What is WiFi strength and why is it important?

WiFi strength refers to the signal strength of your wireless network. This determines how well your Calex device can connect to the network. A strong signal results in a stable and fast connection, while a weak signal can result in slow performance and frequent disconnections.

What does dBm mean?

dBm (decibels milliwatts) is a unit that expresses the strength of a radio frequency signal, such as WiFi. It indicates how powerful the signal your device is receiving is. dBm values are negative, where a higher (less negative) value means a stronger signal.

What are good dBm values for a strong WiFi signal?

The dBm values for a WiFi signal can vary, but here is a general guide:

-30 dBm to -50 dBm: Excellent signal.
-50 dBm to -60 dBm: Good signal.
-60 dBm to -70 dBm: Fair signal.
-70 dBm to -80 dBm: Weak signal.
-80 dBm to -90 dBm: Very weak signal, possibly no connection.

How can I check the WiFi strength in dBm?

There are several ways to measure WiFi strength in dBm:

Smart device settings in Calex Smart App:
Some smart devices display the signal strength they receive in the Calex Smart app. You can find this information in the device's settings.
Note that some devices show the signal strength in percent. You can recognize this by the absence of a minus sign (-) before the value shown.
WiFi analysis tools:
There are several apps available for your smartphone that provide detailed information about your WiFi signal, including dBm readings.

What can I do if my WiFi signal is weak?
Here are some steps you can take to improve your WiFi signal:

Move your router:
Place your router in a central location in your home, preferably high and free of obstacles.
Use an additional WiFi access point:
You can improve the coverage of your WiFi network by installing an additional Wi-Fi access point. Preferably do not use WiFi amplifiers or WiFi repeaters.
Reduce interference:
Electronic devices such as microwaves and baby monitors can interfere with your WiFi signal. Keep them away from your router.
Upgrade your equipment:
Consider purchasing a newer router with better signal capacity. You can also improve the coverage of your WiFi network by adding an additional WiFi access point or opting for a multiroom WiFi, also known as a WiFi mesh system.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networks?

2.4 GHz:
Has longer range but lower speed.
5 GHz:
Has smaller range but higher speed.

Most smart devices work only with 2.4GHz WiFi. The speeds offered by a 2.4GHz WiFi network are more than sufficient for these devices.
However, more and more Smart devices are appearing on the market that support both WiFi frequencies (Dual band). Check which WiFi frequency is supported by your Smart device.

What does it mean when my WiFi signal fluctuates?
Fluctuating WiFi signal can be caused by interference from other electronic devices, distance from the router, physical obstacles, or network congestion. You can try moving your router, updating the firmware, or selecting a different WiFi channel to improve stability.

Required WiFi signal by type of smart device

There is a difference in the minimum WiFi signal needed and the speed of the (Internet) connection for each type of smart device. For example, although a smart plug or a smart lamp need a good and stable signal, the connection does not need to be very fast. After all, a signal is only needed for turning the lamp on and off or adjusting the color. However, smart devices equipped with a camera, such as a smart video doorbell or a smart camera, require both a good and stable signal and a fast connection to stream the images.
Click here to learn more about WiFi problems with a smart device with camera.

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