Toolbox Aid

September 21st, 2024 2:36 PM Mr. Q Categories: Rasberry PI

Ensuring a strong WiFi connection on your Raspberry Pi 5 is essential for a seamless experience, whether you’re streaming, browsing, or running network applications. Using the nmcli command-line tool, part of NetworkManager, you can easily check WiFi signal strength and make informed decisions about your network setup. This guide will walk you through the installation, checking signal strength, and troubleshooting any connectivity issues.

Why Monitor WiFi Signal Strength?

Monitoring WiFi signal strength helps you:

• Identify areas with weak coverage in your home or workspace.
• Optimize the placement of your Raspberry Pi and router.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot connection issues for better performance.

Step 1: Check if nmcli is Installed

First, verify if nmcli is already installed on your Raspberry Pi 5. Open a terminal and run:

nmcli --version

If installed, you’ll see the version number, for example:

nmcli tool, version 1.30.0

If you encounter a “command not found” error, follow the next step to install it.

Step 2: Install nmcli (NetworkManager)

If nmcli is not installed, you need to install NetworkManager. Run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install network-manager

After installation, start the NetworkManager service and enable it to run on boot:

sudo systemctl start NetworkManager
sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager

Step 3: Check WiFi Signal Strength Using nmcli

With nmcli installed, you can check the signal strength of available WiFi networks. Execute the following command:

nmcli dev wifi list

This command will list all nearby WiFi networks along with important details:

• SSID: Name of the WiFi network.
• MODE: Type of network (typically Infrastructure).
• CHAN: The channel being used.
• RATE: Maximum bit rate supported.
• SIGNAL: Signal strength as a percentage.
• BARS: Visual representation of signal strength.
• SECURITY: Encryption method used (e.g., WPA2).

Example output:

IN-USE  SSID           MODE   CHAN  RATE        SIGNAL  BARS  SECURITY  
*       YourNetwork    Infra  6     54 Mbit/s   85      ▂▄▆█  WPA2     
        OtherNetwork   Infra  11    130 Mbit/s  40      ▂▄__  WPA2     

The SIGNAL column indicates the WiFi signal strength as a percentage. A higher percentage signifies a stronger signal, with values above 70% generally considered good.

Step 4: Troubleshoot Weak WiFi Signals

If you find that your WiFi signal strength is weak (below 50%), consider these tips to improve connectivity:

• Relocate Your Router: Position your router in an open area, free from obstructions like walls and furniture.
• Reduce Interference: Electronic devices such as microwaves and cordless phones can interfere with WiFi signals. Try to keep your router away from such devices.
• Upgrade Your Hardware: If needed, invest in a better WiFi adapter or router that supports the latest standards (e.g., WiFi 6) for enhanced performance.

Command to List and Sort WiFi Networks by Signal Strength

nmcli dev wifi list | awk 'NR>1' | sort -k 8 -n -r

• nmcli dev wifi list: Lists available WiFi networks.
• awk 'NR>1': Skips the header row, so sorting is only applied to the network entries.
• sort -k 8 -n -r: Sorts the output based on the 8th column (which contains the signal strength) in numeric order (-n) and in reverse (-r), so the strongest signals appear first.

After running the command, you will see a list of WiFi networks sorted by signal strength, with the strongest networks listed at the top.

This method gives you a quick overview of which available networks provide the best signal strength, helping you make informed choices about your connections.

Conclusion

Using nmcli on your Raspberry Pi 5 to check WiFi signal strength is a straightforward process that empowers you to manage and optimize your network connection effectively. By following this guide, you can quickly install and utilize nmcli it to enhance your Raspberry Pi experience, ensuring a stable and fast internet connection.