Wireless network signal strength is a measurement of the power level received by a wireless device from a router or access point. It is typically expressed in decibel-milliwatts (dBm), a logarithmic unit where values closer to 0 indicate a stronger signal. For example, a signal strength of -50 dBm is considerably better than -80 dBm.
Adequate signal power is crucial for reliable internet connectivity. Stronger wireless signals contribute to faster data transfer rates, reduced latency, and fewer dropped connections. Historically, improvements in wireless technology have focused on enhancing both the range and power of signals to meet the increasing demands of bandwidth-intensive applications and a growing number of connected devices.