Data
Graphs
Results
First in the experiment, we took the orange bucket and covered it with aluminum foil. Then we taped the aluminum foil onto the bucket. We wrapped the bucket in aluminum foil to prevent Wi-Fi signals from coming out the sides. We wanted it forced out the top so we could put the materials on top and it would be easier. After the bucket was wrapped completely, we got a base reading for the router without any materials blocking it. That was our control. Finally, we got to testing the materials. We placed the router in the bucket. The materials were placed on top to diminish Wi-Fi signal. Then, we opened Excel and recorded our data. What really surprised me was that the thickest material, duro rock, didn’t stop Wi-Fi the most. It turns out that steel blocked the signal the most.
Conclusion
The data collected from this experiment did not support my hypothesis that duro rock concrete board will block it the most Wi-Fi signal. My hypothesis was not supported because the steel sample blocked over 20.0 data signals, while duro rock only blocked 13.7 data wave strength. The change in signal strength shows that most of the Wi-Fi strength was stopped by steel. Duro rock has a lower signal strength, which means that it blocked less Wi-Fi strength. Everything blocks Wi-Fi signals a little. Wood, plaster, cinder blocks, and glass don't interfere much, but brick, stone, and water (like a giant fish tank) can block a Wi-Fi signal more. The materials that really block Wi-Fi signals are ceramic, concrete, metal, and mirrors, which reflect visible light and radio waves alike (Wi-Fi Versus Your Walls.). This means that since steel is a metal, it blocked Wi-Fi more than the duro rock. But the duro rock is a concrete, so it would block a lot as well. In Heathrow there are lots of steel beams in the walls. Therefore, Heathrow’s problem is probably in the walls. Especially in the portables, `where steel beam is abundant in the walls. I will give Heathrow my data and charts. Hopefully, we can fix this situation.