Tell me more ×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite
1

Would an object like a wooden bed interfere or block the signal coming from a 802.11 wireless router?

share|improve this question
I don't know why I was voted down, is this not a question about the how our physical reality works? – Mark Rogers Dec 19 '10 at 21:56
1  
My guess would be because of the unclear classification of this site itself; it handles Research questions and introductory questions; probably not an ideal situation. – Noon Silk Dec 19 '10 at 23:05
Yeah, thats a good point, I hadn't fully considered that. Although how does one become an expert without starting from many introductory questions? – Mark Rogers Dec 19 '10 at 23:22
I think you misread Noon's comment. It handles both research AND introductory questions. I think your question was regarded as too plain, though I wouldn't vote it down. – Bruce Connor Dec 20 '10 at 0:39

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

The question is about physics, but not in terms easily answerable by a physicist.

  • What is the bed made of (spring mattresses have lots of metal inside)?
  • At what frequency is the source of EM waves?
  • Where are you measuring the waves w.r.t. the bed and router?

etc.

In general, yes there will be some dampening, depending on the factors above.

share|improve this answer
But don't you see it was answerable: "yes there will be some dampening, depending on the factors above." This is one such answer. It's an easy question. – Mark Rogers Dec 19 '10 at 22:51
I didn't vote you down. The question should be improved though :-) – Sklivvz♦ Dec 19 '10 at 22:56
Cool, thanks for the answer and advice. – Mark Rogers Dec 19 '10 at 23:07
up vote 2 down vote

WiFi signals are just microwaves, so they are affected by the same things. If something would prevent a microwave oven from working, there is a good chance it will also block a wireless signal.

In case of a wooden bed, humidity in the wood could reduce the signal, although not by much. Even if wood would absorb microwaves, a bed is typically not a massive slab of it, but has openings between the slats etc.. You would more likely get an effect from any springs in the matress. Other things that commonly weaken the signal are steel in reenforced concrete walls, and anti-glare coatings on windows.

This would be a great case for an experiment btw..

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.