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Knowledge Base / Frequently Asked Questions / Room Alert

How Physical Obstacles Impact Room Alert MAX Wireless Range

Room Alert MAX sensors operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is shared with Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies. While this frequency is excellent for short-range communication, it can be weakened by certain building materials. The strength and range of the signal depend on distance and what’s between the sensor and the Base Station.

Room Alert MAX is designed to provide reliable coverage for areas up to 10,000 square feet under typical indoor conditions. Actual range can vary based on the environment; open spaces may exceed this distance, while dense building materials such as brick and concrete reduce signal reach.

Unobstructed

With minimal obstructions between the sensor and Base Station, the signal strength remains strong up to 150’ (45 m).

Estimated Range Reduction by Obstacle Type

Obstacle Material	Signal Loss	Approximate Distance Loss*
Wood doors, glass windows, thin drywall	-3 dB to -6 dB	5 to 25 feet lost
Standard interior wall with insulation	-6 dB to -12 dB	15 to 40 feet lost
Brick, stone, or ceramic tile	-15 dB to -20 dB	45 to 90 feet lost
Concrete, cinder block, or reinforced concrete	-20 dB to -30 dB	70 to 100 feet lost

*dB loss cannot be converted into an exact number of feet because signal behavior is non-linear and highly dependent on the environment.

Other Factors That Can Affect Signal

Metal objects like cabinets or shelving can reflect or absorb signals.
People moving around can cause drops in signal strength.
Interference from nearby Wi-Fi routers can slightly reduce range.

Best Practices To Maximize Range

Position the Base Station and the sensor/adapter so that their logos face each other.
Place devices in a way that minimizes the number of walls or large objects between them.
Mount devices away from shelves, machinery, or other sources of interference.