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Knowledge document #1636

Wi-Fi connections are subject to interference when a USB 3.0 device is connected

A USB 3.0 device interferes with the Wi-Fi connections from the FRITZ!WLAN Stick to the wireless router. This significantly reduces the range of the Wi-Fi connections.

1 USB 3.0 device is interfering with the Wi-Fi connection

USB 3.0 devices with insufficient shielding can interfere with the radio connections of devices located very close to the USB 3.0 device or its USB 3.0 cable. Normally, such interference occurs only rarely, and mostly only during data transmission via USB and with poorly insulated USB 3.0 cables that act like antennas and amplify the radiation of the USB 3.0 device.

The range, data throughput, and quality of radio connections is reduced by the radiation from such USB 3.0 devices. This affects Wi-Fi connections in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, but does not affect the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.

This effect applies to all wireless and DECT devices.

Note:You can find additional information on this topic in this article in PCMag UK and this White Paper from Intel on the home page of the USB Implementers Forum.

Workaround

There are several ways to reduce the radiation affecting the wireless router or FRITZ!WLAN Stick. Start with the step that is easiest for you to implement:

  1. Increase the distance between the USB 3.0 device and the wireless router or FRITZ!WLAN Stick. If possible, do not connect the device directly; instead, use a USB 3.0 extension cable to connect it.
  2. Change the position of the USB 3.0 device and its cable. For testing, also connect the device to another USB port.
  3. Use a different USB 3.0 cable with better shielding.
  4. If you are using a FRITZ!Box, change the USB mode to "Green Mode USB 2.0" under "Home Network > USB / Storage > USB Settings" in the FRITZ!Box user interface.
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