Want to use the internet in your soundproof room but worried that “Wi-Fi doesn’t reach” or “signal is weak and unstable”? The structure of soundproof rooms in Japan (soundproofing materials, metal, multi-layer walls) significantly attenuates Wi-Fi signals.
This article clearly demonstrates that “wired LAN priority design” is the correct approach for soundproof room network environments, explaining wired LAN installation steps, acoustic reinforcement when drilling, and optimal configurations for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Conclusion: “Wired LAN” Is the Optimal Solution for Soundproof Room Internet#
For comfortable internet use in soundproof rooms, wired LAN is the optimal solution. Wireless (Wi-Fi) is structurally prone to weakness, and instability becomes critical for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Four Reasons Why Wired LAN Is Optimal for Soundproof Rooms#
Soundproof Rooms Are Structurally Prone to Weak Wireless
- Soundproofing materials, metal, and multi-layer structures attenuate Wi-Fi signals
- Signal strength drops by -30 to -50dBm (about 90-99% attenuation)
- Becomes even weaker when door is closed
Wired LAN Meets All Requirements: Stability, Speed, and Latency
- Latency (Ping): 5-20ms (1/3 to 1/5 of Wi-Fi)
- Speed: Consistently maximum (theoretical 1Gbps with 1Gbps-compatible LAN)
- Stability: Packet loss nearly zero
Streaming, Online Meetings, and Gaming Approach “Wired Essential”
- Streaming: Needs 10-30Mbps upload speed, stability most important
- Gaming: Ping value under 20ms recommended, packet loss under 0.1%
- Online meetings: Need 3-5Mbps up/down, uninterrupted stability
Treating Wireless as “Secondary Means” Is Correct Design
- Main connection: Wired LAN (PC, streaming equipment, game consoles)
- Sub connection: Wi-Fi (smartphones, tablets, light use)
- Base on wired, use wireless supplementarily
Why Soundproof Room Wi-Fi Becomes Weak#
Detailed explanation of structural reasons why Wi-Fi signals weaken in soundproof rooms.
Reason ①: Soundproofing Materials and Metal Absorb/Reflect Radio Waves#
Soundproof room structural elements attenuate Wi-Fi signals.
Soundproof Room Structure and Wi-Fi Signal Attenuation
| Structural Element | Material | Wi-Fi Signal Impact | Attenuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundproofing Material | Gypsum board, soundproofing sheet | Absorbs radio waves | -5 to -10dBm |
| Metal Panels | Steel, aluminum | Reflects/blocks radio waves | -10 to -20dBm |
| Multi-layer Structure | Combined walls/ceiling/floor | Cumulative from multiple passes | -15 to -30dBm |
| Airtight Door | Highly airtight door | Limits radio wave entry points | -5 to -10dBm |
| Sound Absorbing Material | Urethane foam | Also absorbs radio waves | -3 to -5dBm |
Total -38 to -75dBm attenuation (signal strength can attenuate about 99.99%)
Reason ②: Double Walls of Room + Soundproof Room Increase Attenuation#
Soundproof rooms have a “room within a room” structure, so Wi-Fi signals pass through double walls.
Cumulative Attenuation from Double Walls
| Passing Wall | Attenuation |
|---|---|
| Outer room wall | -3 to -5dBm |
| Soundproof room outer wall | -15 to -30dBm |
| Soundproof room inner wall (absorbing material) | -3 to -5dBm |
| Total | -21 to -40dBm |
Even More Attenuation When on Different Floors
- 1st floor router → 2nd floor soundproof room: Floor/ceiling add -10 to -20dBm
- Total -31 to -60dBm attenuation
- Wi-Fi barely reaches
Reason ③: Sealed Structure Limits Radio Wave Entry Points#
Soundproof rooms have high airtightness, so Wi-Fi signal entry points are extremely limited.
Radio Wave Entry Routes
- Mainly enters through door gap (about 1-2cm)
- Also enters through ventilation port if present
- Walls, ceiling, floor have soundproofing material so radio waves barely pass
Impact When Door Is Closed
- Door open state: -20 to -30dBm attenuation
- Door closed state: -30 to -50dBm attenuation
- Difference of -10 to -20dBm (communication speed can drop to 1/10 or less)
Reason ④: 5GHz Especially Doesn’t Reach (Weak Against Walls Characteristic)#
Wi-Fi frequency bands vary greatly in how easily they reach soundproof rooms.
