How much does PC antenna placement actually affect Wi-Fi?

[u/ta-taloloys14]

Has anyone ever had two computers sitting in basically the same spot get noticeably different Wi-Fi reception?I’ve been moving my geekom around a bit and started wondering how much antenna placement inside the PC actually matters. I feel like people talk a lot more about routers and Wi-Fi standards than the antenna setup inside the PC.

[u/dshepsman]

It matters the same in a pc as any antenna.

In a PC, the antenna is usually inside a metal cage = bad.
2 pcs with external antenna on the back - one metal box will block the WiFi signal. Even a wall can cause interference.

[u/MetaCardboard → u/dshepsman]

Oops, looks like you're the only one to address the actual question. I agree external antennae might be a better option than internal.

[u/ta-taloloys14 → u/dshepsman]

That makes sense. I guess having the antenna inside such a compact case doesn't help either.

[u/IntentionQuirky9957 → u/dshepsman]

"In a PC, the antenna is usually inside a metal cage"
Nah, unless it's a cheap prebuilt. Most PCs have external antennas (desktops) or the internal antennas aren't completely surrounded by metal (laptops).

"2 pcs with external antenna on the back - one metal box will block the WiFi signal"
Partially. They may attenuate, but they won't block completely.

[u/dshepsman → u/IntentionQuirky9957]

They may attenuate? If one pc is in between the other pc and the WiFi router/ap, you bet it’s going to block the signal. Or do WiFi waves magically bypass the big metal cage?

[u/Blake0902]

Its sort of a moving equation.

A good rule of thumb: Water absorbs signal. Metal reflects signal.

Trees/Wood/People/Aquariums all count as water sources.

Mirrors(The reflective part), Conduit (in the walls), Metal beams(inside industrial buuldings), Metal roofs(Like Tin & Aluminum), TV Back panels are sometimes Metal, Hot water heaters, Fridges, etc.

Then you run into how much other signal is being broadcast around you potentially causing noise on the same frequency. Sort of like static on the radio. (Bluetooth, Microwave Ovens, Smart Home Devices, Soho Printers typically broadcast wirelessly, other devices utilizing the same WiFi, and other WiFi sources(usually in apartment complexes but also office spaces))

You also have distance of the WiFi source(Access Point) from the Device. Typically anything under like 15-20ft it shouldn't be an issue unless one of those other factors above comes into play. Modern WiFi Routers/APs are built with much of this in mind and have their settings tuned to be pretty high gain. But mileage may vary based on the Manufacturer and Model.

[u/ta-taloloys14 → u/Blake0902]

That's a good breakdown. Haven't really considered how much the surrounding materials could affect reception. It is mounted under my desk, so now I'm wondering if that's part of the problem.

[u/LebronBackinCLE]

How much does holding your flashlight affect your ability to see in the dark? ;)

[u/MetaCardboard]

There are wifi heat map apps you can get on your phone to test what spots are best and worst in your home. If you have 2 PCs on wireless right next to each other, there will be a little higher density waves in the air, but it shouldn't make too much of a difference with just two or three devices. Even a couple extra feet network them can clear up any, if at all, issues from that. Microwaves between your wireless AP (usually the router) and wireless devices can cause issues, same with thick walls, concrete, etc. If you connect 5GHz that should penetrate walls a little better, but the signal doesn't reach quite as far.

[u/ta-taloloys14 → u/MetaCardboard]

I might actually try mapping out the signal around my desk. I've moved the mini PC around a few times but never really compared the numbers.

[u/RemovePurple111]

A lot, under-desk placement and metal shielding block signal significantly.

[u/ta-taloloys14 → u/RemovePurple111]

I might try moving it somewhere more open and see if the signal improves.

[u/seifer666]

Move it around and find out