Shelly Devices and Wi-Fi Signals

Modified on Wed, 13 Sep, 2023 at 12:45 PM


1. Introduction

Shelly devices are versatile and powerful smart home automation solutions that rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance. To ensure that your Shelly devices function effectively, it is essential to maintain a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal. This documentation will guide you through the process of checking your Wi-Fi signal strength, understanding the factors affecting it, and providing recommendations for improving it.

2. Checking Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Before taking any steps to improve your Wi-Fi signal, it's crucial to assess its current strength. Follow these steps to check your Wi-Fi signal:

On a Mobile Device from APP Shelly Smart Control:

  1. Unlock your smartphone or tablet.

  2. Open the Shelly Smart Control Application

  3. Navigate to the device information

  4. Locate the Device signal indicator.

On a Mobile Device/PC from webUI of the relevant device

 

  1. Ensure your computer/phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  2. Enter the IP address of the device into your browser

  3. Navigate to Settings/Device info for GEN 1 devices


  4. Navigate to Wi-Fi icon at the top of the page for GEN 2 devices

  5. Note the signal strength. A higher number or more bars indicate a stronger signal. A signal between -80  RSSI and -90 RSSI is considered as critical and connectivity issues could be faced.  Signal between 40-60 is considered as excellent. 

    On a Mobile Device/PC from an HTTP command
    1. GEN 1 - http://<deviceIP>/status




    2. GEN 2- http://<deviceIP>/rpc/shelly.getstatus

3. Factors Affecting Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Several factors can affect your Wi-Fi signal strength:

  1. Distance from the Router: The farther you are from the router, the weaker the signal will be.

  2. Obstacles: Walls, floors, and other physical barriers can attenuate Wi-Fi signals. 

  3. Interference: Other electronic devices, neighboring networks, and crowded Wi-Fi channels can interfere with your signal.

  4. Router Quality: The type and quality of your router play a significant role in signal strength.

4. Recommendations for Improving Wi-Fi Signal

To enhance your Wi-Fi signal and ensure your Shelly devices operate flawlessly, consider these recommendations:

  1. Optimal Router Placement: Place your router in a central location within your home, minimizing obstructions and ensuring equal coverage.

  2. Use Wi-Fi Extenders or Repeaters: Extend your network with Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters to eliminate dead zones.

  3. Select the Right Channel: Choose the least congested Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference. You can do this through your router's settings.

  4. Upgrade Your Router: If your router is old or outdated, consider upgrading to a newer model with improved performance.

  5. Manage Bandwidth: Prioritize critical devices and applications in your network settings to ensure your Shelly devices receive ample bandwidth.

  6. Regular Maintenance: Restart your router occasionally, update firmware

  7. Range extender functionality of GEN 2 devices - Every GEN 2 device can be used as range extender and include up to 5 devices per each device (GEN1 + GEN2) - https://shelly-api-docs.shelly.cloud/gen2/0.14/ComponentsAndServices/WiFi#rangeextender

5. Conclusion

Maintaining a strong Wi-Fi signal is crucial for the optimal performance of your Shelly devices. By following the recommendations in this documentation and troubleshooting any connectivity issues, you can ensure a reliable and seamless smart home experience with your Shelly devices.