2.4GHz vs 5GHz Comparison
| Frequency Band | Speed | Wall Strength | Soundproof Room Attenuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4GHz | Max 600Mbps | Strong | -20 to -30dBm |
| 5GHz | Max 1300Mbps | Weak | -30 to -50dBm |
5GHz Often Unusable in Soundproof Rooms
- Fast but extremely weak against walls
- Significantly attenuated by soundproof room materials and metal
- Should use 2.4GHz in soundproof rooms
Troubles That Easily Occur When Staying Wireless#
When using only Wi-Fi in soundproof rooms, the following troubles frequently occur.
Trouble ①: Videos Stop#
Symptoms
- YouTube/Netflix videos stop midway
- Buffering (loading) occurs frequently
- Quality automatically becomes low
Causes
- Unstable download speed (fluctuates 10-50Mbps)
- Weak signal can’t maintain speed
- Speed drops when many devices connected simultaneously
Trouble ②: Online Meeting Delays#
Symptoms
- Audio cuts out in Zoom/Teams/Google Meet
- Video stutters or freezes
- “Network is unstable” warning appears
Causes
- Upload speed drops below 3Mbps
- Packet loss (data dropout) over 1%
- Latency (delay) over 100ms
Trouble ③: Game Lag Occurs#
Symptoms
- FPS/fighting games/rhythm games stutter
- Ping value over 50ms (ideal is under 20ms)
- Connection drops during games
Causes
- Delay from Wi-Fi instability
- Packet loss over 1% (ideal is under 0.1%)
- Router distance and obstacle impact
Trouble ④: Streaming Is Unstable#
Symptoms
- “Insufficient bitrate” warning in OBS/streaming software
- Stream disconnects midway
- Viewers point out “it’s stuttering”
Causes
- Upload speed drops below 10Mbps (streaming needs 15-30Mbps)
- Speed unstable with momentary drops
- Frame dropout from packet loss
Trouble ⑤: Smartphone Antenna Becomes 1 Bar#
Symptoms
- Smartphone/tablet Wi-Fi antenna shows 1-2 bars
- Signal strength below -70dBm
- Connection frequently drops
Causes
- Attenuation from soundproof room acoustic structure
- Distance from router
- Using 5GHz band
Wireless-centric approach has limits, so next chapter presents optimal wired LAN design
Top Priority: Benefits of Using “Wired LAN” in Soundproof Rooms#
Explain benefits of using wired LAN in soundproof rooms with specific numbers.
Benefit ①: Nearly Zero Latency#
Wired LAN Latency (Ping)
| Connection Method | Ping Value | Suitability for Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Wired LAN | 5-20ms | ★★★★★ Strongest for streaming/gaming/DTM |
| Wi-Fi (Good) | 20-50ms | ★★★☆☆ Online meetings possible |
| Wi-Fi (Unstable) | 50-200ms | ★☆☆☆☆ Gaming/streaming impossible |
Strongest for Streaming/Gaming/DTM
- FPS/fighting games: Ping under 20ms recommended
- Streaming: Stable upload speed most important
- DTM: Low latency essential for real-time synchronization
Benefit ②: Speed Always at Maximum#
Wired LAN Speed Stability
- No distance or obstacle impact like Wi-Fi
- Consistently achieves 90-95% of theoretical speed
- 1Gbps-compatible LAN achieves 900-950Mbps actual measurement
Speed Comparison (Inside Soundproof Room)
| Connection Method | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Wired LAN (1Gbps) | 900-950Mbps | 900-950Mbps |
| Wi-Fi (Good) | 50-100Mbps | 30-50Mbps |
| Wi-Fi (Unstable) | 5-30Mbps | 3-15Mbps |
Benefit ③: Doesn’t Receive Noise or Surrounding Radio Wave Interference#
Wired LAN Stability
- Not affected by other devices like Wi-Fi
- Zero interference from microwave ovens, Bluetooth, etc.
