Need advice on conducting a wireless survey!

I’m trying to conduct a wireless survey for optimal WiFi placement in my home. The signal strength is weak in some areas and I need to figure out the best locations for access points. Any suggestions on tools or methods to use for this? Thanks!

First off, you’re on the right track wanting to do a wireless survey – it’ll really help pinpoint where that Wi-Fi signal fades out. Here’s how you can go about it:

  1. Use software: You’ll need a solid Wi-Fi survey tool. I highly recommend NetSpot

    (you can check it out here: https://www.netspotapp.com). It’s user-friendly and does a fantastic job mapping out Wi-Fi strength throughout your home. It gives you heatmaps showing signal quality which really makes it clear where things are falling short.

  2. Get the layout right: Before you start, grab a floor plan of your home. If you don’t have one, sketch something simple. You’ll input this into NetSpot or whatever tool you choose so it can overlay the signal data over your actual home layout.

  3. Placement is key: When you start using NetSpot, it’ll prompt you to walk around your house with your laptop or device, recording signal strengths in various spots. Pay extra attention to those weak zones and any barriers like thick walls or floors. You might find the signal drops behind certain obstacles.

  4. Analyze the results: Once the survey is complete, look at the heatmap to identify dead spots and areas with weak signals. You’ll probably see that signal strength fades the farther you get from your router or access point.

  5. Adjust and repeat: Based on what you find, try repositioning your router or adding additional access points in those weak zones. Sometimes even small adjustments, like moving the router higher or positioning it more centrally, can make a big difference. Then, repeat the survey to see if the changes have improved coverage.

  6. Think about obstacles: Wi-Fi signals can get blocked by thick walls, metal objects, or even large furniture. Try to keep your router in an open space and away from heavy obstructions.

  7. Consider Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems: If moving the routers doesn’t work, consider getting Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network system. Mesh systems are particularly good because they make sure you get a strong signal everywhere by using multiple nodes working together.

  8. Channel interference: Sometimes the issue can be interference from other networks or devices. Use the survey tool to see if there are better channels you can switch your network to avoid this interference.

  9. Regular upkeep: Signals can fluctuate over time due to various factors, so it’s not a bad idea to do these surveys periodically to ensure you’re always getting the best possible coverage.

By going through these steps, you’ll figure out the best spots for your access points and improve your overall Wi-Fi coverage.

Hope this helps!

1 Like

Adding to what @codecrafter already mentioned, there are a couple more nuances you might want to consider. First off, let’s talk about your environment—electrical appliances and other wireless devices can interfere significantly with your Wi-Fi network. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors… they can all mess things up. Keep the router away from large metal objects and those kinds of devices.

If you’re a bit into tech DIY, you might even wanna measure electromagnetic interference in different areas of your home. There are apps like WiFi Analyzer (android) or Apple’s AirPort Utility that allow you to see which channels are overcrowded. You can switch your router to a less congested channel to reduce interference.

Let’s not forget about your neighbors’ networks. Use a tool like NetSpot again (seriously it’s a good piece of software you can get here: https://www.netspotapp.com) to see the list of networks around you. If a lot of them are on the same channel, think about switching to a different one. Most routers let you manually select the channel in the settings.

If you’re into a bit of hardware upgrading, consider changing your router. Older routers may not have the same range or capabilities that newer models do. Look for something that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, like Wi-Fi 6.

But remember: not all Wi-Fi extenders are created equal. They can sometimes halve your bandwidth because they’re repeating the signal. A better option might be a Mesh Wi-Fi System. These systems use multiple units working together to extend the range effectively without the bandwidth penalty.

Another way to think about it: Ethernet cables still have their place even in 2023. If possible, run some Ethernet to those tricky spots and set up secondary access points. This can help maintain a strong signal without the interference issues that come with wireless extenders.

Sometimes, the solution involves optimizing the settings in the router’s firmware. Look into enabling Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize network traffic. That’s especially useful if you have multiple users or devices taking up bandwidth with things like streaming or gaming.

For those tricky spots, especially in multi-level homes, consider Powerline adapters. They use your home’s electrical wiring to extend the network. They’re not as ideal as a direct Ethernet connection, but can be a decent middle ground.

Lastly, consider enabling or upgrading to 5GHz if you haven’t already. While it has a shorter range than 2.4GHz, it’s less prone to interference and offers higher speeds.

All in all, patience is key. It might take a bit of trial and error adjusting the placement of your router and access points, but it’s worth it for a seamless, fast connection in every corner of your home. Keep experimenting with different tools and hardware—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for Wi-Fi, but the tips above should definitely get you closer to a rock-solid network!

I see you’ve got some great advice from @byteguru and @codecrafter already, but there are a few other angles worth exploring in your quest to optimize Wi-Fi placement.

First thing’s first, while NetSpot is definitely a top-notch choice for WiFi surveying (and hey, the heatmaps do look pretty cool!), don’t forget about other tools like Ekahau HeatMapper, especially if you’re looking for a free alternative. Ekahau also offers powerful visualizations and can give you a good idea of where your Wi-Fi signal is faltering.

Moving on, something that I rarely see covered is the specific placement of additional hardware alongside your router—like USB Wi-Fi adapters with high-gain antennas. These adapters can act as mini extenders themselves, particularly useful in smaller homes where a full mesh system might feel like overkill.

Also, don’t underestimate the role of updating your router’s firmware. Some issues stem from outdated software, and newer updates often come with improved network performance and stability. Just head to your router’s admin settings, most often accessible via web browser, and look for the firmware update tab. It’s a step sometimes overlooked but can make a world of difference.

Now, if you’ve dabbled a bit in IoT and smart home devices, you might notice that sometimes these gadgets can disrupt Wi-Fi signal. In those cases, creating a separate SSID (network name) just for these devices can help reduce interference on your primary Wi-Fi network. Most modern routers allow you to set up multiple SSIDs without too much hassle.

One more thing, if you’re running into a lot of interference issues, especially in apartment settings where signals from a plethora of neighboring networks become a problem, consider switching to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). This new standard is particularly better at handling congested environments. Yes, it means getting a new router, but the improved performance can be well worth the investment. Plus, they tend to come with handy features like MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input, multiple output) which lets them serve multiple devices simultaneously with less lag.

About NetSpot – it’s solid, although remember no software is perfect. One downside is it sometimes struggles with recognizing all access points on larger, complex properties. Competitors like inSSIDer provide a more in-depth view of channel usage and signal-to-noise ratios, which can be crucial in dense urban settings. However, for the average home user, NetSpot’s ease of use and intuitive interface often outweigh these cons.

Lastly, a more unconventional approach: DIY signal reflectors. If you’re adventurous, create simple signal reflectors using aluminum foil and cardboard. Placing these behind the router can focus the signal in certain directions where you need it the most. It sounds quirky, but it’s a fun project with a surprisingly noticeable impact.

Oh, one more quick tip: Powerline adapters have improved greatly over the years. They let you use your home’s electrical circuitry to extend your network without all the signal degradation suffered by wireless extenders. Just plug one near your router and the other where you need better coverage; it’s practically plug-and-play.

It’s all about mixing and matching strategies that fit your specific situation. Every home is unique in its layout, construction materials, and interference sources. So keep tweaking, testing, and, most importantly, documenting your results to find that sweet spot where your Wi-Fi sings.