- Signal strength is a key component of WiFi connectivity and having a weak signal could result in call dropouts, slower speeds, longer load times, and an unstable connection.
- There’s a limit to how far a WiFi signal can reach—the farther it goes, the weaker it gets. This is called path loss. It can be likened to the sound of your voice, which becomes weaker the farther it travels.
- Several factors can directly affect the range and coverage of your WiFi signal. These include the router type, the type of 802.11 protocol used, physical obstructions, and radio signal interferences that are possibly present in the surrounding area.
How many times have you experienced taking your laptop to another room to take up a call or continue your work, only to find that you’re out of the WiFi range or having a weak signal?
While home WiFi plans have brought many conveniences in life-changing the way we live and work and enabling us to connect to the Internet without being restricted to one location with a wired connection, it also limits how far it can reach. Signal strength is a key component of WiFi connectivity and having a weak signal could result in call dropouts, slower speeds, longer load times, and an unstable connection.
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s necessary to determine where your connection is underperforming to understand how you can address the issue.
How Far Does a WiFi Signal Travel?
As you may have realised a long time ago, there’s a limit to how far a WiFi signal can reach—the farther it goes, the weaker it gets. This is called path loss. It can be likened to the sound of your voice, which becomes weaker the farther it travels.
Several factors can directly affect the range and coverage of your WiFi signal. These include the router type, the type of 802.11 protocol used, physical obstructions, and radio signal interferences that are possibly present in the surrounding area.
Type of Router
The router you use has a direct influence on the strength of your WiFi signal. So does the frequency band at which it operates. For example, routers that use the traditional 2.4 Ghz band have farther reach, potentially reaching up to 150 ft. of distance indoors and 350 ft. outdoors. Meanwhile, the 5.0 Ghz has a narrower range but will most likely deliver more reliable speeds over a shorter distance.
Overall, the 2.4 Ghz band has a farther reach but is slower. 5.0 Ghz bands, on the other hand, are more susceptible to physical obstructions and radio interference but are the way to go if you’re after faster speeds. Using a dual-band router that supports both these bands just makes sense if you’re looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Type of 802.11 Protocol
The technology used for your router can also affect your WiFi’s reach. For example, routers with 802.11b classification—the first WiFi standard—support the lowest data rate and narrowest bandwidth. It means while they deliver the lowest speeds, they also offer the best range. It’s contrary to the latest 802.11ac standard that provides the highest throughput but at the expense of coverage.
If you’re experiencing slow speeds, call dropouts or video lags, your old modem may also be to blame. In this case, you should consider getting a new modem.
Physical Obstructions
A WiFi signal also weakens every time it encounters a physical obstruction. This can be anything from brick walls, metal frames, or concrete floors. Even your appliances can cause electronic interference and all these can reduce the network’s range by as much as 25%. This explains why WiFi networks have shorter indoor ranges as there are generally fewer walls and other forms of obstructions outdoors.
How to Improve Your WiFi Signal
Whatever the reason for your trouble getting a solid, reliable WiFi signal in some parts of your home, a WiFi extender could be a practical solution for you. Also called a WiFi repeater, this device can extend your network’s coverage area by amplifying the signal from your existing WiFi. As a result, it reduces the path loss from the original router, resulting in a more reliable network in any area of your home.
OF course, if you’re looking to bump up your WiFi speed, you should also look into switching to a new internet provider or upgrading your existing plan. Check out some of the plans available today from the most reliable internet service providers in Australia at Compare Broadband. Compare to discover the best option for you by using our online comparison tools.
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