Question
What type of electrical interference can be caused by computer network equipment?
Answer Options
- A) A loud AC hum in the audio output of your station’s receiver
- B) A clicking noise at intervals of a few seconds
- C) The appearance of unstable modulated or unmodulated signals at specific frequencies
- D) A whining-type noise that continually pulses off and on
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
Computer network equipment (routers, switches, Ethernet cables) contains digital switching circuits that generate high-frequency clock signals and harmonics. These signals can be radiated by the power or data cables acting as antennas, causing widespread Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).
Since the interference often comes from structured digital signals and clock oscillators, it typically manifests as the appearance of unstable modulated or unmodulated signals at specific frequencies. This interference can appear as distinct birdies or constant noise at harmonic frequencies of the internal clocks, often interfering with the VHF/UHF bands or broadband noise on HF.
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