What causes co-channel interference in a wireless local area network (WLAN)?

Co-channel interference in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is primarily caused by an overlap in the signal ranges of access points or different WLANs that are operating on the same frequency channel. When multiple access points transmit on the same frequency and overlap in coverage, their signals can interfere with one another. This overlap can lead to degraded performance as the receiving devices may struggle to distinguish between the competing signals, causing data transmission errors, reduced network speeds, and overall poor connectivity.

This phenomenon is particularly relevant in environments where many WLANs are operating in proximity, such as office buildings or residential areas, where overlapping channels can significantly impact the effectiveness of each network. Understanding co-channel interference is crucial for network design and optimization, as ensuring adequate separation between channels can mitigate these interference issues and lead to a more reliable and high-performance wireless network.