RF Propagation Simulator
A live wave simulation of reflection, scattering, refraction, diffraction and attenuation: see how Wi-Fi signals behave around walls, gaps, objects and materials at 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz.
How to use this tool controls and what to look for
Pick a behaviour and watch the waves hit walls, gaps and obstacles in real time. Switch to the signal-strength view to see where the power ends up.
Controls to change
- Behaviour: choose Reflection, Scattering, Refraction, Diffraction or Attenuation.
- Band: compare 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz. Wavelength changes how each behaviour looks.
- Material: change the wall or obstacle, from drywall and glass to concrete and metal.
- Show: switch between Waves and Signal strength.
- Speed: slow the waves down, or use Pause and Restart.
What to look for
- Metal reflects almost everything. Low-E glass behaves more like metal than like clear glass.
- Diffraction bends a weak signal into the shadow behind a corner. Longer wavelengths (2.4 GHz) bend more.
- A gap narrower than about one wavelength lets little through. A wide gap acts almost like a new source.
- Compare the typical loss of each material: a concrete wall costs far more than drywall.
About this tool
Radio waves don't only travel in straight lines: they reflect off surfaces, bend around edges, change direction through materials, scatter and lose strength through walls. This live wave simulation lets you pick a behaviour and watch the waves do it, with a plot of signal strength along the path.
What you'll learn
- How reflection off metal, glass and walls changes where signal goes
- How diffraction puts signal behind corners and obstacles
- What refraction and scattering do
- How different wall materials absorb signal
Common questions
Can Wi-Fi go through walls?
Yes, but every wall absorbs some of the signal: plasterboard only a few dB, brick and concrete much more, and metal or coated glass can block almost all of it.
Why is there Wi-Fi around a corner?
Diffraction bends waves around edges, and reflections bring signal in from other directions, so a shadow behind an obstacle is rarely completely empty.
Why does 2.4 GHz reach further indoors?
Lower frequencies lose less in free space and usually less passing through walls, so 2.4 GHz covers more area than 5 or 6 GHz from the same access point.
Free for private and educational use. This interactive model is a simplified teaching aid and may contain mistakes. It is provided as is, without warranty. Use it to understand the concepts, not as a substitute for a site survey, vendor documentation or professional design advice.