According to the IT staff at Morrisville State College, Microsoft's Xbox 360 console—without the use of a Wi-Fi adapter—seems to be interfering with 2.4GHz signals like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on campus. Aside from loads of anecdotal evidence of computers not connecting to the school's wireless LAN network and Bluetooth headsets needing to physically touch phones to pair, they started analyzing the 2.4GHz spectrum and made an interesting finding.
When studying the signal in problem areas, they noticed a peculiar, strong signal that jumped all over the 2.4GHz band...that their diagnostic software labeled as "unknown emitter."
When they plugged in an Xbox 360 in a free area, the IT staff was able to re-create the signal. They believe that the interference is coming from Microsoft's proprietary wireless standard that they use for the 360's wireless controllers. While it's similar to Bluetooth, they designed a system that could be closed to third parties...that may now be making other third parties suffer.
Personally, while I've never had problems with my Wi-Fi, the 360 doesn't get along with my wireless surround sound headphones as the PS3. I couldn't figure out why this was happening, but chalked it up to my own network idiosyncrasies. Anyone out there have similar problems? [pcworld]













Comments
Are demo unit is supposed to have a disc that stops it from transmitting, but it isn't reading discs so we have had to turn the 360 off because it makes unable to make pricing labels.
Oh yes, the crack wits at Morrisville...
I don't buy any of this.
Come on, put a tinfoil hat on the thing!
Didn't this happen when they first came out? All the Walmarts turned off their demo units because of "interference?"
For what it's worth, mine doesn't seem to be causing any problems.
My 360 is still in the mail waiting to get delivered to my house.. hopefuly I'll get it before Xmas.
So, no, did'nt experienced any problem with it so far :D
I've got 3 wireless controllers for my 360 and a 3rd party wireless adapter. I have yet to experience any issues on my wireless network whether it's right next to my router and laptop or in the next apartment (transmitting through a cinderblock wall). I've also been able to sync up several phones with my Macbook no problem.
@s017jrs: Could an RF-shielding 360 cozy be far behind?
-because I bet it would work.
There is too much shit on 2.4GHz. Period. WiFi, Cordless phones, even my Spin bike computer is 2.4GHz, I cannot turn off the Kitchen lights anymore because I found out the lazy electrician wired in an RF switch....again on 2.4GHz.
Stop using 2.4 GHz.
I have a 5.8 GHz cordless phone because there is too much interference on the 2.4 GHz spectrum... microwaves, routers, etc.
You name it, it leaks all over the 2.4 GHz band.
:@ STRIDER_MT2K:
I bet it wouldn't. Sure, it would stop the interference but then you'd be blocking out the wireless controller signals, and any sort of wifi connection you have to use xbox live.
I have the same problem with mine. Although it's more noticeable when I try and sign onto Live. When I sign on, all the computers lose network connection for a minute.
Ohh, I forgot about an issue I had back when I first got the 360 - I would lose the WiFi connection when the phones were used. The solution? I upgraded to 100BT - no problems now.
I have no interference problems with my Xbox and my WiFi network. My phones are 5.4GHz so nothing there.
been running a 360, wireless and bluetooth in my house for over a year and have had no problems...all works fine for me
I've had to reboot my wireless router a lot more since I acquired my XBox 360.
My MacBook's wireless reception suffers when my 360 is running next to it on my desk.
I never really linked those facts together but after putting the 360 in my living room my wireless reception is maxed out again, compared to hovering between 50% and 70%.
Not "game-breaking" interference, but notable.
@omg-ponies: DECT phones are even better than 5.8GHz
i think the number of 360's play in to this. probably the number of all of the other things metioned before bleeding together in such a small area also play into this.
@chinesedentist: That may be more related to an unstable router OS. I have a Linksys router that was craptacular with it's original Linksys OS but is now rock solid with DD-WRT.
my laptop literally sits in front of my 360. the laptop connects via wifi. i've never ever had any problem with it when the 360 is on and using the wireless controller. the wifi on the laptop always shows full signal. the 360 is a release week unit. i doubt very much that it's just the 360s causing the problem.
I have a sonos wireless music system and the (2.4gz 801.11G) wireless controller for it hasn't worked since the 360 appeared and my 360 is hard-wired via ethernet into xbox live. I had suspected it was the signal between the 360 and the controllers that was interfering so this doesn't surprise me at all. Although I've been too addicted to the 360 to peal myself off it to truely investigate the problem, lol.
