apex innovation

Overview

To enhance wireless speed or range, it is recommended to consider the following common solutions:

1. Optimal placement
2. Device configuration optimization
3. Equipment upgrade

Scenario

Weak wireless signals, slow wireless speed, or limited range.

Causes

The most common factors affecting wireless signals include:

1.  Intrinsic Factors:

1.1  Transmission Distance:
Wireless devices operating in the 5GHz frequency band are more sensitive to obstacles. While this band offers clearer channels than the 2.4GHz band, the higher frequency results in a significant reduction in wireless signal strength and transmission within a smaller range.

1.2  Antennas:
Omnidirectional and directional antennas:
Omnidirectional antennas, similar to those found in household products like wireless routers or wireless ADSL2+ data modem routers, radiate horizontally in all directions, with weaker signals upward or downward, as illustrated in the diagram.

While directional antennas provide stronger signals in specific directions, they are typically used in high-power outdoor products. The signal amplification of directional antennas also increases with the coverage distance but comes with a decrease in the effective coverage angle. Generally, higher antenna gain values indicate better directional capabilities.

For directional antennas, they concentrate energy in a specific direction, with minimal energy at the back of the antenna. Please refer to below diagram.

This phenomenon becomes more pronounced after deploying high-gain antennas. Therefore, we recommend verifying precision in the horizontal direction to avoid potential signal loss.

1.3  Wireless Communication Performance:
The higher the transmission rate, the better the performance.

2.  External Factors:

2.1 Physical obstacles such as walls or partitions.
2.2 Other similar devices and sources like microwaves, cordless phones, or other technologies operating in the same frequency range as Bluetooth.
2.3 Multiple base stations or wireless routers operating on the same channel.
2.4 Placement of access points (AP) or wireless routers. It is advisable to position devices at higher locations to reduce obstruction.

Solutions

1.  Optimal Placement:

1.1  Antennas Should be Placed in the Optimal Position and Direction.
Deploy antennas in a good position and at the correct angle, ensuring your wireless devices are within the coverage range.

For multi-story wireless coverage, placing antennas at 45 degrees (diagonally) or 0 degrees (parallel to the floor) is more effective. As antennas consistently transmit weaker signals at the bottom, avoid placing wireless client devices at the bottom of TP-Link wireless routers or base stations.

1.2 Minimize External Interference:
Avoid physical interference within the wireless coverage area; each wall or ceiling can adversely affect wireless devices, especially those made of solid metal materials.

Keep your devices away from various electromagnetic noise sources that generate RF noise, such as microwaves, monitors, electric motors, printers, and fax machines.

2.  Device Configuration Optimization:

We recommend making corresponding configurations to avoid interference from other networks and RF devices.

3.  Equipment Upgrade:

If you desire immediate and noticeable improvements in wireless throughput, consider upgrading antennas or a combination of other wireless devices to enhance wireless transmission.

In crowded wireless environments, consider wired connections for stability.

Resource：

https://www.tp-link.com/tw/support/faq/468/