wifi-v-distance-strength-testing

Publishing data from testing Wi-Fi vs distance signal strength testing

Why?

For years, I looked online for relational graphing of how Wi-Fi signal strength deteriated over distance. I was aware of Free Space Path Loss formula stating that it should be logarithmic, but I still had questions.

• How far from an access point can I connect to a 2.4 GHz access point? How does 5 GHz compare?
• How do I compare which signal will be stronger? for how far?
• How fast can these bands handle at different ranges?

I could never find anything besides "theoretical maximum"...

Reports/output

Take a look at charts and the source notebook to see the graphs.

Data

Raw data is stored in https://github.com/mshafer-ni/wifi-v-distance-strength-testing/data_files

Testing Methodology

1. A DIR-820L D-Link access point (AC1200 Dual Band - DIR-820LB1) was placed on the ground in an open park (powered by a Ryobi One+ 18V inverter)
2. A 200' tape measure was run out from the access point.
3. A Motorala Edge (2022) was used to run the Ubiquiti WiFiman app to take measurements.
4. The phone was placed with screen up, top-towards the the access point, on the ground, with the top at the measurement point.
5. The phone was given 10 Seconds to stabilize the reading
6. Numbers were hand recorded as they were reported until at least 5 reported values were all previously seen.

Visualization method

1. To plot the data from this recording method, the median value from each reading was plotted with the max(max(values) - median), median - min(values)) value used for error.

Observed issues

1. The app/phone updated more frequently if the network was connected; however, maintaining that connection was difficult. It may be good to repeat without connecting to the network.
2. As many as 7 other 2.4GHz networks could be seen at times (too far away to connect, although the desired access point was no longer the strongest observed signal beyond 150')
3. The Access Point chose channel 3. 4 of the observed other networks were on channel 3 as well (in conflict).