Techchizkid already covered a lot, but let me throw in my two cents. If you’re finding your connection slow or randomly dropping, it might not just be signal strength. Sometimes it’s about interference or even outdated hardware.
Now, while NetSpot (https://www.netspotapp.com) is pretty comprehensive and shows you detailed heat maps, and even points out interference sources, there’s some other fun stuff to consider.
Check out inSSIDer—it’s a really fantastic piece of software for both Mac and Windows. It’s quite user-friendly, and it’ll let you see the strength of your WiFi access points. It’s excellent for detecting co-channel and adjacent channel interference, which can be as big an issue as signal strength. The downside? The free version is pretty limited, but even the basic info it provides can be super helpful.
Pros for inSSIDer:
- Channel Visualization: Helps you see if nearby networks overlap with yours, which is essential for channel planning.
- Ease of Use: Straightforward interface that provides quick insights.
Cons:
- Subscription Model: Some advanced features require a subscription.
- Basic Free Tier: Limited functionality unless you pay up.
Also, the good ol’ built-in signal meters in your device shouldn’t be overlooked. On a Windows PC, run cmd and type netsh wlan show interfaces to see a quick signal strength value without needing additional apps. macOS users, hold the “Option” key while clicking the WiFi icon to get the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) and noise data.
Another gem you might want to try is Wireshark. It’s more advanced and meant for packet analysis, but seeing what’s happening on your network at a packet level can sometimes shed light on issues. People underestimate how interference from non-WiFi devices like cordless phones, baby monitors, and even microwaves can mess things up, and tools like Wireshark can help you diagnose these.
One often overlooked tip: firmware! Sometimes updating your router’s firmware can fix weird bugs. It’s surprising how many people overlook this step. Also, consider upgrading to a dual-band router if you’re not already on one. Using the 5GHz band where possible can dramatically reduce interference since it’s less crowded than the 2.4GHz band.
Oh, and if you’re stuck with weird dead zones even after moving the router, try a WiFi mesh system like Google Nest WiFi or Eero. They’re designed to eliminate those weak spots by using multiple nodes strategically placed around your house.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that sometimes the ISP itself can be the culprit. Running a speed test at different times can reveal if the issue is with your connection speed rather than the WiFi signal.
So, don’t just look at signal strength—consider the broader picture. NetSpot and others can give you a lot of info, but remember to factor in all the variables to get a comprehensive understanding of what might be going wrong.