Getting poor or no Signal on a wireless router due to physical obstructions and interference
Low or poor wireless signal is mainly caused by the following major factors:
- Physical Obstructions
- Interferences
Physical Obstructions
Wireless networks are susceptible to obstructions that may lead to low signal connection. Often, the signal gets reflected, refracted or absorbed by the obstruction.
Common obstructions are:
- Cabinets
- Mirrors
- Glasses
- Metal objects
- Thick walls and ceilings
If you have any of these objects between your wireless adapter and access point/router, consider relocating your access point/router somewhere high or in an elevated area to get around the obstruction.
| Wireless Technology | Wireless Range |
| SRX and/or SRX400 | 3x than Wireless-G |
| SRX200 | 2x than Wireless-G |
| Wireless-A (802.11a) | 25-75 feet |
| Wireless-N | 4x than Wireless-G |
Interferences
Neighboring wireless networks or any appliance that operates on the same frequency as your wireless device (e.g. 2.4 GHz) may cause interference affecting your wireless connection and signal.
Common sources of interference are:
- Neighboring wireless networks
- Microwave ovens
- 2.4 GHz cordless telephones
- Bluetooth devices
- Wireless baby monitors
To resolve this, change the wireless channel on your access point/router.
NOTE: preferred wireless channels to use are 1, 6 and 11 since they’re considered non-overlapping channels.