THE FRESNEL ZONE

     The Fresnel Zone is the area around the visual line-of-sight that radio waves spread out into after they leave the antenna. (Imagine a conical shape) This area must be clear or else signal strength will weaken. Why is this important? Wireless internet is radio waves that are broadcast from a main hub into the air in a conical shape down to the city below. Although all 2.4 GHz (which is the frequency of wireless internet) signals pass rather well through walls, they have a tough time passing through trees.

     The main difference is the water content in each. Walls are very dry: trees contain high levels of moisture. Radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band absorb into water quite well. Therefore, no coverage map can be 100% accurate due to something as common as large patches of trees disturbing the strength of the band in numerous directions. Wireless internet that is broadcast has a successful top range of up to 50 miles with a clear line-of-sight, however in a dense forest may only travel less than one mile in any direction. There is a very good chance that you are in an area that is not mentioned on any of our coverage maps and still can use Wifi Toolbox wireless internet connections without any trouble at all. Enjoy!

-The Wifi Team