You may experience interference with devices that use frequency space. Think of interference on radio and television, wireless (household) devices, mobile card machine or your local Wi-Fi network.
More and more devices are wirelessly connected in some way. And that number of devices is growing, which also increases the chance of interference. We therefore give practical tips to prevent or solve interference in devices as much as possible.
Do you have a subscription or contract with a service provider? Please contact them to see whether you can solve the interference with the help of the provider.
If you are unable to resolve interference, you can submit an interference report to the Authority for Digital Infrastucture in certain cases. However, this does not apply to interference in the authorisation-free domain, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Speed and connection problems with Wi-Fi arise mainly due to busy radio spectrum. In your router's settings, select the channel with the fewest co-users. You can also let your router or modem choose the best channel itself. If you still have problems with your Wi-Fi, we recommend that you contact your provider.
Does your router use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz? The 5 GHz signal penetrates solid materials less well. A combination of both frequency bands often works best. Modern routers can use both bands.
Try different places if you have coverage issues in your home. Stone walls and power lines or other cables can shield the signal. Behind the television is not the best place either, as it can cause the same effect.
A laptop that is always used at a fixed location can also be connected with a network cable.
Using additional access points can help, but poorly placed equipment can make the problem worse. Do not place them in a place where the signal is poor, but in a place where the signal is strong. A cable connection is even better.
Are you still experiencing problems with your Wi-Fi despite our tips? Then consult your provider. Normally, the Authority of Digital Infrastucture does not deal with Wi-Fi disruptions. The use of the so-called authorisation-free frequencies is based on 'NIB', or 'Non Interference Basis'. This means that you have to accept interference from each other and do everything you can to prevent interference.
Before purchasing a device, always check whether a device has a CE or FCC marking. The letters CE or FCC will are shown on the device, on the packaging and (online) documentation. This means that the equipment meets set requirements. It looks like this:
Then check the frequencies on which the device operates. These are stated on the device itself, on the packaging or at least in the manual or technical documentation. Not all equipment with a CE or FCC marking may be used in the Dutch Caribbean. For example, the use of the frequency bands 868 – 873 MHz and 902 – 928 MHz is not permitted. More information.
You need authorisation for some devices. You can apply for authorisation from the Authority of Digital Infrastucture . See the page 'Apply for authorisation’.
Do not use devices for any purpose other than those described in the operating instructions. So do not use a dimmer for non-dimmable equipment, such as with LED lights.
You should also adhere to the installation instructions. With solar panels, for example, good installation is crucial.
Interference on authorisation-free frequencies is almost always caused by mutual interference between devices in the same frequency band. It is therefore important to find the interfering device and then discuss with the owner whether there is a solution. A common cause of interference is that the batteries in the device are low.
Therefore, in case of interference, always first investigate whether another device is causing the interference in your own environment. You do this by removing the plug or the batteries from another device for at least one minute. Then see if this improves the situation. You can do this with all wireless applications until you find the source of interference.
If you cannot find the source of the interference, we recommend that you talk to your neighbours. Usually the neighbours have the same problem and there is therefore a common interest in solving the interference.
Normally, the Authority for Digital Infrastucture does not deal with interference reports relating to authorisation-free frequencies. The use of these frequencies is on 'NIB', or 'Non Interference Basis'. This means that you have to accept interference from each other and you have to do everything you can to prevent interference.
However, if interference poses a community-wide problem, the RDI can still decide to conduct an investigation. These are exceptional cases, such as interference that prevents residents of an entire neighbourhood from opening their cars. If interference causes a community-wide problem, you can report it to the Authority of Digital Infrastucture. Please use the notice form.
LED lights are being used in more and more households. But have you also considered that it is precisely those energy-efficient LED lights that can be the cause of the interference on your television?
When replacing incandescent or halogen lamps, pay attention to things such as voltage, power and the fitting.
You can dim some lamps, for example to save energy or to create a certain atmosphere in the house. When you replace a halogen light with a LED light, without also replacing the dimmer, the LED light may flash or buzz. An incorrect dimmer can also cause interference in the house, for example on your TV, radio or Wi-Fi. In addition, it is possible that you cause interference with emergency services without noticing.
The packaging states whether your light is dimmable (not all LED lights are dimmable). If you can dim your light, purchase a special LED dimmer for your light. The lamp retailer can tell you which dimmer you need.
See the information on solar panels on the Authority of Digital Infrastucture website (in Dutch).
Also make sure that your devices are digitally secured so that hackers don't stand a chance. Here are some practical tips for securing your devices:
- Read (online) product reviews before purchasing. Always read the terms of use and the manufacturer's privacy statement. This way you can see whether the company has paid attention to the digital security of the product.
- Search online for known security risks about your device and specific tips to make your device more secure.
- Regularly perform (security) updates for your devices. You can find out if updates are available on the supplier's website. Sometimes devices update automatically, sometimes you have to do it manually.
- Choose a strong password for each device (minimum 12 characters or letters, numbers and special characters). Never use the same password for different applications.
- Opt for two-step verification if possible. This is an extra security that checks that you are the one logging in. For example, an SMS code that you must enter when logging in.
- Share as little (privacy-sensitive) information with the device as possible. For example, do not fill in the fields that are not mandatory.
- Is it not necessary to connect the device to your home network? Then don't.
- Turn off devices connected to the network if you do not use them for a long time.
- Check your router/modem whether the option 'universal plug and play' (UPnP) is turned off. UPnP allows software on your PC and apps on your mobile phone to adjust the settings of your router. This can sometimes be useful, but it is not very safe. How to disable UPnP can be found on the website or in your router's user manual.
- Check the device manual to see if more security measures are offered.