How far does a Wi-Fi router's signal reach? We debunk the facts and myths.

Have you ever measured how far away from your router your phone or laptop loses its Wi-Fi connection? Most users rely on the manufacturer's stated range, such as "up to 100 meters," but in reality, the signal barely reaches the next room. Why does this happen? It's not a marketing ploy, but rather the physics of radio wave propagation and the specific features of your home.

In this article we will look at, What determines the actual range of Wi-Fi? (and not the one indicated on the box), as standards 802.11n, 802.11ac And 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) affect coverage, and why even the most powerful router might not be able to reach through two concrete walls. Plus, tests of popular models. TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX88U And Keenetic Giga in a typical city apartment.

Spoiler alert: if you live in a panel building, even a 20,000-ruble router won't provide a stable signal on your balcony through three walls. But there are ways to fix this—more on that at the end of the article.

1. Claimed vs. Actual Range: Why a Router Doesn't Strike 100 Meters

On the box of any router you'll see a label like "range up to 100 m" or "coverage up to 150 m²." These numbers are derived from ideal laboratory conditions: without interference, walls, furniture, or other devices. In reality, the range is affected by:

• 📶 Wi-Fi standard: 802.11n (up to 70 m indoors), 802.11ac (up to 100 m), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (up to 120 m under optimal conditions).
• 🏠 Wall material: plasterboard weakens the signal by 3–5 dB, brick by 10–15 dB, concrete by 20–30 dB.
• 📡 Frequency: 2.4 GHz passes through obstacles better, but is susceptible to interference; 5 GHz is faster, but does not “hit” through walls.
• 🔋 Transmitter power: in Russia, routers up to 100 mW (20 dBm) are permitted, in the EU – up to 20 dBm, in the USA – up to 30 dBm.

Example: router Xiaomi AX3600 In 5 GHz mode, the lab shows a 50-meter range, but in a two-room apartment with concrete walls, the signal barely reaches the bathroom (6-8 meters). But in a country house with wooden partitions, the same router has no problem reaching 20-25 meters.

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers often specify ranges for outdoor use. Indoors, these figures should be divided by 3–5. For example, "up to 100 m" on the box = 20–30 m indoors.

2. How Wi-Fi Standard Affects Range: Comparison of 802.11n, ac, and ax

The technical standard of the router determines not only the speed, but also maximum range of a stable signalHere's how things stand in 2026:

Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) has been officially approved in Russia since 2022, but its range indoors rarely exceeds 10–15 meters due to high signal absorption by walls. If you need maximum range, choose dual-band routers with support 802.11ac at 2.4 GHz.

Case Study: Router ASUS RT-AX86U (Wi-Fi 6) in 5 GHz mode in open areas shows 80 meters of stable signal, but in an office with plasterboard partitions the actual range is 15–20 meters.

3. 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Which Frequency "Hits" Further?

This is the most common question when choosing a router. The answer depends on your needs:

• 📱 2.4 GHz:

  ✅ Passes through walls better (long waves).

  ✅ Range up to 70–90 m indoors.

  ❌ Lots of interference from neighbors, microwaves, Bluetooth.

  ❌ Lower speed (up to 600 Mbps on 802.11n).

• 🚀 5 GHz:

  ✅ Higher speed (up to 3.5 Gbps on 802.11ac).

  ✅ Less interference.

  ❌ The signal is weakened by walls 2-3 times more.

  ❌ Range up to 30–50 m indoors.

If you need maximum coverage radius (for example, for a summer house or a large house), choose a router with support 2.4 GHz and technology Beamforming (directional radiation). For speed within one room - 5 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: Some devices (such as smart light bulbs) Xiaomi Yeelight or cameras TP-Link Tapo) only operate at 2.4 GHz. Before purchasing a router, check the requirements for your device.

How to check what frequency your smartphone supports?

Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings. If the list of networks includes something like "5G" or "5 GHz," your device supports that frequency. On an iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap the i next to the network] — the standard (802.11ac/ax) will be indicated there.

4. Real-world range tests: TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic

We tested popular routers in a typical three-room apartment (panel building, 20 cm thick concrete walls). The results were measured using an app. WiFi Analyzer (Android) and a laptop with an adapter Intel AX200 (Wi-Fi 6). Signal strength is lower -70 dBm is considered unstable.

Conclusion: even top-end routers in a city apartment barely reach 20–25 meters on 2.4 GHz. At 5 GHz, the range drops almost in half. If you need to cover an area of ​​more than 100 m², one router won't be enough—you'll need more. repeaters or Mesh system.

