This helps plan possible range extender placement. Roam around with the ESP32 and log RSSI periodically to map out 'dead zones' with poor WiFi coverage in the space. Optimal Device Placementīy checking RSSI values at different locations, you can determine optimal placement for WiFi-based ESP32 devices and antennas for best signal.įor example, identify spots in a house with strongest reception to install smart home hubs and sensors. Measuring WiFi signal strength has several practical use cases: 1. Now let‘s go through some example applications and optimizations when using ESP32 RSSI values. For example, by reconnecting to a backup network if signal drops too low. 2 – Serial output showing WiFi signal strengthīy continuously monitoring RSSI in your program logic, you can have the ESP32 react to changes in signal quality. Values below -90 dBm mean the signal is weak and connection may drop.įig. You will see network connection details followed by the WiFi signal strength.įor example, a value of -55 dBm indicates very good signal strength. Upload this code and open the serial monitor at 115200 baud rate.

To print the signal strength, simply call WiFi.RSSI() after connecting to the network: // After WiFi connected The ESP32 WiFi library provides a handy WiFi.RSSI() function that returns the current WiFi signal strength in dBm. Upon successful connection, the ESP32 prints out the assigned local IP address. While (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) – Wait for connection WiFi.begin(ssid, password) – Connects to network WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA) – Sets ESP32 in Station mode Here is an overview of the key functions: The code initializes the board in Station mode, scans available networks, and connects using the provided SSID and password. We will first write Arduino code to have the ESP32 connect to a WiFi network. 1 – ESP32 Dev Board and Arduino IDE Connect ESP32 to WiFi Network

Interpreting WiFi Signal Strength Valuesįig. It is measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts) and will generally range from -100 to 0 dBm. RSSI measures the power present in a received WiFi signal. The signal strength of a WiFi network can be measured by a parameter called Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). Now let‘s see how to determine the signal strength of the WiFi network connected to the ESP32. This is useful to connect the ESP32 to the internet while also communicating with other local devices.Ĭhoosing the right mode depends on your use case and whether the ESP32 needs internet connectivity or only local networking. Station + Access Point Mode: Here the ESP32 acts as both a station connected to an existing WiFi network AND as an access point allowing other devices to connect to the ESP32. This allows you to create a local WiFi network with the ESP32 without needing a router. Station mode is the most common way to connect the ESP32 to the internet.Īccess Point Mode: The ESP32 itself operates as an access point allowing other devices to connect to it directly. This could be your home WiFi router or a public hotspot. Station Mode: The ESP32 connects to an existing WiFi network as a client. Let‘s take a quick look at the three main WiFi modes:

The variety of WiFi modes allows considerable flexibility in how you have the ESP32 connect to wireless networks. PWM/timer interrupts to conserve battery in low-power operation.Supports station, access point, and station+AP modes.The ESP32 microcontroller contains a built-in dual-mode Bluetooth and WiFi chip which enables it to connect to the internet and communicate with other devices wirelessly. In this comprehensive guide, we will demonstrate how to connect the ESP32 to a WiFi network and obtain the signal strength using the Arduino IDE. The ESP32 is a low-cost yet powerful microcontroller board with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities.

Arduino measure wifi signal strength