I am using a MacBook Pro purchased early 2015 (technically Apple's Mid 2014) and connected to AirPort Time Capsule. I noticed that the signal has Noise -96dBm. I tried moving Airport and MacBook Pro close to each other and other places too. But noticed there is noise. I tested with a different MacBook Pro too and noticed the same. Is there a fix ?
To add to Bob's comments and for future reference:
You would use the combination of the two to determine signal "quality." This is known as the Signal-to-Noise Ratio or SNR. SNR is not actually a ration but the difference in power (decibels measured) between the received signal and the background noise level (or noise floor). For Wi-Fi, data corruption and re-transmissions will occur if the difference between these two power levels (the SNR value) is too close (low).
The SNR formula is: SNR (in dB) = Signal (in dBm) - Noise (in dBm). As an example, with a signal level of -50dBm and a noise level of -90dBM would result in a SNR of 40dB. (i.e., SNR = Signal - Noise = -50 - (-90) = 40)
If you want to use your Mac to compute the SNR of your wireless connection, post back to let us know.
As you might expect, the SNR figure will drop the further than your Mac is from the wireless router, and/or if obstructions like walls are present between the laptop and the wireless router.
A noise measurement of -96DBm is phenomenal. Congrats on your excellent signal. Most of us will never approach that type of low noise performance.
Wi-Fi signal noise
