WiFi Glossary

This glossary collects the key terms that come up across our WiFi guides. If you run into a term you don’t recognize, you’ll probably find it here.

RSSI

A measure of received WiFi signal strength, usually expressed in dBm as a negative number. The closer to zero, the stronger the signal — e.g. −40 dBm is very good, while −85 dBm is very weak.

dBm

The unit used to measure WiFi signal power (decibels relative to one milliwatt). Values are negative, and the higher (closer to zero) the number, the stronger the signal reaching the device.

SSID

The visible name of a WiFi network shown when scanning for available networks. A single Mesh system can broadcast the same SSID from every access point.

BSSID

The unique MAC address of a specific access point (router or Mesh node). In a Mesh network, every node has its own BSSID even though they may share the same SSID.

Router

The device that connects a home network to the internet and broadcasts the WiFi signal. Its position in the home has a major impact on coverage and connection quality.

Access Point (AP)

A device that broadcasts a WiFi signal — this can be the router itself or an additional access point (such as a Mesh node) that extends coverage to another area.

WiFi Mesh

A system of multiple cooperating access points that form one coordinated WiFi network, automatically handing devices off between nodes as you move around the home.

Backhaul

The connection between Mesh nodes used to relay data between them, either wirelessly or over Ethernet. Backhaul quality has a major impact on the performance of the whole Mesh network.

WiFi extender (repeater)

A device that receives an existing WiFi signal and retransmits it further. Unlike Mesh, it doesn't always form one coordinated network — its effectiveness depends on the quality of the signal it receives.

WiFi channel

A slice of radio spectrum a router uses to communicate with devices. In the 2.4 GHz band, some channels overlap, which can cause interference in crowded areas.

Channel width

The range of frequencies used by a single WiFi channel (e.g. 20, 40, 80 or 160 MHz). Wider channels give higher throughput but are more prone to interference in densely populated buildings.

2.4 GHz band

A radio band with longer range and better wall penetration, but slower and more crowded than 5 GHz or 6 GHz — shared with neighbouring networks and many IoT devices.

5 GHz band

A radio band offering higher throughput than 2.4 GHz, but with shorter range and weaker penetration through obstacles. Good for devices close to the router, such as streaming or gaming.

6 GHz band

The newest radio band (used by WiFi 6E and WiFi 7), offering extra, less congested channels. Requires a compatible router and end device.

WiFi standard (WiFi 6 / 6E / 7)

Successive generations of the 802.11 standard defining maximum speed, supported bands and network features. A newer standard doesn't automatically mean better coverage — placement still matters most.

Ping (latency)

The time it takes for data to reach a server and return with a response, measured in milliseconds. High ping means less responsive controls, especially noticeable in online games.

Jitter

The variation in latency (ping) over time. Even with a low average ping, high jitter can cause stuttering and unpredictable connection behaviour, e.g. in games or video calls.

Packet loss

The percentage of data that fails to arrive correctly and must be resent. Even small packet loss can cause a connection to stutter despite a low ping.

Throughput

The actual amount of data a network can transfer in a given time — differs from a WiFi standard's nominal speed because it also depends on signal, interference and the number of connected devices.

Dead zone

An area in a home where WiFi signal barely reaches, usually due to distance, thick walls, or obstacles blocking the signal path.

Signal attenuation

The weakening of a WiFi signal as it passes through obstacles — walls, floors, metal or large furniture. Different materials attenuate signal to very different degrees.

WPA2 / WPA3

Encryption standards that protect a WiFi network from unauthorized access. WPA3 is the newer, more secure standard — worth enabling instead of WPA2 if your router supports it.

UPnP

A protocol that automatically opens ports on the router for certain devices and apps. Convenient, but it can also be a security risk if left enabled unnecessarily.

MU-MIMO

A technology that lets a router serve multiple devices at the same time instead of one after another, improving network performance when many devices are connected at once.

Beamforming

A technique that directs the WiFi signal towards a specific device instead of broadcasting it evenly in all directions, which can improve range and connection stability.

DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection)

A mechanism in the 5 GHz band that automatically changes channel when the router detects a nearby radar signal. It can cause brief connection interruptions while the router switches channels.

Firmware

The built-in software running on a router or access point, responsible for security and network stability among other things. Regular firmware updates are one of the basics of a secure WiFi network.