Imagine you're in a heated online game with your friends. And just as you're about to deliver the final blow, your screen freezes. You're left wondering if you won or lost. But your frustration turns to anger when you realize the problem is not your skills but your WiFi signal. 
We've all been there, and it's not a fun place to be. Whether watching your favorite show, video calling your partner or browsing the web, a good WiFi signal strength is very important for a smooth online experience. 
This article will comprehensively tell you what a good WiFi signal strength is. So, grab a drink, put on your favorite playlist, and let's dive into the world of WiFi!
What is a Good WiFi Signal Strength?

What is the Evaluation Standard of WiFi Signal Strength?

There's a catch. How do I say this is a good or lousy WiFi signal? So here are two standards for evaluating WiFi signal strength. WiFi signal strength is usually measured by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
The RSSI measures the power level of the received WiFi signal, usually expressed in decibels (dB). A higher RSSI indicates a stronger signal. Generally, a good WiFi signal strength is between -70 and -30 dB. At -70 dB, the WiFi signal is good enough for web browsing, email, and social media. At -30 dB, the signal is considered excellent and is suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming and online gaming. A signal strength below -80 dB may indicate the poor signal quality or a lost connection. 
The SNR, which is also measured in dB, is the difference between the strength of the signal received and the level of the background noise. While RSSI measures only the signal strength, SNR also considers the noise and interference levels in the environment. A higher SNR value indicates a stronger signal and better signal quality. For example, for reliable data transfer speeds, the SNR needs to be at least 20 dB, and if it is less than 20 dB, it is considered a weak signal.
However, it's important to note that these ranges can vary depending on the specific device or software used to measure them. In order to get accurate results, the following will explain how to measure your WiFi signal strength.

How to Measure Your WiFi Signal Strength?

You might be asking, do you really need to measure your WiFi signal strength?
Of course!
Measuring WiFi signal strength can help troubleshoot your wireless network issues. There are several tools you can use to measure your WiFi signal strength. 
One of the easiest ways is to check the signal strength icon on your device. For example, if you are using a Windows laptop, you can hover your mouse over the WiFi icon in the taskbar to see the signal strength in dB.
What else?
You can also download a WiFi analyzer app on your phone or laptop, providing more detailed information about your WiFi signal strength. These apps can show you the strength of the WiFi signal in different areas of your home, as well as any interference that may be affecting the signal.
In addition, different devices may display WiFi signal strength differently, and the measurement may not always be 100% accurate. But these methods should give you a general idea of the strength of your WiFi signal on different devices. Why is there such a big difference in the strength of different WiFi signals? Read on to find out.

What Factors Affect WiFi Signal Strength?

Let me clarify: WiFi signal strength will be affected by many external factors. Some of the most common factors include the following:

1. Distance: The further you are from your wireless router, the weaker your signal strength will be.
2. Obstacles: Physical objects such as walls, floors, and ceilings can interfere with your WiFi signal and weaken it.
3. Interference: Other devices that operate on the same frequency as your WiFi network can cause interference and weaken your signal. For example, microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices can cause interference.
4. Router location: The placement of your wireless router can also affect signal strength. Placing it in a central location in your home or office can help ensure better coverage.
5. Numbers of devices: The number of devices connected to your WiFi network can also impact the signal strength. The more devices connected, the more bandwidth is used, which can cause slower speeds and weaker signal strength.
6. WiFi hardware: The quality of your WiFi router and the wireless network card in your device can also impact the signal strength. Older or low-quality hardware may not be able to provide as strong a signal as newer, high-quality hardware.

Understanding these factors can help you optimize your WiFi network. After knowing so much, are you wondering how to address these factors to improve your WiFi signal strength? Let me tell you!

How to Improve Your WiFi Signal Strength?

You absolutely can't miss this, and here are some tips to improve your WiFi signal strength:

1. Move your WiFi router. The closer your WiFi router is to your devices, the stronger the signal will be.
2. Remove obstructions. Move any objects obstructing the signal, such as furniture or walls, to improve the signal strength.
3. Reduce interference from other devices. Move other electronic devices, such as microwaves or cordless phones, away from the router to reduce interference.
4. Use a WiFi extender. A WiFi extender can amplify the signal and extend its range, allowing you to get a stronger signal in previously dead spots.
5. Limit the number of devices on the network. If too many devices are using the network at the same time, the bandwidth can become limited, leading to slower performance.
6. Change the channel. If many devices in your area use the same WiFi channel, it can cause interference. You can try changing the channel to see if it helps improve your signal.
7. Update your WiFi router's firmware. Router manufacturers often release updates that can help improve performance and signal strength.

In today's world, a strong and reliable WiFi connection is essential for staying connected and productive. Following these tips will improve your WiFi signal strength and get the most out of your network. 

Conclusion

To sum up, you can ensure your network performs well by understanding a good WiFi signal strength. Using tools to measure your signal strength or changing your router's location and so on, you can ensure that you have a good WiFi network.
With a strong WiFi signal, you can enjoy faster browsing, smoother streaming, and a better online experience. What are you waiting for, get a WiFi extender now!

Last updated on Apr 03, 2023
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