Why are there so many WiFi networks appearing on my MacBook Pro?

Question

Why are there so many WiFi networks appearing on my MacBook Pro?

I am baffled as to why there are so many WiFi signals appearing on my MacBook WiFi applet. It's not like I'm in Manhattan NYC...

I am using MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013, 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3, OS X Yosemite version 10.10.1), and every time I click on the Wifi icon at the top of my screen to see what WiFi networks are available, a seemingly-impossible number of nearby networks appears. Many of these signals appear to be very strong. I have only one WiFi router in the house (a fairly basic TP Link model) which is broadcasting my cable modem internet signal, so I am completely baffled as to where these signals are coming from.

In terms of neighbors, there are only two that are within even 500 feet of me, I live in a 3200 square foot house and have one neighbor on one side and another neighbor on the other and of course a one or two houses across the street that are the closest but I live in suburban Atlanta Georgia and the lots are fairly large and spread out and I'm finding it hard to believe my little MacBook is picking up these far-flung signals from so many sources around the neighborhood?

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 7, 2015 6:08 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jan 7, 2015 6:19 PM in response to Gregorygregoryf

You are simply picking up other devices in the immediate area such as other computers, servers, etc. They are all locked networks.

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2015 6:40 PM in response to Kappy

It's just very hard to believe - 20+ networks! Especially the ones that are very strong that say HOME-XXXX. I am wondering a bit about those - there are 6 of them matching that naming pattern and the strength on all of them is quite good. Like I said houses are not close together in my neighborhood, at least not to me. It's not like we're talking farm country or a rural area, but the lots here are fairly large and widespread, for a suburb.

How can so many strong, similarly-named signals be appearing? I wish I could triangulate/locate the routers and know for sure where they are.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jan 7, 2015 6:59 PM in response to Gregorygregoryf

Good signal propagation. Hard to know why. Multiple ones with the same name may be off the same main network or cable system. I think you are spending way to much time thinking about this.

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