types of barrier material and their potential for interference.

Radio Frequency (RF) reflective and absorbing obstructions

Type of Barrier
Interference Potential
Wood
Low
Synthetic material
Low
Glass
Low
Water
Medium
Bricks
Medium
Marble
Medium
Plaster
High
Concrete
High
Bulletproof glass
High
Metal
Very high

How to Reduce Effects of Interference from Other Wireless Devices

To minimize interference between your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, try the following:

  1. Change channels on your wireless network. For Wi-Fi base stations, reset the base station and it will attempt to use the 2.4 and 5 GHz channels with the least interference when it starts up.
  2. Connect to a 5 GHz wireless network (if possible).
  3. Minimize the number of active Bluetooth wireless devices you have connected to the computer or operating in the area.

How to Extend/Increase Range of Your EZ-VOTE USB Receiver

There are a few ways you can increase the reception and range of your audience response system. Primarily, you'll need to 1) increase the distance of the receiver from any electronics, including your computer, and 2) elevate your receiver to increase the 'line of sight' between the receiver and each keypad.

While our systems are Radio Frequency-based (RF) and don't need to maintain a true line of sight like your Infra-Red (IR) TV remote does, having a clear, unobstructed 'view' of the keypads gives the receiver a better chance to receive and deliver the communications more reliably and faster.

Learn more about increasing the range of your base receiver here and here.


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