@rfayed: I meant for when it's not being used, sorry.
360 is RIGHT beside my router... and no problems the whole time......
*pulls plug on 360 for good*
The article doesn't say that they are getting any interference on their wireless LAN, just that they sometimes have issues with their bluetooth headsets (who the hell doesn't?). And they said that their categorization software didn't know what the signal was. Who knows when their categorization database was updated.
When the 360 is in standby, the controller can turn on the 360 wirelessly. And the 360 controllers and the console frequency hop in order to minimize interference. It has an FCC approved sticker on the back.
The article basically cataloged their brainstorming without coming to any specific conclusions, other than the fact that the 360 does, in fact, use the 2.4GHz spectrum. And it uses it in a way that is apparently different than most. They didn't even or even list a direct link between the 360 and any particular issue. Hell, they only listed one issue, which was the bluetooth connection issue, but that could be anything.
actually the xbox wireless controller uses a radio frequency connector
Absolutely. I have a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard. If I set my xbox controller on the desk by the receiver, my keyboard connection goes down (oddly, not the mouse though), and won't reconnect unless I unplug the usb receiver. Taught me to look up my cheat codes before booting up the xbox.
Another good reason for owning a PS3!
@ab3: boo.
The 2.4 Ghz spectrum sucks. As others stated there is just way too much sh*t in that spectrum. I got rid of my 2.4 GHz phone after less than 6 months and never looked back.
I do not have any major problems with my 360 wireless other than the fact that downloads seem slower on that than on my 2 year old ultralight laptop over wi-fi, but I do not use Bluetooth or anything else that would be interfering.
STRIDER_MT2K:
I had the same idea you did when i read the issue, but i just don't see the point. The only time you would need to use this thing would be when you're paused a game...that isnt online. Meh it just seems like too much work. git er on the 5.8 GHZ network
@ab3: Yeah, then you can have random SIXAXIS controller disconnects. That's better.
This is interesting. My wifi connect prior to moving was sketchy, and since moving I haven't yet hooked up my x360 and I did notice right off that my wifi connect was much stronger, more reliable. I thought it was just due to new location, thinner walls, 'who knows'?, but perhaps the 360, once I turn it on, will start causing problems again. If that happens, I'll know what it is finally, and I'll have to take steps (i.e. no longer leave my 360 on all the time. *sigh*)
@banmojo: Kinda the same for me. Had to go to a hard wire connection on my PS3 to my router. When my 360 is plugged in, I have problems with my PS3 controllers pausing and loosing (temporary) connection with the console. Another reason to stay away from the 360. Anyone looking to buy a 360. Never been in for repair too.
No problem here, i've an xbox360 Halo Edition, an bluetooth adapter for a nokia n91, and an iphone, all works perfect, maybe the problem could be another "unknown emitter"
Oh yea. Don't forget, you got the Wii calling all bugs into your home and the 360 w/it's loud fan and possible interference w/other wireless devices, and of course it's dismal reliability etc. Really, I don't consider the Wii to be a great threat to the PS3, but if the 360 continues down this path, it won't be either.
What's the surprise. MS sucks and so does their Xbxo 360. I am now on my FIFTH 360 in less than two years. 3 of them in less than two months and MS WILL NOT send me a new one. They keep sending me old broken ones. Microsoft sucks!
Ever since my school put 7 Xbox 360s between where I normally hangout (between classes) my connection to the network drops very frequently. Its not so bad in the morning one only 1-3 of the 360s are on but when all 7 of them are on forget using the internet.
@procon.1: According to the article, they don't have to be turned on. When you turn the power off. The radios still try to connect to the controllers.
I used to work in Wal-Mart's electronics dept. The 360 there would not allow our Telxons (similar to ppcs, but from '89) to do anything. It blocked the signal or something. It was great, no inventory checking or anything.
Actually, this explains a lot. When I had my 360 connected to my router, my whole connection crapped out; the router and my actual service. I haven't had my 360 connected to the router for about 2 months and not once has it crapped out. I was hesitant about buying a wireless network adapter, just because I didn't want to spend the extra money. I think I might definitely be investing in that now and see if my internet service still works.
@w00zzy:
You don't think the Wii is a threat to the PS3? It's outsold the PS3 by a factor of like 5:1 or something. 'Tard.
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