Ask HN: Why aren't microwaves required to not interfere severely with your WiFi?

I mean there's really not much they can do about it, nor is it really their fault. Microwaves basically have to operate at around 2.4 Ghz as that is the frequency neighborhood that allows them to most efficiently heat the types of materials that our foods are typically composed of. They also existed long before Wifi did. I'm assuming the problem you're complaining about is when you have your phone or something in your kitchen and it nukes your wifi when you turn the microwave on. Keep in mind, your wifi router is probably putting out 100 mW of power while your microwave is putting out 1000+ watts, and you're probably much closer to your microwave than your router when this occurs. Microwaves do a pretty good job of containing all that energy, but it's not perfect, especially if you want a nice window on the front to see when your popcorn's popped. They probably only need to leak like .01% of the energy in order to kill your wifi. In theory though you should have better luck with this issue if your device is on a 5 or 6Ghz band rather than 2.4.

Ok, it sounds like you're not joking.

The 2.4 GHz frequency was unlicensed spectrum because it couldn't be used for other purposes (due to the interference). Wifi originally used this part of the spectrum because it was unlicensed.

There's a direct causal relationship between the interference being "considered acceptable" and your wifi both existing and being janky when the oven's on. It's also why garage door openers are (were?) on that frequency.

The interference should be minimal as the microwaves should be contained within the units Faraday cage.

If your microwave is causing interference with your WiFi, it could be faulty and leaking EMR and if so, should probably be replaced as soon as possible!

Are you sure that you don't have a dangerously leaky oven that ought to be fixed or replaced ASAP? Are the door seals dirty or woth big gaps for example?

I have never had problems with my (Panasonic) device over its ~20Y life with any WiFi routers, all of which have been within a couple of metres of my microwave oven.

What’s your real question?

- Why did the inventors of Wi-Fi decide to use unlicensed spectrum?

- Why, now that Wi-Fi has become widespread, has that spectrum not become regulated?

- Why are microwave ovens, specifically, not required to have extra shielding?

Could the microwave be adding noise into the AC supply line? Moving the microwave outside temporarily may give a clue.

Just get a microwave that uses 5Ghz, problem solved

This clearly shows that most microwaves leak a significant amount of radiation. I know mine does.

I suspect it is the glass door with the metal screen full of holes sandwiched in the middle. This should block waves of a particular frequency but the cheap magnetron inside is undoubtedly less than perfect and generates lots of stuff that will pass through it.