![]() The first graph shows the averages from the tests for each configuration. I will be moving either AP1 or AP4 to a different 5GHz channel, they are both currently on “Auto” setting for 5GHz channel selection. Note: AP1 is approximately 1m away from the Pi under test, under the desk the Pi was sitting on. Access PointĪpple Airport Express (802.11n 2nd Generation)Īpple Airport Extreme (802.11n 5th Generation) A simple description of WiFi signal strength can be found here. Measurements of WiFi signal strength use dBm (0 to -100), closer to zero is better. There are other APs visible to the Pi from neighbouring houses, but we’re not going to worry about those here. The command is repeated 5 times for each test configuration. I run an ssh session into the Pi and use the command: sudo iwlist wlan0 scan to list all the APs the Pi can currently see and record the WIFi signal strength of each of my APs the Raspberry Pi 4 can see from where it resides on my office desk. With the Pi 4 housed in each enclosure, connected via both WiFi and Ethernet. I’d like to replace this with some Ubiquiti PoE access points at some point in the future, but that’s for another day.Įach Pi test configuration was positioned in the same place, tests were then conducted as close together as practically possible to avoid influence from atmospherics and other external sources Testing method This setup came to be after eventually deciding to standardise on one manufacturer to aid with device roaming between AP. 2 x Apple AirPort Express (802.11n 2nd generation), 1 x Apple AirPort Extreme (802.11n 5th generation) and 1 x Apple AirPort Extreme (802.11ac). My home is probably an atypical setup, with the home WiFi coverage provided by 4 dual (2.4Ghz & 5Ghz) access points. I’d wanted to follow on from my post looking at the impact on cooling from different cases by examining their impact on WiFi signal strength.īluetooth testing is out of scope. Whilst I only have a small number of different cases to test with. The 5 GHz signal doesn’t extend as far as a 2.4 GHz, but it has more options to bypass interference problems.Note: You may want to check out a more recent article I wrote on WiFi performance: Raspberry Pi WiFi Performance Revisited (Feb 2021)įollowing a comment from Geir on a previous blog post, where he asked if the metal enclosures which may help assist in cooling the hot Pi 4, could impact WiFi signal strength. When doing so, look for one that supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals. If your router is older, it might be time to upgrade. ![]() If you have plaster walls, consider moving the router as close to the center of the home as possible. Either your walls are very thick and dense, or your router is old and unable to broadcast very far. If you step a room or two away from the router and find you’re quickly losing the signal, it’s time to consider the age of your router and its placement. Check for interference, consider changing channels, or upgrade to a router that supports 5 GHz (or even 6Ghz) if your current one doesn’t. ![]() For instance, if you can reach the edges of your home and still see a 60 dBm signal (or most of the bars), then any issues you’re having aren’t Wi-Fi-strength related. ![]() Once you know how strong your network is, you’ll have a better idea of what to do to improve it. You’ll see dBm measurements in the RSSI entry. Hold the option key and click on the Wi-Fi symbol. On Mac, you don’t need to download any program or app if you want to measure the connected network. Like on a Mac and iPhone, you’ll find dBm measurements listed under the RSSI entry. Just unzip and double-click the EXE file. The program is free, easy to use, and doesn’t require installation. In the past, we recommended NirSoft’s WifiInfoView to inspect Wi-Fi channels, and it also gets the nod for checking Wi-Fi strength. RELATED: How to Generate a Wi-Fi History or WLAN Report in Windows 10 Windows 10 and 11 don’t have a built-in way to view precise signal strength, although the netsh wlan show interface command gives you your signal strength as a percentage. ![]()
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