Wi-Fi can be frustrating. Although we often think of wireless internet as an incorporeal presence that can pass through walls and other obstacles, it’s often slowed by these features. The result is a Wi-Fi signal that’s strong in one part of your house while remaining weak in others. 

However, researchers at the Vienna University of Technology and the University of Rennes may have discovered a method that allows Wi-Fi signals to pass through walls more efficiently. This discovery could change how we use Wi-Fi in the future. Here’s a look at this transformative innovation and what it might mean for the future of Wi-Fi. 

In-home Wi-Fi connections can be fickle, especially if you’re using a device while sitting far from the router. Even small apartments can experience significant performance drops, and much of it is driven by walls, doors, furniture, and other obstacles. Here’s how this innovation works.

What is this innovation?

We don’t know how this innovation will look in its final form because it is still in its research phase. However, the idea is similar to how an anti-reflective coating on a pair of eyeglasses allows light to pass through more efficiently, improving your eyesight. 

Theoretically, researchers believe this concept applies to Wi-Fi. By adding an invisible, anti-reflective layer to a solid wall, there’s a belief that Wi-Fi signals could pass through without any impediment. 

While we don’t know if or when this innovation will hit the market, early research suggests it will take the form of an invisible wall covering homeowners would install in strategic locations. This covering would permit Wi-Fi signals to pass, improving your online performance.

A look at the research

Researchers created a paper outlining the idea of an anti-reflective coating that permits Wi-Fi signals to pass through solid objects. They tested this idea out, too, creating a baseline by sending microwaves through a maze of obstacles meant to replicate a living room or office containing significant furniture that could weaken a signal.

From there, researchers calculated the effect an anti-reflective structure would have on these waves, comparing it to the baseline. The result was the reflection of the signal being almost entirely eliminated in a way that gives researchers hope that the idea could be viable in the future.

The key is developing an anti-reflective layer that’s the right shape and composition to allow Wi-Fi signals to pass through without obstruction. These researchers are optimistic that they can create the right environment that could allow this product to become available to the public in the coming years.

What this could mean for the future

We don’t yet know what an anti-reflective wall covering could do for Wi-Fi in the future. This innovation is merely a concept at this point, without any real-world testing. 

However, it’s easy to think about the possibilities if this idea goes mainstream. It has the potential to alleviate many of the Wi-Fi problems we experience in various environments.

For example, improved Wi-Fi performance could eliminate the need to hardwire media players and gaming systems in remote areas of the house. This feature is beneficial for homeowners struggling with connection problems in certain rooms. It could also help individuals save money on Wi-Fi signal boosters, range extenders, and pods that might be necessary for sending a signal to every room in the home.

The business world could benefit, as employees would have better access to company Wi-Fi throughout the building, making more areas usable for internet-dependent jobs and video calls. Companies could also save money on internet bills, which can add up over time. 

Better Wi-Fi is possible

While we don’t yet know if an anti-reflective Wi-Fi boosting wall covering will ever hit the market, the concept is there, and researchers are confident it will work. The result could be improved Wi-Fi capabilities in many environments while reducing the influence certain obstructions have on the signal.

Would you install an anti-reflective wall covering in your home or business if it meant a better Wi-Fi signal throughout the building? Let us know in the comment section, and remember to share this information with the techie in your life.