What Is RSSI? Understanding Your Wi-Fi Signal and How to Improve It
No networking degree required. Learn what that negative number means and how to use it.
RSSI, explained without the jargon
RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator. It describes how strongly a device receives a wireless signal. Think of it as a more detailed cousin of the Wi-Fi bars on your phone.
Many Wi-Fi apps show signal strength in dBm, a measurement of received radio power. The numbers are usually negative. Closer to zero means a stronger received signal: −40 dBm is stronger than −70 dBm.
How strong is strong enough?
| Example reading | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| −40 dBm | Very strong |
| −55 dBm | Strong |
| −65 dBm | Often usable; performance depends on the device |
| −75 dBm | Weak enough to investigate |
| −85 dBm | Very weak; connection may be unreliable |
These are illustrative guidelines, not universal pass/fail cutoffs. Different devices, Wi-Fi bands, interference, and network conditions affect performance.
Why does Wi-Fi get weaker?
Distance matters, but so do walls, brick, metal siding, appliances, crowded radio channels, and where you place your router or mesh satellite. A device may show good signal strength and still struggle if the internet connection or mesh backhaul is congested.
How to improve it without buying anything
- Write down the starting reading. Look for signal strength in your device or network app; some apps show dBm, while others show only bars or a qualitative rating.
- Move an accessible router or mesh unit. Try a more open location, away from metal cabinets and dense obstructions.
- Make one change at a time. Give the network a moment to settle, then check the reading again.
- Check actual performance. Test video calls, camera Live View, or the activity that was failing. RSSI alone doesn't tell the whole story.
- Reboot only when appropriate. Use the manufacturer's supported app controls or restart procedure if a device remains stuck.
🔧 What Worked for Us: Our backyard shop
Our rear Ring Spotlight Cam Plus once reported about −73 dBm and struggled with Live View. We repositioned a Deco M4R in the shop to face more favorably toward the office window and its Deco BE11000, then rebooted the camera. Later, the rear camera reported −48 dBm and Live View was reliable. The front shop camera reported −40 dBm.
That's a 25 dB difference for the rear camera, equivalent to about 316 times the received signal power (1025/10 ≈ 316). It does not mean 316 times the internet speed. We changed both placement and rebooted the camera, so we can't isolate which change caused how much improvement.
For the exact setup and step-by-step Ring app instructions, see our Ring camera weak Wi-Fi guide.
The takeaway
RSSI is a useful clue, not a final diagnosis. Measure before and after, make simple placement changes first, and judge success by whether your device actually works better.
Independent educational guide. No affiliate links or sponsorships.