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Add guidance for dealing with Bluetooth interference (#23688)

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Co-authored-by: J. Nick Koston <nick@koston.org>
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@ -128,10 +128,42 @@ Deleting the config entry for this integration will release control of the adapt
### Bluetooth interference with other devices
Devices that are using the 2.4 GHz band, like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and USB3 devices (and their cable connections) are known to affect Bluetooth reception. Especially external SSD drives with USB3 cables are known to block the Bluetooth signal. Also, metal casings can decrease the Bluetooth performance of internal Bluetooth Adapters.
Sources of interference for radios can lead to transmission/reception loss or connection problems and show symptoms such as errors/failures when sending and receiving Bluetooth messages that can cause significant degradation in performance. Below are some basic but essential tips for getting a good setup starting point to achieve better signal quality, coverage, and extended range.
The following tips may improve reception of the Bluetooth Adapter:
Following all these optimization tips below should significantly improve the reception of your Bluetooth radio adapter. The below insights describe working around the well-known limitations of low-power 2.4 GHz digital radio. It can resolve or avoid many known issues caused by interference or poor placement of your Bluetooth radio adapter or devices.
- Try to place USB3 devices (SSD, etc.) as far away as possible from your Bluetooth Adapter, e.g., by using an extension cable.
- Use a USB3 extension cable with proper shielding and ferrite clamps.
- Use a (good quality) external Bluetooth adapter with an antenna.
Computers, peripherals, and devices generate [electromagnetic interference (also known as EMI/EMI/RMI)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_interference), which can interfere with signals transmissions on the 2.4 GHz radio band frequency, and degrade the wireless communication with your Bluetooth adapter/devices.
For example, unshielded USB 3 port and their cables are especially infamously known to affect 2.4 GHz radio reception. Place your Bluetooth adapter far away as possible from any potential sources of EMI/EMI/RMI by using a long, adequately shielded USB extension cable.
#### Simple actions that should improve most Bluetooth setups and common root causes of interference
- Bluetooth adapter hardware:
- Bad performance from old/outdated Bluetooth adapter hardware or poor Bluetooth adapter antenna:
- Buy and use a supported Bluetooth USB adapter based on newer/modern chip hardware.
- Consider a Bluetooth adapter that has an external antenna.
- While older adapters might work, they could have obsolete hardware or old firmware, which prevents reliable operation.
- Poor or outdated Bluetooth adapter firmware on the Bluetooth adapter:
- Update to the latest Bluetooth chip firmware on the Bluetooth adapter. Updating firmware is usually straightforward if the manufacturer or the chip maker provides one.
- Bluetooth adapters are RFI sensitive and can be very susceptible to all types of EMI/EMF interference:
- Poor placement of the Bluetooth adapter or wrong orientation of Bluetooth adapter antenna:
- Use a long USB extension cable to place the Bluetooth adapter away from interference and obstacles.
- Ensure the USB extension cable is adequately shielded (thick cables usually have this).
- A USB extension cable makes orienting the Bluetooth adapter/antenna easier.
- Try different physical placement and orientations of the Bluetooth adapter or its antenna:
- The optimal placement of the Bluetooth adapter is close to the middle of the house as possible.
- Try to place the Bluetooth adapter at some distance away from walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Try different orientations of the adapter's external antenna (or whole Bluetooth adapter).
- USB 3.0 ports/computers/peripherals are known culprits of RFI/EMI/EMF disruption. (See Ref. [1](https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/327216.pdf) and [2](https://www.unit3compliance.co.uk/2-4ghz-intra-system-or-self-platform-interference-demonstration/)).
- Make sure to only connect the Bluetooth USB adapter to a USB 2.0 port (and not to a USB 3.x port).
- If your computer only has a USB 3.x port then connect the adapter via a powered USB 2.0 hub:
- A USB 2.0 hub will convert USB 3.0 to a USB 2.0 port and avoid USB 3.0 EMF.
- A USB 2.0 hub that uses an external power supply will ensure power requirements are fulfilled.
- Shield any unshielded computers/peripherals/devices by adding all-metal enclosures/chassis/casings.
- Single-board-computers and USB 3.x hard drives are especially known as source of EMF/EMI/RFI.
- Be aware metal casings can decrease the performance of internal/built-in Bluetooth adapters.
- Also, be sure to use adequately shielded USB cables for any such peripherals/devices too.
- 2.4 GHz RF Interference (RFI) from Wi-Fi Routers and Wi-Fi Access Points or other devices:
- While Bluetooth is designed to coexist with Wi-Fi, its stronger signal can interfere.
- To play it safe, try to place your Bluetooth adapter away from Wi-Fi access points.
- Place Bluetooth adapters far away from electrical/power wires/cables, power supplies, and household appliances.