WIFI signals are radio waves which establish communication and transfer data between devices. These devices may include computers, mobile phones, tablets or network routers. This allows wireless devices to access the Internet without requiring to be cabled to the router.

The radio waves which make up WIFI signals use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. These are higher than the frequencies used for televisions or cell phones and allow more data to be carried than do the lower frequencies.

WIFI signals use IEEE 802.11 networking standards when transmitting data. There are several different varieties of the protocol that are used, and they will vary in frequency, modulation, type of wireless signal, type of receiver and transmitter, and type of antenna.

Like all wireless technology, WIFI signals are subject to local influence and interference. Things that can obstruct WIFI signals include dense building materials (stone, rocks, metal, etc.), reflective building materials (mirrors, chrome, etc.), intense heat and lack of ventilation, microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless speakers, garage door openers, and even your neighbor’s router. It’s important to factor this in when determining the best router placement for your needs. For example, placing the router in a closet or attic can immediately cause the WIFI signal to weaken before it ever reaches a device.

Signal strength is represented in -dBm format. This is the power ratio in decibels (dB) of the measured power referenced to one milliwatt, with lower numbers being of a higher signal (Ex. -61 is a better signal than -80). The device receiving the wireless signal has a range of power levels it can “hear”, known as the receive sensitivity. As a wireless receiver moves away from the router, the signal it “hears” will get weaker. With more distance between the device transmitting the WIFI signal and the device receiving the WIFI signal, the weaker the signal will be until it eventually “falls off” the wireless network.

The strength of the WIFI signals throughout the internal network’s coverage area directly impacts your ability to use your devices efficiently. Desired signal strength, for optimal performance, varies based on several factors, such as environmental background noise, the number of people or devices on the network, what the desired data rates are, what applications are being used, etc. The stronger the signal strength, the more reliable and faster the connection will be.

The best way to check the coverage of WIFI signals within the home and to understand where the signal strength is the strongest or weakest is to use a heat map. Heat maps are a great way to determine where extenders and mesh units should be placed to maximize wireless coverage. Many devices come with a built-in application for creating a heat map or one can be found by doing a basic web search for a heat map generator. Heat maps can also be created manually by moving from room to room with a wireless device and documenting the signal strength relative to the router in each location.