The strength of the WiFi signals measure the functioning of the WiFi connection. The logarithmic scale called dBm measures the strength of the WiFi signal. On this scale, the readings move towards zero as the signal strength increase.
As the signal strength decreases on the WiFi scale, the readings move further into the negative on the dBm scale. The ideal range for a strong signal are between -30 and -50 dBm. This signal strength provides enough throughput to allow users to perform data-intensive tasks such as gaming and stream movies in 4K quality.
What WiFi Signal Strength Means and How to Make It Better
A fair signal range between -60 and -70 dBm. This signal allows users to perform browsing and watch HD video, but it may not be able to handle multiple devices using the network simultaneous. If the signal strength drop to -70 dBm or further into the negative on the dBm scale, the signal is considered poorly.
Under this signal strength, the network may not be able to load data or may experience buffering issue. The law of physics impacts the signal strength of a WiFi network. The signal strength decreases as the distance between the user and the router increase.
The signal strength significantly decreases when the distance between the user and the router allow the signal power to halve for every six decibel of signal loss. Many WiFi routers comes with signal analyzer applications that can help users determine the signal strength at any location in the home. By using these apps, users can see the signal strength in dBm at various locations throughout there home.
WiFi operates on three main frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band allow the signal to travel the farthest distance from the router and pass through the most obstacle such as walls. However, the signal travels at a slower speed on this frequency band.
The 5 GHz frequency band allows the signal to travel at a faster speed and encounter less interference from other devices on the network. However, the signal does not travel as far from the router and does not pass through obstacles as easy as the 2.4 GHz band. The 6 GHz frequency band allow for even higher data speeds with less interference.
However, the signal does not travel as far from the router as the 5 GHz signal and does not pass through obstacles as easy. Each device should be set to connect to the best frequency band for that device using smart-steering technology. The channel on which the WiFi router broadcasts its signal can impact the WiFi signal quality.
If there are many WiFi networks in the vicinity using the same channel, there will be interference between these networks and the signal quality for all the router will suffer. To avoid this, you can set the router to use a channel that does not have other WiFi network operating on it. By using non-overlapping channel, users can increase there WiFi speed.
Several physical obstacle can interfere with the signal strength of a WiFi network. Materials such as drywall and wood doors will have a small impact on signal strength, while materials like brick or concrete wall will significantly reduce the signal strength. Metal reflect WiFi signals, which can create a loss of signal in a given area.
To avoid this, place the router in a central location in the home to provide even signal strength to all area of the house. Place the router in a central location so that the signal does not have to travel through large obstacles to reach part of the house. Also, place the router away from appliances such as refrigerators to minimize signal interference.
If the signal strength of the WiFi connection is weak, several method can improve the signal. One method is to move the router to a better location in the home. This is a free way to improve the signal.
A second method is to implement a WiFi extender to increase the signal strength. However, using extenders will reduce the throughput on the network. A third method is to use a mesh system.
Mesh systems allow multiple node to broadcast the signal from the router throughout the home. Another method is to install a powerline kit. A powerline kit sends a signal through the electrical outlet in the home.
This signal will allow users to maintain the WiFi signal even if the wall of the home block the WiFi signal from the router. To implement these solutions, ensure that each area of the home has a consistent signal strength by walking from room to room. Additionally, use signal mapping application on the smartphone to determine weak spot in the WiFi signal throughout the home.