- It is important to know the intensity of a WiFi signal because, based on that, we can verify that we are receiving the service for which we paid, or if someone steals our bandwidth.
- An interesting fact is that we have the possibility of knowing this data in many possible ways, starting with the computer, but also going through mobile devices, both iOS and Android
You probably already know this based on bad experiences, but the truth is that knowing how to check the intensity of a WiFi signal at home is essential to take advantage of the service 100%, and claim if something is not working as it should. In the end, if lately we notice that web pages take time to load, or that the Internet in general is a bit slow, it is very possible that there is a serious problem, and that we can do something to solve it ..
That said, we are going to analyze a little what are the main causes of a poor WiFi network, how to detect it in time, and what are the tools we have to try to effectively improve it soon .
But why is WiFi signal strength important?
A stronger WiFi signal means a more stable, more reliable connection , which will give a better experience..
Now, its final records depend on a series of factors, such as the distance from the router, if we are talking about 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz connections, and even the materials from which the walls of the house are made.
A weaker signal, on the other hand, leads to slower speeds, dropouts, and even dropouts . When you notice these problems, you immediately have to check if the problem is with the strength of your WiFi..
How to know the intensity of your WiFi quickly?
To check the strength of your WiFi, the first thing you should do is look at the device that is having problems. Whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, Android, MacOS or Windows PC, it has its WiFi connection indicator. The more filled the icon appears, generally, the better the signal quality .
If you have several devices, especially when they are mobile, you can move around the house, checking what the intensity is in each environment. Probably away from the router you will notice that the intensity drops quite a bit .
You must create a record about which are the places in your house where the connection is worst, to see if they coincide with those that are farthest from the router, or those that have the most walls on the way to it .
And how to find out more details about your WiFi network?
Well, the least you will expect is that your network has the range of a typical WiFi, and the above data may not be enough. Don't worry, because there are applications that allow you to have even more information .
On a mobile device, you can use the Airport Utility app for iPhone and iPad or Wifi Analyzer for Android.
All you have to do is download them, install them, open them, and have them scan your WiFi strength . After a few seconds of analysis, they will show you all kinds of details that could be very useful to you.
For computers running Windows 10 and earlier, a good program is WifiInfoView .
What can be done to improve WiFi signal strength?
If you have confirmed with any of the previous methods that your WiFi signal is below what it should be, then you have to know that there are some possible solutions, tips to improve the coverage of your network.
You have to do tests , as if the quality of your network deteriorates as you move away from the router. You should also check if your router accepts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connectivity , because although the latter has a shorter range, it will give you new tools to avoid interference .
If your home is too big, and not even a WiFi repeater helps you, then it is better to consider the possibility of developing Mesh networks , which increase the signal in all spaces, with additional advantages such as automatic firmware updates and guest networks.
Unfortunately, there is no single efficient solution to increase the WiFi signal suitable for all homes. Many times it is about that, trial and error until you find the option that improves things.
If none of that is enough, you should check if someone is connected to your WiFi network illegally.
