Distance is a factor that can greatly influence when connecting to Wi-Fi. However, it is not the only thing that influences. In this article, we are going to talk to you about why the wireless network could perform better in very remote areas, but very poorly in others very close to the router. We are going to explain what it can affect, as well as some tips to make the Wi-Fi connection work as well as possible.
You will see that there are other causes why a wireless network could start to go wrong. Not only the distance to the access point will influence, although it is important. Reviewing everything that may affect it will be essential to achieve good speed and great network stability.
Not only distance affects Wi-Fi
Keep in mind that what may be valid for one user may not be valid for another. For example, maybe you have a router, you connect at 10 meters and the connection is perfect, but another person, with exactly the same model, has problems connecting their devices. There may be interference, poor configuration, saturation…
Obstacles
The first reason, something essential, is the obstacles. You can have your router in one room and when you connect from another room very far away, see that the speed is adequate and there are no interruptions. Instead, you connect from another one that is closer and you begin to notice that the speed decreases or you cannot connect at all.
There may be obstacles in that closest room. For example, a thick wall, a wall on which you have a metal sheet, objects with material that can affect the signal, such as a mirror or various metal things, etc. Instead, that farthest room might receive a cleaner signal.
There is interference
There may also be interference. Even if you are very close to the router, the connection could go wrong due to interference that may affect it. For example, having devices that use Bluetooth, since they operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. The same goes for a cordless phone or even a microwave.
Instead, you may connect from far away, but in an area where there is no interference. The signal will reach better and you would have no problems connecting. That is why it is good to keep devices that could influence you away from those that you are going to connect to the network.
You are not using the correct band
Another reason that can affect, regardless of the distance, is whether or not to use the correct frequency. Most routers are dual band, which means you can connect to 2.4 and 5 GHz. Some even support 6 GHz. The first frequency, 2.4 GHz, is the one that goes the furthest, but it also offers less speed and is more sensitive to interference.
The 5 GHz, although it is faster, is more sensitive to obstacles. It could happen that you are close to the router, but you use this band and there are thick walls that prevent the signal from passing correctly. On the other hand, from a more distant location, you could be connected to 2.4 GHz.
Saturation
It may happen that you are close to the router, but there is great network saturation. This can happen for several reasons: there are too many devices connected to one frequency, generally 2.4 GHz, but also even your neighbors’ devices, which could have a negative influence.
Preventing excessive saturation will help you avoid problems with the Wi-Fi network. If you connect near the access point, and you notice that it is not working well, what you should do is check how many devices are connected and in what way. Changing the channel or band may be helpful.
In short, connecting next to the router will not always mean that the connection will be better. There are factors that could affect and compromise speed or stability, so acting correctly will be key.