- No channel competition with neighbors’ Wi-Fi
- Packet loss rarely occurs (under 0.01%)
Benefit ④: Easy to Branch to Multiple Indoor Devices#
PC and Audio IF Also Stable with Switching Hub
- Distribute to multiple devices with 5-8 port switching hub
- Simultaneously connect PC, audio interface, game consoles
- Each device can communicate at maximum speed
Wired LAN + Switching Hub Configuration Example
Router (External)
↓ LAN cable (10m)
Indoor switching hub
↓
├─ PC (streaming/gaming)
├─ Audio interface
├─ Game console (PS5/Switch/etc.)
└─ Spare port
Design Steps for Using Wired LAN in Soundproof Rooms#
Explain specific steps to install wired LAN in soundproof rooms.
Step ①: Place Router Outside Soundproof Room#
No need to place inside, just run LAN from outside
- Place router in regular room (living room, study, etc.)
- Install near modem (near optical line entry point)
- Extend LAN cable to soundproof room
Optimal Router Placement Position
- Within 5m of modem
- Within 10-20m of soundproof room door
- Height about 1-2m (avoid floor placement)
Step ②: Plan LAN Cable “Route”#
Decide route to run LAN cable into soundproof room.
Route ①: Under Door Gap
- Easiest method
- When soundproof door has about 1-2cm gap below
- Use flat LAN cable (1-2mm thickness)
Route ②: Dedicated Cable Hole
- Secure during DIY soundproof room design stage
- Drill hole about 2-3cm diameter
- Reinforce with soundproofing material (described later)
Route ③: Run Together Through Power Outlet
- Run LAN cable together with power cable
- Utilize existing power outlet
- No additional drilling needed
Step ③: Confirm Drilling Permission for Existing Soundproof Rooms#
Unit Types (Yamaha/Kawai) Often Prohibit Drilling
- May void manufacturer warranty
- Risk of soundproofing performance decline
- Always confirm in advance for rentals
How to Confirm Drilling Permission
- Confirm by phone/email to manufacturer support
- For rentals, confirm with management company/owner
- Check warranty/contract terms
Solutions When Drilling Is Prohibited
- Use under-door gap
- Utilize ventilation port (existing hole)
- Compromise with Wi-Fi mesh (inferior to wired but second-best)
Step ④: Secure LAN Port from Start for DIY Soundproof Rooms#
Design Ventilation, Power, and LAN Together for Reliability
- Combine power outlet, LAN outlet, ventilation port in same area
- Decide position and size during design stage
- Consider soundproofing material placement
Design Stage Points
- LAN port position: Near desk (shorter wiring)
- Hole size: 2-3cm diameter (1-2 LAN cables pass through)
- Height: 30-50cm from floor (easy cable management)
Step ⑤: Connect to Switching Hub Indoors#
Stable Distribution to Multiple Indoor Devices
- Install 5-8 port switching hub
- Connect LAN cable to hub
- Distribute to PC, audio IF, game console, etc.
Recommended Switching Hubs
| Product | Ports | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link TL-SG105 | 5 ports | ¥2,000 ($15) | Compact, quiet |
| Buffalo LSW6-GT-8NS | 8 ports | ¥3,500 ($25) | 8 ports, metal housing |
| NETGEAR GS308 | 8 ports | ¥4,000 ($30) | High quality, power saving |
Acoustic Countermeasures When Drilling Is Necessary#
Detailed explanation of acoustic countermeasures when drilling for LAN cables.
Why Holes Reduce Soundproofing Performance#
Increased Sound Leakage When Airtightness Is Lost
- Soundproofing performance determined by “weakest part”
- One hole can reduce D-value by 5-10
- Sound leaks through gaps “flanking phenomenon”
Hole Size and Impact
| Hole Size | D-Value Impact | Sound Leakage Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1cm diameter | -3 to -5 | Almost no impact |
| 2-3cm diameter | -5 to -8 | Slight sound leakage |
| 5cm+ diameter | -10 to -15 | Clear sound leakage |
Reinforcement Methods After Drilling#
Introduce reinforcement methods to maintain acoustic performance when drilling.
