Note that these values are calculated indoors with no walls or floors between the router and the client device (laptop for example). We’ve picked threshold values as per the table above for the different performance levels RSSI (dBm) This table shows the values of RSSI versus distance from a Wi-Fi hotspot. Note that if there are any walls or other obstructions the range will be reduced even further and will be less than 200 feet. The maximum range based on the calculator is 60 meters or around 200 feet.Īt distances greater than this you will not be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network. What is the maximum range of a Wi-Fi network?īased on the table above, an RSSI value of lower than -90 dBm makes the network unusable. In the case of laptops there is the option to use a USB Wi-Fi dongle with an external antenna. In general however, antennas have a significant impact on performance. the antennas are embedded within the device and the customer has no access to them. In laptops and Wi-Fi devices like Sonos speakers, Ring, etc. To improve signal levels, reduce the number of obstructions and the distance between the Wi-Fi router and any client devices. Floors and walls also attenuate the signal level.

The access point typically puts out +20 dBm and the strength decreases exponentially with distance. Note that the RSSI value is a negative number. Use this calculator to convert from dBm to Watt. What is dBm?ĭBm is the power in dB referenced to one milliwatt. The impact is specified in the third column. Levels in the first column will result in the performance level indicated in the second column. Might work but will have issues with streaming and dropped connection RSSI (dBm)Īdequate for streaming although you might have issues with interference in apartment buildings Here is a table that tells you what the level needs to be for good performance. The further away the device is from the Wi-Fi hotspot, the lower the value of RSSI.

RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator. What does RSSI value in a Wi-Fi network mean?

Wifi rssi level