Desired signal strength for optimal performance varies based on many factors, such as background noise in the environment, the amount of clients on the network, what the desired data rates are, and what applications will be used.
Wi-Fi is generally measured with dBm, which is not an absolutely value, being logarithmic instead. A 3 dBm gain means twice the signal strength, while a 3 dBm loss halves the signal strength.
| Signal Strength | Performance |
| Greater than -35 dBm | Excellent |
| Between -35 dBm and -65 dBm | Good |
| Lower than -65 dBm | Poor |