Here is an overview table showing the estimated Wi-Fi ranges from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 7 depending on the type of obstacle (such as walls) and the presence of neighbors with their own Wi-Fi networks. This is based on typical estimates and may vary depending on equipment, interference and building materials.
📶 Wi-Fi Range Overview (Estimated in meters)
| Situation / Wi-Fi Type | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open space (no obstacles) | 70 m | 35 m | 40 m | 45 m |
| Plaster wall | 25 m | 20 m | 22 m | 25 m |
| Wooden wall | 20 m | 18 m | 20 m | 22 m |
| Stone wall | 15 m | 12 m | 15 m | 18 m |
| Thin steel wall (storage room) | 10 m | 8 m | 10 m | 12 m |
| 1 neighbor with Wi-Fi (left) | 12 m | 10 m | 12 m | 15 m |
| 2 neighbors with Wi-Fi (left & right) | 10 m | 8 m | 10 m | 12 m |
| Apartment with neighbors (all sides) | 8 m | 6 m | 8 m | 10 m |
📝 Explanation
- Wi-Fi 4: Operates on 2.4 GHz, has the longest range but lower speed.
- Wi-Fi 5: Operates on 5 GHz, offers higher speed but shorter range.
- Wi-Fi 6: More efficient and better range than Wi-Fi 5, especially with many devices.
- Wi-Fi 7: Latest standard, with higher speed, lower latency, and improved performance in busy environments.
🧠 Additional Notes
- Steel walls reflect and absorb Wi-Fi signals, especially at higher frequencies like 5 GHz (Wi-Fi 5 & 6).
- Wi-Fi 6 and 7 handle interference and obstacles better due to advanced techniques like beam forming and multi-band support.
- Wi-Fi 7 can use multiple frequency bands simultaneously, improving range and stability in complex environments.
📡 Interference from Neighbors
- The more neighbors with Wi-Fi, the more interference.
- Wi-Fi 6 and 7 are better at handling congestion, thanks to technologies like OFDMA and Multi-Link Operation (Wi-Fi 7).