Technical Guide
This page has been created to help support you understanding everything you need to know about WiFi Performance Certifications (WPC) with WiFi Certify.
We will cover:
- How to build new homes to ensure best coverage
- How ratings are calculated
- How to cable
- What a heat map is
- and all the other technical bits you may like to know!
Remember if anything is missing and you need to ask us a question just drop us a line using the contact below
WiFi Performance Certificate (WPC)
Click below to download an example of a WiFi Performance Certificate (WPC)
Getting my house plans
Before we are able to create your full report, we will need a copy of your house plan with dimensions. It can be PDF, PNG JPEG or DWG
Building a new build home, you will have your house plans that show materials so just send these to us.
To get started on your accreditation if you do not have a plan of your house, do not worry as this is very straight forward.
To create a copy of your house layout plans it is really easy to map yourself with free software readily available like CubiCasa or MagicPlan.
Better still if you are selling a property you may have this already from your agent!
Why is WiFi so important?
Often, we blame poor broadband for our data issues in the home when in most instances, your broadband is spot on. It's normally WiFi that causes your problems and we are on a mission to help connect homes throughout the world
Solar and EV does it need WiFi
When building new homes, we think all these devices need a cable.
This is not the case, often most of the additional hardware you install will connect to WiFi.
WiFi 6, WiFi 7 what does it all mean?
If you have a smart home, work from home, or frequently use high-bandwidth applications, WiFi 6 or 6E (which adds the 6 GHz band) is a good upgrade.
WiFi 7 is the most advanced option, but it requires compatible devices and may come with a higher price tag.
How important is WiFi in today's world?
The answer is very! But don't just take our word for it:
60% of potential home owners believe good WiFi is one of the most essential things in the home
Why do certificates not last forever
Technology is evolving at a rate of knots so certifications will last for 5 years.
For new build house reports, they last for 2 years so we keep homes fit for the future!
What is a heat map?
You will notice we refer a lot to the word heat map! It's the important bit that will map the home for the best WiFi coverage.
We use the latest in AI technology with Ekahau.
When we do this, it throws out all sorts of information that we will simplify on your Wifi Performance Report© and WiFi Performance Certificate©
The easy bit is the colours with dark green being very good, yellow/orange not so good and grey meaning no coverage at all.
We will provide all the maps for your ratings options on your report. This way if you are currently only installing a router, you can see how good or bad it is.
Below is an example of the scale of signal loss:
Heat Map Rating Examples
A+ Rating
A Rating
B Rating
D Rating
Rating Sample
These map maps show you an example of the different ratings on a single house.
Note that C Rating is not for new developments and only if you connect APs using wireless (rather than a network cable). For this reason C Rating is excluded from these examples
The key below shows the location of network points to be located. These are cabled back to the router point of presence in the dwelling
A+ Rating
A Rating
B Rating
D Rating
Rating Sample
These map maps show you an example of the different ratings on a single house.
Note that C Rating is not for new developments and only if you connect APs using wireless (rather than a network cable). For this reason C Rating is excluded from these examples
The key below shows the location of network points to be located. These are cabled back to the router point of presence in the dwelling
How do we heat map?
Ekahau enables IT professionals to take control of their Wi-Fi, making it easier than ever before to proactively monitor, maintain, and optimize their networks. Organizations of every size—including the world’s biggest brands and events—use this software and hardware products for full Wi-Fi lifecycle management and the highest levels of performance and connectivity. The award-winning design, site survey, and troubleshooting solutions create fast, reliable networks that businesses can trust for their mission-critical Wi-Fi needs.
A+ Rating
Here we are talking about hardly any signal drop off and is set to achieve the highest standard in WiFi. The coverage around the property will be truly exceptional and a must for the most luxury homes.
Minimum signal strength of:
95% -55 to -50 (dBm) at 5GHz
100% above -55 (dBm) at 5GHz
A Rating
To achieve great WiFi coverage throughout the home, A rated will achieve just this.
The coverage around the property will be a minimum signal strength of:
75% -55 to -50 (dBm) at 5GHz
85% -60 to -55 (dBm) at 5GHz
100% above -60 (dBm) at 5GHz
B Rating
With a B Rated standard in WiFi, the coverage around the property will be good, but not great (meaning a noticeable signal drop which can affect speeds)
Minimum signal strength of:
50% -55-50 (dBm) at 5GHz
75% -60 to -55 (dBm) at 5GHz
100% above -65 (dBm) at 5GHz
C Rating
Meshing your house using WiFi can be great but will never be as good as a cabled access point.
You can achieve this by using the map provided as suggested locations.
NOTE: This rating is not available for new build homes
D Rating
This is about the router. You will not get full coverage around the home with a D rated home.
To achieve D rated home we will map your home at the router and see just how much coverage you should get.
How to power?
Another great thing about WiFi is it can be powered in a couple of ways!
Traditional power can be located in the area where your access points will be positioned. This has to be the case if you are using a non-networked access point.
You can also use Power Over Ethernet (PoE). This is a power injector which has to be located at the same position as the router. So remember if you are installing FTTP to this location you may need 3 power points
Networking
It is always advisable to network homes, particularly if you are building a new home.
This is simple: once you have your heat map report you will need to run a CAT6 network cable from the router location to where your access points will be.
If you are building homes, it's advisable to test the network cabling before closing walls. You can also use a conduit within the walls to protect the cable and make future advances in cabling easier to manage. NOTE: It is not going to affect your rating if you do not do this.
You can choose various ways to present this at both locations.
Marketing Guidelines
Marketing your home(s) having achieved a WiFi Performance rating, with a fully independent company like WiFi Certify is really important. Once you purchase your WiFi Performance Certificates, you can! So here we have guidelines you can use.
You will also receive a link to the rating which can be used on your own website too. This can be standard or bespoke and co-branded with your developer logo. Click Here to see an example
Below are the logos you can use in any marketing but only once you agree to the issue of WiFi Performance Certificates:
Quotes
Below are a few quotes you can use within your marketing literature. If you would like to add something else, just drop us a line as we will provide full marketing support too.
Our homes are built for the future
Many developers install fibre broadband and stop there. We have gone the extra mile as every home has been mapped for optimal WiFi coverage. To back this up, your property will come with its own WiFi Performance Certificate.
Best WiFi solution on day 1
Next generation WiFi for your home has been carefully considered during construction of our homes. We've had every home mapped for WiFi coverage so you can plug in on day one and enjoy WiFi everywhere
Lower broadband costs for all
Wave goodbye to extra broadband costs for WiFi guarantee. Our homes have this as standard and come with a WiFi Performance Certificate.
Our homes are now A rated, meaning you will have great WiFi coverage throughout.