Question

WiFi signal strength - that's how it works

Answer 1

Determine the signal strength with the computer
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
Determine the signal strength on the smartphone with the Fritz! App WLAN
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
Video
Quick Start Guide: Determine Signal Strength Using a Computer
Brief instructions: Use the Fritz! App WLAN to determine the signal strength on your smartphone

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A good WiFi signal means faster and more comfortable surfing. But how do you determine the signal strength? We'll show you how it's done..

In most cases, an approximate WiFi signal strength can be determined using an internet-enabled mobile device. Your laptop or smartphone, for example, shows you a certain amount of WiFi reception. However, this indication is not particularly precise. An additional program for laptops or an app for the smartphone provide more precise measurement data.

Too little passage can also be caused by router problems . These problems can often be resolved with a router update. In another article we will show you how you can update your FritzBox.

• Determine the signal strength with the computer
• Determine the signal strength on the smartphone with the Fritz! App WLAN

Determine the signal strength with the computer

There are some programs that can read out the strength of wireless LAN for computers. This includes WirelessNetView. WiFi analyzer and Netspot . WiFi-Analyzer and now also WirelessNetView currently only exist for Windows. Alternatively, you can use Netspot - because this program works for both Windows-based devices and macOS systems. In our instructions we explain the process using WirelessNetView.

Incidentally, WirelessNetView is free and does not have to be installed . All you have to do is download and run the program. Follow our step-by-step instructions or take a look at the brief instructions ..

1st step:

Download WirelessNetView and unzip the file. Then open the program.

2nd step:

Right click your network name, then select Properties .

3rd step:

You will now be shown details. Under " Average Signal " you will find the average signal strength . The closer it is to 100% , the better. The maximum speed of your Internet connection is displayed under " Maximum Speed " .

Determine the signal strength on the smartphone with the Fritz! App WLAN

This app is available for both Android and iOS . However, it is still in the beta phase for iPhones . The functions are the same on both types of device. Follow our step-by-step instructions , the quick start guide or the explanatory video .

1st step:

Download Fritz! App WLAN for Android or iPhone and start the app. In the action bar of the smartphone you can see that the app is active. Then the Fritz! Logo and a WLAN symbol are shown there. Start a measurement by tapping on " Measure WLAN throughput ". Note: Before you can use the app, you will receive a brief introduction to the most important functions.

2nd step:

Your current connection strength and speed will now be displayed. If you tap on " Report " it will give you the details of the WiFi signal.

3rd step:

Here you can now read details , such as the average signal strength in dBm during the entire measurement. dBM stands for decibel milliwatts, and the closer the value is to 0 , the better the connection. A connection of -120 dBm is very bad, while a connection of -45 dBm is very good.

Video

Quick Start Guide: Determine Signal Strength Using a Computer

1. Download WirelessNetView and unzip the .zip file .
2. Start the program, right click on your network and select " Properties ".
3. Now you can see: The closer " Average Signal " is to 100%, the better the signal.
4. You can see the maximum WLAN speed under " Maximum Speed ".

Brief instructions: Use the Fritz! App WLAN to determine the signal strength on your smartphone

1. Download Fritz! App WLAN for Android or iPhone and open the app. You may have to watch a short tutorial that introduces you to the most important functions of the app.
2. Tap on " Measure WiFi throughput ".
3. If you tap on " Report " you will be given a detailed summary of the measured signal. The signal strength is displayed in dBM.
4. The closer it is to 0 , the better. So values ​​of -100 dBm are not particularly good, while values ​​of -50 dBm indicate a strong signal.

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