Mac Studio: Wifi signal strength unbearable

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Level 1

13 points

Mac Studio: Wifi signal strength unbearable

Hey there,

I've bought a brand-new Mac Studio M1 Max (the base model) last month. However, I've experienced significant problems with the Wifi. For instance, the connection every once in a while breaks for a few seconds. And generally, the signal strength is only 2/3. When I watch livestreams on Youtube oftentimes the quality of the stream will be just 720p. I never experienced these issues with my last Apple computer (a 2017 iMac).

I'm super disappointed about this and wonder if it's normal. Do I have to return the studio? Are there any alternatives? I need the hardware power for my video editing.

Thanks for any help.

Kind regards

René

Posted on Feb 5, 2023 01:53 PM

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Answer 1

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reneody1872 Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 6, 2023 06:32 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Unfortunately, all of the options you mention are not viable for me. The router is pretty far away, but I can't move it closer, and I didn't have any issues on a five years older computer - that's why I'm quite frustrated and am not sure what to do.

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Answer 2

reneody1872 Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 7, 2023 04:13 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Exactly, I never had any issues with my 2017 iMac that was sitting in exactly the same spot.

I live in a regular apartment block.

Is it an issue with the specific Studio I got and should I get it replaced? I've read that the Mac Studio apparently is known to have a weak Wifi receiver.

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Answer 3

reneody1872 Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 7, 2023 05:29 AM in response to den.thed

Is it an option to purchase something like an external wireless Antenna that I can plug into the Mac Studio? Something like the one in the picture below?

https://www.amazon.de/EDUP-FBA_EDUP-EP-1607-WiFi-Adapter-AC/dp/B01CCMUN8C/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3JFIZ82VZWGSW&keywords=mac+wifi+receiver&qid=1675774627&sprefix=mac+wifi+receiver%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&smid=A1YR9K5FK7GP4Y

By the way, I also have zero reception problems with my 2020 MacBook Air and my iPhone 13.

We actually do have a WiFi Extender in use.

Right now the connection is actually so bad that every 5-10 minutes I experience significant connection issues - i.e. I can't even open standard websites for a short period of time or I struggle with uploading the image to this post ("An error occurred while loading this image. Please try again."). I then have to manually turn Wifi off and on again. It's unbearable really.

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

88,762 points

Feb 7, 2023 04:59 AM in response to reneody1872

There is a lot of differences between the iMac and the Mac Studio/Mac mini designs.

The Wireless Antenna on an iMac runs up alone the sides which give it good reception.

The Wireless Antenna on the Mac Studio and Mac mini lines are built into the bottom cover which causes weaker reception.

There are a few options if you can not use Ethernet or move closer to the Router.

Test the Mac Studio on it side with the bottom facing towards the router.
Replace the router with a stronger router or mesh system.
Add a Wi-Fi Extender in-between the two.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

88,762 points

Feb 7, 2023 05:36 AM in response to reneody1872

Sounds like it is time to contact Apple Support and/or return it.

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Answer 6

Feb 6, 2023 05:45 AM in response to reneody1872

RSSI is raw signal strength. -40 is right next to your Router, and -65 is the 'disconnect and find another network threshold'. You have connected on the 2.4GHz band, which is slower and more interference-prone, but carries farther.

Where that device is located has too weak a signal for proper, trouble-free operation.

You need to reduce the distance between Router and device, or remove heavy construction materials that might be blocking the signal. Sometimes reloading the Router is all that is needed.

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Answer 7

Feb 7, 2023 06:15 AM in response to reneody1872

<< We actually do have a WiFi Extender in use. >>

The issue showing in your snapshot is weak Raw signal.

You may need to move the extender closer to your Mac Studio, or consider a different type of extender.

I use a wire-line Ethernet/wi-fi extender device made by devolo that provides a modest Ethernet and wi-fi connection over power lines, just plug it in near the Router, connect an Ethernet cord, and plug the other device near the computer:

https://www.devolo.global/magic-2-wifi-next

While the Ethernet provided is a Gigabit speed Ethernet connection, it actually achieves somewhat over 100 M bits/sec throughput.

.

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Answer 8

Feb 7, 2023 06:22 AM in response to reneody1872

<< I also have zero reception problems with my 2020 MacBook Air and my iPhone 13. >>

please post an Option-Wi-Fi snapshot from another Mac when placed at the same location for comparison.

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Answer 9

Feb 5, 2023 03:18 PM in response to reneody1872

Hold down the Option key while you click on the Wi-Fi icon on the menuBar. screenshot or transcribe the snapshot and post back here. looks like this older one:

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