Troubleshooting WiFi Performance Issues Despite Full Signal Bars

Zyxel_Jami

It's common to see full WiFi signal bars on your device but still experience slow speeds, high latency, or packet loss. While full signal bars generally indicate strong signal strength (RSSI), they don't always reflect other critical factors like interference, channel congestion, or actual data throughput that can significantly impact your wireless experience. This often leads to confusion when users expect good performance but encounter degradation.

• Why does performance degrade despite full WiFi bars?
  • Interference and Obstacles: In areas like kitchens, electronic devices (e.g., microwave ovens, Bluetooth peripherals) can introduce significant interference, especially on the 2.4 GHz band. Additionally, physical obstacles like thick walls, metallic structures, or mirrors can cause signal reflection or attenuation (multipath distortion), degrading actual performance even if the AP is nearby.
  • Weak Signal Strength: Even with a seemingly good connection, the actual received signal strength (RSSI) at the client device might be weaker than optimal. Our analysis indicates that optimal wireless performance typically requires an RSSI better than -65 dBm. Values between -70 dBm to -80 dBm are generally considered weak and can lead to an inconsistent user experience.
  • Client-Side Issues: Sometimes, the issue might be specific to the client device itself, though this is less likely if multiple devices experience the same problem.
• How can I diagnose the problem?
  • Verify Signal Strength on Nebula:
    • Go to Client > Client List on the Nebula platform.
    • Locate the affected client and verify which AP it is connected to and its corresponding signal strength. Aim for better than -65 dBm.
  • Test with Another Device: Try testing with a different client device (STA) in the problematic area to determine if the issue is specific to one device or widespread.
    
• What are the recommended solutions and optimizations?
  • Deployment Recommendations:
    • Reposition existing APs: Adjust the placement of current APs to improve signal distribution and coverage, especially in identified problematic zones.
    • Install an additional AP: If repositioning is not feasible due to structural or wiring constraints, consider adding an extra AP in the weak signal area to significantly enhance coverage.