[NFBCS] Wi-Fi Router replacement Advice

[Chris Nestrud]

For iOS, AirPort Utility will show signal strength of any wireless AP:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/airport-utility/id427276530

For Windows, WifiInfoView is accessible:

https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html

Chris

On Mon, Nov 16, 2020 at 04:04:59PM -0600, charles.vanek--- via NFBCS wrote:
> Thanks Brian, I did not attempt analyzing the Wi-Fi channel usages.  Do you
> have an app suggestion that's accessible?  I did test signal strength using
> an iPhone app and do know the 2.4ghz band is being used on all devices in
> the far reaches of the house, that combined with devices (like Ring) which
> are only utilizing 2.4ghz I do think is the problem. 
> 
> I did end up ordering the Eero Pro 6 to give it a test as I'm pretty
> positive if I get 5ghz in range of every point in the house the 2.4ghz band
> will be less crowded.  That's not to say I couldn't extend the Nighthawk
> too.  
> 
> I'll give a product review once it's up and running.  Currently they are
> backordered so hope to receive by Thanksgiving.
> 
> Fingers crossed,
> Charles
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brian Buhrow <buhrow at nfbcal.org> 
> Sent: Monday, November 16, 2020 2:42 AM
> To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: charles.vanek at gmail.com; buhrow at nfbcal.org
> Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Wi-Fi Router replacement Advice
> 
> 	Hello.  I suggest the Night Hawk.  It's been around a while, seems
> to work well with screen readers, and has pretty good support.  Remember
> that the lower the radio frequency, the further distance the signal travels,
> as well as the less speed you need, the lower signal strength you need.
> Another suggestion, before you replace your old router again, I'd take a
> laptop of yours and do a scan of the radio frequencies in your house with
> your wireless turned off, particularly in the 2.4GHZ band.  Then, when
> you've figured out which of the channels is the least crowded, set your old
> router to use that channel.  Remember, that in the 2.4GHZ band, only
> channels 1, 6 and 11 are completely isolated from each other.  So, if you
> have a bunch of stuff in channels 1,3 and 4 that's visible to you when your
> radios are off, but 7,8 and 9 are pretty clear, then choose channel 11.
> If your neighbors are using some of all channels, then pick the least
> crowded of 1, 6 or 11 and try that.  that might just get you what you need
> without having to lay out anymore cash.
> -Brian
> 
> 
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