[RT-AC87U] Reducing Signal Strength through SSH

[anacond21]

Hi,

I would like to reduce the signal strength of a RT-AC87U router. (firmware version 3.0.0.4.378_4376) Unfortunately, the WiFi range is absolutely identical whether it's set to 1% or 100%. The RSSI value on my client also is the same with both settings, fluctuating between -80 dBm and -30 dBm.

Are there perhaps some SSH commands one could try? Or is there some unofficial manual? Thanks!

 

[L&LD]

Asus' radio's Tx power output is dynamic. It will self regulate itself within a preset range to provide the power the client needs. There are some commands that others can provide, but afaik, they are still limited to the dynamic implementation of Tx power output in the driver.

 

[anacond21]

Thanks, but if I walk 20 yards away from the router, and the signal is dropped whether it's set to 100% or 1%, shouldn't I see a difference also with dynamic signal strength? How about idle signal strength? To my knowledge, the router constantly sends packets that he's there, even when it is idle. What would be the best way to measure whether there really is a difference? Thanks a lot!

 

[L&LD]

20 yards? What obstructions are between you and the router?

What device are you testing with? Please don't say it's a phone...

 

[anacond21]

There were about 2 massive walls. You're right, my using an iPhone 5S may have been a mistake. I will try it again with a regular laptop antenna and write you back.

 

[anacond21]

Using a laptop, I moved away from the router twice with signal strength at 100%, and twice with 1% while downloading a large file keeping the network activity monitor open. The reception felt slightly worse at 1%, but not as significantly as I would expect. I couldn't move away much farther than with the iPhone. I have no line-of-sight way to test signal strength.

Could you also elaborate on my other questions above? Much appreciated.

 

[RMerlin]

Try rebooting your router after changing the output power, sometimes the radio fails to apply the new power values without that.

 

[anacond21]

@RMerlin, thanks, I tried it, and it helped. At least now I can see a significant difference (due to the restart in between and perhaps the newer firmware), but the speed is also slower at 1%, even when I'm just 5 feet away line-of-sight from the router. (5 feet, speed at 100%: 2.5 MB/s, speed at 1%: 0.5 MB/s) That kind of solves it.

So, based on your answers, I see the topic "signal strength" isn't as simple with a modern router. Is there anything I can do about signal strength while idle? I suspect that would have to be a different setting altogether. Perhaps one that's only accessible through SSH?