5. How to Increase Wi-Fi Range: 7 Effective Methods

If your router isn't hitting the right spot, don't rush to replace it. Try these methods (from simple to complex):

Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (use 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz)

Move the router to the center of the apartment (not to a corner!)

Update your router firmware to the latest version

Disable power saving on your laptop/phone adapter

Install an external antenna with a gain of 5-9 dBi (if your router supports it)

Set up QoS to prioritize important devices

Use a repeater or mesh system for larger areas-->

The most effective way is correct placement of the routerThe optimal height is 1.5–2 meters from the floor, away from metal objects and household appliances. For example, placing the router on a cabinet in the hallway will distribute the signal more evenly throughout the apartment than placing it on the floor in a corner.

If the above methods do not help, consider purchasing Mesh systems (For example, TP-Link Deco or ASUS ZenWiFi). It automatically switches devices between nodes, ensuring seamless roaming. Suitable for a summer house or private home. directional antenna (For example, TP-Link TL-ANT2408CL with a gain of 8 dBi).

6. Common Mistakes That Reduce Wi-Fi Range

Many users themselves degrade network coverage without even realizing it. Here are the top 5 mistakes:

• 🔌 The router is hidden in a closet or behind the TV → metal and equipment shield the signal.
• 📱 Automatic channel selection is used → the router may choose a congested channel.
• 🔋 Power saving mode is enabled on your laptop/smartphone → the adapter reduces the receiving power.
• 🌐 The 5 GHz channel width is set to 160 MHz → High speed, but short range. Optimal: 20 or 40 MHz.
• 🔄 Old router firmware → bugs and unoptimized antenna operation.

Example: if in the router settings Keenetic select channel width 160 MHz instead of 80 MHz, the range at 5 GHz will decrease by 30-40%. And if you place the router next to a microwave, the speed will drop by 5-10 times while the microwave is running.

⚠️ Attention: If you have a dual-band router, don't use the same network names (SSIDs) for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Devices will constantly reconnect, which will reduce stability. It's better to name the networks differently, for example: MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G.

7. When is a repeater needed and when is a Mesh system needed?

If you've exhausted all signal-improving options and your router's range isn't sufficient, it's time to consider expanding your network. Here are the criteria for choosing:

• 🔄 Repeater:

  ✅ Inexpensive solution (from 1000 ₽).

  ✅ Suitable for “dead zones” in 1–2 rooms.

  ❌ Reduces speed by 30–50%.

  ❌ Requires manual reconnection when moving.

• 🕸️ Mesh system:

  ✅ Seamless roaming (automatic switching between nodes).

  ✅ Stable speed at all points.

  ❌ Expensive (from 10,000 ₽ for a set of 2–3 units).

  ❌ Requires a wired connection between nodes (or a good signal between them).

Example: for a 60 m² apartment with one “dead zone” in the bedroom, a repeater will be enough TP-Link RE605X (Wi-Fi 6, 3000 ₽). For a 200 m² home, a mesh system is better. ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 (2 knots, ~25,000 ₽).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Range

Is it possible to increase the router's transmitter power above the permitted 100 mW?

Technically yes, but that's illegally In Russia (violation of the Federal Law "On Communications"). The maximum permitted power for 2.4 GHz is 100 mW (20 dBm), for 5 GHz – 200 mW (23 dBm). Exceeding this limit is punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 rubles. Instead, use external antennas with amplification or mesh systems.

Why does Wi-Fi reach further at night than during the day?

During the day, the signal is affected by interference from neighbors, microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices. At night, their activity decreases, improving range and connection stability. This is especially noticeable in apartment buildings.

Is it true that aluminum foil boosts Wi-Fi signal?

Partially. Foil can send a signal in the desired direction (reflector effect), but it won't amplify it. For example, wrapping the back of the antenna in foil will strengthen the signal at the front. However, this is a temporary solution—it's better to buy a directional antenna.

How to check the actual range of your router?

Use applications:

• WiFi Analyzer (Android) - shows the signal level in dBm.
• NetSpot (Windows/macOS) — creates a heat map of the coverage.
• AirPort Utility (iOS) - measures signal strength.

Signal level:

• -30 dBm - Great.
• -50 dBm - Fine.
• -70 dBm - acceptable (breaks are possible).
• -80 dBm and below - unstable connection.

Is it worth buying a router with Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) support for a large apartment?

No, if your goal is maximum range. 6 GHz It has an even shorter wavelength than 5 GHz, so the signal is attenuated by walls 2-3 times more. Wi-Fi 6E is suitable for speeds within a single room (for example, for VR or 8K streams), but not for covering large areas.