Understanding WiFi Signal
WiFi signal strength is measured in dBm. Values above -50 dBm are excellent. -50 to -60 dBm is good. -60 to -70 dBm is fair. Below -70 dBm is weak and causes issues. Signal drops with distance, walls, and interference from other electronics.
Channel Congestion
Routers broadcast on specific channels. Neighboring routers on the same channel cause interference. The 2.4 GHz band has channels 1, 6, and 11 that do not overlap. The 5 GHz band has many non-overlapping channels. Use a tool to find the least congested channel. Most routers auto-select, but manual selection often works better.
Optimizing Your WiFi
Place your router centrally. Elevate it off the floor. Keep it away from walls and metal objects. Switch to 5 GHz for speed. Use 2.4 GHz for range. Update your router firmware. Consider a mesh system for large homes. Use our DNS speed test to ensure your DNS is not adding delay.