by Whether you are using a wireless router or range extender like Netgear Extender firmware, poor signal strength can cause an unreliable and sluggish Internet connection. Thankfully, there are loads of methods to measure the signal strength of your wireless connection. The best ones from them are given below. Check them out.
Before going forward, let’s tell you about wireless signal strength. It is measured in dBm or decibel milliwatts and expressed only as negative values. dBm scales in logarithmic instead of linear manner. In case you are performing simple tasks such as scanning barcodes, sending emails or browsing the web, the signal strength should be -70dBm. However, -65dBm is great for higher-throughput applications such as streaming videos and voice over IP.
That was all you need to know about network power. Without further ado, let’s get to know that how users can evaluate signal strength.
- Using a smartphone or tablet
Every smartphone with Internet capability includes a tab in settings which shows your signal strength. For instance, you can go to settings > WiFi > network to see the same on Android. On the other hand, if you own an iOS device, head over to settings > WiFi.
One can also download and install Netgear genie app on your device. It allows you to check out the power of your connection.
- WiFi locators
WiFi locators are specially intended for scanning RFs (radio frequencies) in local area as well as identifying signal strength of nearby routers. They can easily fit on a keychain and exist in form of small hardware devices.
In order to indicate power of your network in ‘bars’ units, these utilize between 4 to 6 LED lights. However, they only predict a connection’s potential rather than measuring the power of actual network. For example, if you are using a mywifiext.com, it can easily calculate the strength of network.
- Using the default operating system utility
Windows and other operating systems generally come with a default utility to keep an eye on wireless network connections. It is one of the best ways to get the job done.
In case you are using a newer Windows version, you will need to click on the network icon that you can find near the clock on taskbar. Once done, you will be presented with a list of networks. Here, you can see the wireless connection you’re connected to. To indicate the connection’s potential, there will be around 5 bars where five is the best while one indicates the poorest connection.
On Windows PC, head over to Control Panel and click on Network and Internet option. Next, right-click on your network connection and select either connect or disconnect to find the signal power.
- Using utility program of wireless adapter
Many manufacturers of notebook computers or WiFi network hardware offer their own applications to keep a check on potential of connection. These applications help users find their network’s signal strength. There will be zero to 100 percent quality of signals.
In this way, one can easily calculate the strength of signal whether you are using the access point or range extender like Netgear Extender Setup. Do you have any other method to do the same? If so, don’t forget to share them with your fellow readers via the comments section given below.
