Poor signal strength – router within a short distance

Symptoms:

• The app is showing that the Wi-Fi signal quality is poor.
• The controller periodically loses its connection to the network.
• Despite the short distance from the router, there are communication problems.

Possible causes:

• Radio interference from other Wi-Fi networks or devices operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
• Installation of the controller in a metal switchboard, a junction box or near metal components that interfere with the signal.
• Unfavourable positioning of the router’s or access point’s antennas.
• The router’s transmission power is too high, causing problems with the device’s feedback communication.
• An incorrectly selected Wi-Fi channel or channel bandwidth.
• The presence of equipment that generates interference (inverters, switching power supplies, drives, industrial equipment).

Suggested solutions:

1. Check that the controller is not fitted inside a metal enclosure or switchboard.
2. Check the level of interference and the occupancy of Wi-Fi channels at the installation site.
3. Manually set the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channel with the lowest level of interference.
4. Test the operation of the device after opening the switchboard or changing its installation location.
5. Check whether there are any devices operating nearby that might interfere with the radio transmission.
6. If necessary, use an additional access point closer to the installation site.

Note for the installer:
The distance from the router is not the only factor affecting connection quality. In practice, the most common causes of a weak signal at close range are metal casings, switchboards and local radio interference that attenuates or disrupts the Wi-Fi transmission.