Materials that BLOCK wireless signals (attenuate):
* Metals: Metal is a great conductor of electricity and reflects radio waves. This means things like walls with metal studs, large appliances (refrigerators, ovens), and even metal furniture can significantly weaken or block your signal.
* Water: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a positive and negative end. This property makes them good absorbers of radio waves. This is why thick concrete walls (often with moisture) can be problematic.
* Thick concrete: Dense materials like concrete can act as a barrier to radio waves, though not as much as metal.
* Glass: While not as strong as metal, glass can also reflect some wireless signals.
* Foil and Mirrors: These are highly reflective surfaces and will significantly block wireless signals.
* Thick walls: Even walls made of wood or brick can significantly weaken the signal if they are thick.
Materials that ABSORB wireless signals:
* Human bodies: The water in our bodies absorbs some radio waves, especially at higher frequencies.
* Plants: Plants, particularly with thick leaves, can absorb some of the signal.
* Some building materials: Certain types of insulation and drywall can absorb radio waves.
Materials that can IMPROVE wireless signals:
* Glass: Clear glass generally allows wireless signals to pass through relatively easily.
* Drywall: Drywall is generally less absorbent than concrete, but thicker drywall can still pose challenges.
Other factors:
* Distance: The further the signal has to travel, the weaker it gets.
* Interference: Other devices emitting radio waves (like microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors) can interfere with your signal.
* Frequency: Different wireless technologies use different frequencies. Some frequencies are more affected by certain materials than others.
How to Improve Wireless Signal:
* Placement: Position your router in a central location, away from obstacles.
* Antenna orientation: Experiment with different antenna orientations to find the best signal strength.
* Signal booster: Consider using a signal booster to amplify your signal.
* Wireless repeater: A repeater can extend the range of your network by receiving and retransmitting the signal.
Remember: The specific materials and their impact on your wireless signal can vary depending on the frequency, power of the signal, and other factors.