Anker usb hub kills wifi signal...

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Level 2

188 points

Anker usb hub kills wifi signal...

Hi!

I've replaced my MacBook Air (late 2010) with a new Mac mini (late 2014). Being that there is only 4 USB connections on the back I thought I would extend that out with a USB hub. I read some reviews and chose a 4-port USB 3.0 hub from Anker. Now there's an issue.

Connecting the hub to the back of the Mac mini killed all wifi connection immediately. Reading online I found what I thought would be a good solution. Turns out a USB extension cord might help. Create some distance between the Mac and the hub.

While that does help somewhat, within a short period of time I'm back to no wifi signal. Anyone use a USB 3.0 hub and experience this issue? How did you solve it?

Ryan

iPad Air Wi-Fi, iOS 7.0.4, MacBook Air (late 2010), iPhone 5

Posted on Mar 10, 2017 5:40 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

84,862 points

Mar 11, 2017 12:25 AM in response to slyguy_28

It is a known issue. I would try an extension cable or hub that has a thicker cable with better shielding.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/io/universal-serial-bus/usb3-frequency-in terference-paper.html

https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/usb-3.0-hard-drives-can-cause-wi-fi-inte rference

https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/136g7y/usb_30_has_been_found_to_cau se_interference_that/

FWIW I have not experienced that problem with USB 3.0 device on my 2012 Mac Mini. If a better shielded cable or plug end does not help, then it is most likely an internal shielding problem with model Mac Mini.

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Answer 2

DonH49

Level 6

16,710 points

Mar 10, 2017 8:22 AM in response to slyguy_28

get rid of its interference.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

246,389 points

Mar 10, 2017 9:17 AM in response to slyguy_28

What happens if you lay a piece of aluminum foil over it?

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Answer 4

slyguy_28 Author

Level 2

188 points

Mar 11, 2017 12:27 AM in response to slyguy_28

I connected a 3ft extension cord and it helped somewhat. Temporary tho. I've considered going back to USB 2.0 and it should solve the interference problems.

I appreciate the input