Introduction
We all depend on WiFi – whether it’s for streaming your favorite shows, having a video call, or just browsing cat videos. That’s why it is very important to have a good, solid, WiFi connection. Bad WiFi can lead to endless buffering, dropped calls, and overall frustration. But how do you actually check your WiFi signal quality? This tech tip will teach you everything you need to know.
What is WiFi Quality?
WiFi quality isn’t just about a strong signal. It’s about the overall performance of your wireless network – think of it as a report card for your WiFi. Several components must work together smoothly, just like all subjects in school need good grades to pass. Key components include:
- Signal Strength: How strong is the signal?
- Speed: How fast can you download and upload?
- Latency: How long does data take to travel?
- Jitter: How consistent is that travel time?
- Loss: How much data is being lost and resent?
Regular checkups help you spot problems early.
Key WiFi Quality Metrics
Let’s dive a bit deeper into those key metrics. Think of them as the vital signs of your WiFi network:
Signal Strength (RSSI): Measured in decibels-milliwatts (dBm), this tells you how strong the signal is from your router or access point (AP). The closer to 0, the stronger the signal. So, -50 dBm is great, while -80 dBm is not so great.
- Download/Upload Speeds: Measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). This is probably what you care about most – how quickly can you start binge-watching that new series?
- Latency: Measured in milliseconds (ms). This is the delay between when you send a request (like clicking a link) and when you get a response. High latency can make your internet feel sluggish, even if your speeds are good.
- Jitter: Also measured in milliseconds (ms). It is all about consistency. High jitter means your latency is fluctuating a lot, which can cause problems with things like video calls and online games (imagine your character freezing every few seconds!).
- Packet Loss: Measures the amount of data that fails to reach the receiver, indicating an unstable connection that can disrupt communication.
| Metric | Unit | Description | Ideal Range (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Strength | dBm | Strength of the WiFi signal | -50 to -67 dBm |
| Download Speed | Mbps/Gbps | How fast data is received | 25 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | Mbps/Gbps | How fast data is sent | 3 Mbps |
| Latency | ms | Delay in data transfer | <50 ms |
| Jitter | ms | Variability in latency | <30 ms |
| Packet Loss | % | Percentage of data packets that are lost in transit | <1% |
Pro-Tip
The ideal range for most of the metrics provided above will depend on the type of applications you will be running and the number of devices that will be connecting to your network. For example, for 4K video streaming you will need Download speeds higher than 25 Mbps per stream. So, if you plan to stream two 4K videos at the same time your download speeds should be higher than 50 Mbps.
Common WiFi Quality Issues
Before talking about solutions, let’s look at some common WiFi problems:
- Interference: Other devices using radio waves (microwaves, Bluetooth) can disrupt your WiFi.
- Distance: The farther you are from the router or AP, the weaker the signal.
- Channel Congestion: WiFi channels can get crowded, like a busy highway.
- Hardware Limitations: An old device (router, AP, phone, tablet, etc.) might not support the latest WiFi standards.
How to Test and Improve WiFi Quality
Alright, time to put on your detective hat and start testing – and then, fixing! This section combines how to test with how to improve each metric, because knowing the problem is only half the battle. We also include common quality issues.
Signal Strength (RSSI)
- Testing: Use a network analyzer tool like the EtherScope nXG, AirCheck G3, or CyberScope to measure the signal strength (RSSI) in different locations. These tools will give you precise readings, unlike basic phone apps. Common issues are environmental obstacles, distance and hardware limitations.
- Improving: If your signal strength is weak (-70 dBm or lower), try these:
- Move your router or AP: Put it in a central and open location, free from obstructions like walls and furniture.
- Adjust antennas: If your router or AP has external antennas, try repositioning them.
- Add more access points: You could install more access points to increase the coverage, or use WiFi extenders.
- Upgrade your router or AP: Consider a newer router or AP model that supports the latest WiFi standards (like WiFi 6E or WiFi 7) for better range and performance.
Pro-Tip
Many times, WiFi signals from a router or AP don’t propagate the same way in all directions (they are not completely omni-directional). Because of that, when installing a home Wi-Fi router, don’t mount it on a high place. It’s better to install it about 2-3 feet from the floor (table height). When it comes to enterprise APs make sure to check the device specifications as they could be designed to be mounted on roofs, walls, or even under the floor.
Download/Upload Speeds
- Testing: You can use online speed test tools for a general idea. For more detailed analysis, NetAlly tools can run performance tests to show your actual local area network throughput. Common issues are interference, distance, channel congestion and hardware limitations.
- Improving: Slow speeds?
- Check for interference: Other electronic devices (microwaves, Bluetooth devices) can interfere with your WiFi signal. Try to minimize their use near your router or AP.
- A stronger signal and lower noise: This will increase your signal to noise ratio (SNR). An SNR of 25 dBm or higher is recommended for the best performance.
- Update your hardware: Because of technological limitations at the time they were made, older hardware won’t achieve higher speeds.
- Check your channel: Use a network analyzer like those from NetAlly to see if the WiFi channels you are using are overcrowded. If so, switch to a less congested channel.
| Activity | Required Speed | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps | |
| Web Browsing | 3-5 Mbps | 5-10 Mbps |
| Social Media | 3-5 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Video Calls & Conferencing | 3-5 Mbps | 10-20 Mbps |
| HD Streaming | 5-10 Mbps | 10-20 Mbps |
| Online Gaming | 3-6 Mbps | 25-35 Mbps |
| 4k Streaming | 25 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Pro-Tip
Online speed test tools are a great way to measure your internet access speeds, but when there is a problem, they won’t tell you if the problem is the internet access or your network.
Latency
- Testing: Network analyzers like those from NetAlly can measure latency, often using a ping test. Common issues are interference and channel congestion.
- Improving: High latency is often caused by network congestion.
- Reduce network traffic: Limit the number of devices using the network simultaneously, especially for bandwidth-intensive activities.
- Prioritize traffic: Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router or AP (if available) to prioritize latency-sensitive applications like video conferencing or online gaming.
- Check your channel: Overcrowded WiFi channels can increase your latency, too. If there are too many devices working on the same channel you are using, switch to a less congested one.
Jitter
- Testing: Similar to latency, network analyzers like those from NetAlly mentioned before can measure jitter. Common issues are interference and channel congestion.
- Improving: Jitter is also often related to network congestion and interference. The same steps to improve latency will often help with jitter, too.
Packet Loss
- Testing: With a network analyzer like those from NetAlly, you can measure if any packets got lost and how many times data transmissions had to be retried. A common issue are environmental obstacles, distance, and interference.
- Improving: Make sure your signal strength is stronger than -67 dBm and lower levels of interference.
- Increase your signal strength: Put your router or AP in a central and open location, install more APs or extenders, or reposition the antennas (if using external ones).
- Check for interference: Move sources of interference away from your router or AP. If that is not possible, try moving the router or AP away from the interferers.
Conclusion
Checking your WiFi quality is essential, and even more important: improving the quality. By understanding the key metrics, using the right tools and addressing common issues, you can identify problems and make sure your network is running smoothly. So don’t let bad WiFi ruin your day – take control and become the master of your wireless domain!
Ready to become a WiFi expert? Check out our network analyzer tools, like the EtherScope nXG, AirCheck G3, and CyberScope.
