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RF Attenuation Values of typical Building Materials

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  • 1.  RF Attenuation Values of typical Building Materials

    Posted Jun 09, 2017 01:22 PM

    I'm doing a WiFi design for new construction for the first time...no existing walls to measure signal loss. How do I predict the attenuation values of assorted walls based on their components? Some include significant sound-proofing batting.  Is there a reference list  of common building materials and their corresponding attenuation values? I appreciate any insight!



  • 2.  RE: RF Attenuation Values of typical Building Materials

    Posted Jul 07, 2017 11:47 PM

    According to the CWNA Official Study Guide, attenuation of building materials is as follows for 2.4 GHz:

     

    Foundation wall | -15 dB

    Brick, concrete, concrete blocks | -12 dB

    Elevator or metal obstacle | -10 dB

    Metal rack | -6 dB

    Drywall or sheetrock | -3 dB

    Nontinted glass windows | -3 dB

    Wood door | -3 dB

    Cubicle wall | -2 dB

     

    I have also been told that anything that blocks sound or light can also block wi-fi. Soundproofed glass or walls will certainly be a problem.

     

    Other random things to note are speakers (the magnets can interfere with RF, so place APs at a distance from any speakers) and large sources of water (large aquariums, water towers).

     

    I'd also love a more comprehensive list myself, but hopefully that helps with the basics!



  • 3.  RE: RF Attenuation Values of typical Building Materials

    Posted Aug 30, 2018 10:53 AM

    The magnets from the speaker will interfere?

    Sinds when?