Adjusting Modem Signal strength

[Jeff D]

I'm using Virgin's Vincent Modem and in wifi settings there's an option to set the signal strength for 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz radio 1 and 5 Ghz radio 2 in terms of percentage.  Is there any reason why I shouldn't set them all to 100%?

[VirginPlusAntgio · Accepted solution]

Hey there @Jeff D ,

Welcome to the community and great question.

Setting both your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals to 100% power isn't inherently harmful, but it's not always the best approach. Here's why:

• Diminishing Returns: While increasing the power boosts the signal's reach, there's a point of diminishing returns. After a certain point, increasing the power further won't significantly extend the range, and may even lead to slightly worse performance due to interference.
• Increased Interference: Higher power signals can interfere more with other devices operating on the same or adjacent frequencies. This can lead to slower speeds and more dropped connections for both your devices and your neighbors' networks.
• Heat Generation: Higher power output generally leads to increased heat generation within the router. While modern routers are designed to handle this, consistently running at maximum power can contribute to faster wear and tear on the components.
• Unnecessary Power Consumption: Running at 100% uses more energy than necessary. This might seem minor, but it adds up over time.

Instead of setting the power to 100%, consider these alternatives:

• Start with the default setting: Most routers have a well-tuned default power setting that balances range and performance. See if this works adequately for your needs before adjusting anything.
• Adjust based on your needs: If you have poor coverage in certain areas, you might slightly increase the power, but only incrementally. Monitor the performance after each adjustment.
• Optimize placement: The placement of your router significantly impacts the signal strength and coverage. Consider placing it in a central location, away from obstacles and sources of interference.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems: If you still have poor coverage after optimizing placement and power settings, consider using Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh Wi-Fi system to boost coverage in problem areas.

In short, while setting the power to 100% might seem like a good idea for maximum range, it's often unnecessary and can even be detrimental. Start with the default settings and only adjust if needed, making small incremental changes and monitoring the results.

Let the community know if you have more questions.