Wifi Module Maximum Range?

Range depends on a multitude of factors -

• Interference and noise level from surrounding competing neighbouring devices
• Transmit power of the radio and reception sensitivity of the host and the device - if your end devices are "weak" in transmission, the range would be limited purely because the host cannot hear the endpoint
• Antenna gain and directionality - higher gain can result in longer distance provided the beam patterns are chosen carefully to ensure coverage. Having a device with an external antenna can be of help.

• Data rate in use - lower rates = longer range due to less SNR requirement, but lower throughput and higher probability of collisions.

Which solution you use really depends on what your needs are:

• Is the device going to be an Access Point, a Client to an Access Point or an Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi participant?
• What is the device the Wi-Fi radio is connected to? (Is it an MCU? SoC? Computer?) and via what interface?
• What is the budget?
• Does the module itself need any intelligence? Do you need the module itself to provide I/O in the forms of sensor inputs/status outputs/alarms/etc?
• What is the range?
• What does your spectrum occupancy/noise floor look like?

But basically, if you can look at the specs, you should be able to determine based on the specs which is best for your application. However, remember that Wi-Fi requires two-way communication, so just having a good module in your base station is not enough to ensure a good reliable long-distance link. It may pay to look at other protocols more suited for long distance work or use highly directional antennas depending on the application.

- Gough

Range depends on a multitude of factors -

• Interference and noise level from surrounding competing neighbouring devices
• Transmit power of the radio and reception sensitivity of the host and the device - if your end devices are "weak" in transmission, the range would be limited purely because the host cannot hear the endpoint
• Antenna gain and directionality - higher gain can result in longer distance provided the beam patterns are chosen carefully to ensure coverage. Having a device with an external antenna can be of help.

• Data rate in use - lower rates = longer range due to less SNR requirement, but lower throughput and higher probability of collisions.

Which solution you use really depends on what your needs are:

• Is the device going to be an Access Point, a Client to an Access Point or an Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi participant?
• What is the device the Wi-Fi radio is connected to? (Is it an MCU? SoC? Computer?) and via what interface?
• What is the budget?
• Does the module itself need any intelligence? Do you need the module itself to provide I/O in the forms of sensor inputs/status outputs/alarms/etc?
• What is the range?
• What does your spectrum occupancy/noise floor look like?

But basically, if you can look at the specs, you should be able to determine based on the specs which is best for your application. However, remember that Wi-Fi requires two-way communication, so just having a good module in your base station is not enough to ensure a good reliable long-distance link. It may pay to look at other protocols more suited for long distance work or use highly directional antennas depending on the application.

- Gough

For the other protocols, using sub-1 Ghz radios and one concentrator device that can connect to your network (either wired or wifi) would give better coverage for a whole house and surroundings.

And they are much lower energy, alowing the wireless satelites to run longer on a battery.