WLAN test: measure signal strength - how it works

Depending on where you are in the house, the WiFi reception is better or worse. With a test you can measure the signal strength and optimize the location of your router if necessary. You can find out how to do this in this practical tip.

WLAN test: measure the signal strength of the router - how it works

The signal strength of the router can be greatly reduced by numerous sources of interference. This can be water pipes as well as other electrical devices that are close to the router. You can use a small tool to test whether you have placed your router in the best possible way:

1. You can test the WiFi signal strength relatively easily with the free Ekahau HeatMapper tool.
2. The best way to install HeatMapper is on your notebook because you have to go through all the rooms for the WLAN test.
3. Before you start the test, scan an apartment or house floor plan and save it as a JPEG. Alternatively, you can create a small floor plan yourself.
4. As soon as you have started the HeatMapper, you will be shown all WLAN networks whose signals you are receiving more or less well.
5. After you have checked that your WLAN network is also displayed, left-click on your current location.
6. Then slowly run through all the rooms in your apartment. Press the left mouse button at each new location.
7. When you have finished your tour, click the right mouse button.
8. HeatMapper now shows you the signal strength of all routers in the room. To see the signal strength of your own router of interest, move your mouse over it.
9. In a picture gallery we have clearly shown the individual steps of WLAN optimization.

If the WiFi signal strength at your workstation is still not enough despite subsequent optimization of the router location, a repeater could be the solution.