Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My son is performing tests tonsee which material inhibits the transmission of wifi signal the greatest. We have followed all recommended steps and are using many different typers of material, including water, human body, steel, aluminum, plastic, etc. But are having very little to no variation in the signal strength. Do you have any suggestions as to how we can increase the variation?

Hello tylersmom17,

I'm assuming that you're working on the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p047.shtml

From your description it sounds like you’ve used some materials that should have attenuated your wifi signal. Have you tested your device for measuring signal strength? You might try making signal strength measurements at several distances from your router to confirm that you’re able to detect signal variation. If that checks out OK you might try increasing the distance between your router and your signal strength measurement location for your tests with the different materials.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman