Summary of Experiment
The purpose of the first experiment was to understand how a 5 GHz radio frequency (RF) signal, more specifically a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) signal, is affected after passing through various materials that are well-known for their RF signal dampening qualities. This lab consists of two different experiments. The first experiment aims to find the material(s) that block RF signals most effectively, and the second experiment test which orientation of the material is most effective at blocking RF signals. In both experiments, I collected data on two main variables: network speed, and network strength. This series of experiments was automated using various programs, which have been built using the language Python, of which some used for data collection and information gathering, and some used for data analysis and visualization. Using a directional wireless antenna, the signal coverage, direction, and amplitude can all be easily controlled. I will be using the data that I collect to refine the development of a working prototype “shield” that effectively blocks Wi-Fi signals from potential cybercriminals.
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