How can I check my WiFi signal strength?

So I see @techchizkid has already laid out some pretty solid methods to check your WiFi signal strength. :+1:

I’d like to add a bit more context to spice things up a bit. One quick note – while they mentioned various apps and built-in tools, sometimes we overlook the environment stuff that literally obstructs our WiFi. Walls, metal objects, and even refrigerators can be major culprits. So a physical survey of your living space can sometimes reveal hidden issues.

Okay, let’s dive into a couple of complementary tips:

  • Bandwidth Hogs: Sometimes you might not even have signal issues but plain old bandwidth jam. Check if someone in your house is downloading huge files or streaming 4K content, as that can eat up a lot of your available bandwidth. Some routers have Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize certain devices or types of traffic.

  • Update Router Firmware: Outdated firmware can result in performance bottlenecks. Check your router manufacturer’s website for updates.

And a lil’ controversial twist here: I’d actually say some of the analyzer apps like “WiFi Analyzer” can be just as thorough as NetSpot, even though techchizkid mentioned it might not be as user-friendly. If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, these alternatives can be cost-effective.

What’s your ISP Speed?: Before you dive too deep into WiFi diagnostics, make sure it’s not your ISP bottlenecking you. Websites like speedtest.net give you a snapshot of your upload/download speeds. Compare this with what you’re paying for, and see if it matches up. Sometimes, the issue isn’t WiFi but ISP throttling or service problems.

Also, while not a diagnostic per se, a heavy dose of power cycling (aka turn off and turn back on) can sometimes literally remove the gremlins in your router. Don’t forget this simple trick.

Lastly, about that Mesh Network Solution: Again, slightly different from what techchizkid mentioned, if your signal strength is weak, consider not just any mesh systems, but specifically tri-band mesh systems. They often provide more stable and robust connections as one band is typically kept for the backhaul operations.

A note for visual learners: Check out NetSpot, like techchizkid noted. It’s capable of generating detailed heatmaps of your WiFi coverage. Imagine seeing a graphical representation of your WiFi zones; helps you see exactly where dead spots are. They provide a free version but if you’re serious about diagnosing this issue, the paid version is worth considering for more detailed features.

Happy troubleshooting!

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