Reinforcement ①: Double Seal Hole Edges with Soundproofing Sheet
- Apply soundproofing sheet around hole perimeter (about 10cm radius)
- Run LAN cable through
- Fill gap between hole and cable with acoustic putty
- Apply soundproofing sheet double layer on top
Reinforcement ②: Apply Vibration-Damping Mat to Surroundings
- Apply vibration-damping mat around hole perimeter (about 15cm radius)
- Prevents vibration transmission
- Effective when combined with soundproofing sheet
Reinforcement ③: Completely Seal Gaps with Airtight Tape
- Apply airtight tape to hole edges
- Seal gap between LAN cable and hole with airtight tape
- Also has waterproof and dustproof effects
Reinforcement Materials Purchase Sources and Budget
| Reinforcement Material | Price | Purchase Source |
|---|---|---|
| Soundproofing sheet (50cm×50cm) | ¥1,000~ ($7~) | Amazon, home centers |
| Acoustic putty (500g) | ¥1,500~ ($10~) | Amazon, Rakuten |
| Vibration-damping mat (30cm×30cm) | ¥800~ ($6~) | Amazon, home centers |
| Airtight tape (5m) | ¥500~ ($4~) | Amazon, home centers |
| Total | ¥3,800~ ($27~) |
Also Note That “Difficult to Return to Original Performance”#
Complete Restoration Difficult When Drilling
- D-50 may decline to about D-45~48
- Complete sealing difficult
- Acoustic characteristics also change
Consider Professional Construction If Necessary
- Consult soundproofing construction contractors
- Install appropriate acoustic reinforcement
- Cost: ¥30,000-100,000 ($200-700)
Drilling Is Last Resort
- First utilize under-door gap and ventilation port
- Only drill when absolutely necessary
- Implement after consulting specialists
“Second Choice” Wireless Countermeasures When Wired Is Difficult#
Introduce wireless (Wi-Fi) countermeasures when wired LAN is difficult.
※Priority order is always wired LAN → wireless
Countermeasure ①: Install Mesh Wi-Fi Near Soundproof Room#
Placing Satellite Near Door Improves Most
- Mesh Wi-Fi main unit + 2 satellite configuration
- Place 1 satellite near soundproof room door
- Radio waves enter soundproof room easily
Effect
- Signal strength improves to -50 to -60dBm
- Communication speed improves 3-5x
- Budget: ¥15,000-30,000 ($100-200)
Countermeasure ②: Move Router Near Soundproof Room#
Stable Just by Reducing Distance
- Install within 5m of soundproof room door
- Position router facing door
- Adjust height to about 1-2m
Effect
- Signal strength improves to -60 to -70dBm
- Communication speed improves 2-3x
- Budget: ¥0 ($0) - movement only
Countermeasure ③: Use Frequency Bands Selectively#
2.4GHz: Easy to Reach
- Strong against obstacles
- Relatively stable even in soundproof rooms
- Speed max 600Mbps
5GHz: Fast but Large Attenuation
- Fast (max 1300Mbps)
- Extremely weak against walls
- Not recommended for soundproof rooms
Recommended Settings
- Prioritize 2.4GHz in router settings
- Fix to 2.4GHz on device side too
- May disable 5GHz
Countermeasure ④: “Repeater Only” Not Recommended#
Latency Increases
- Latency increases when going through repeater
- Ping value increases 2-3x
- Packet loss also increases
Poor Compatibility for Soundproof Room Users
- Critical for streaming and gaming
- Unstable even for online meetings
- Should use mesh Wi-Fi (more stable than repeater)
By Usage: Optimal Internet Configuration Models#
Introduce optimal internet configurations for different soundproof room uses.
Configuration ①: For Streaming/VTubers#
Wired LAN Essential
- Upload speed 10-30Mbps needed
- Stability most important (stream stops if interrupted)
- Latency also important (real-time streaming)
Recommended Configuration
- External router → LAN → Indoor hub
- LAN cable: CAT6 or higher (1Gbps compatible)
- Switching hub: 5-8 ports
- Connect PC, audio IF, camera via wired
Budget and Effect
- Budget: ¥5,000-10,000 ($35-70)
- Effect: ★★★★★ (streaming completely stable)
Configuration ②: For Online Gaming/DTM#
Wired LAN Recommended
- Ping value under 20ms recommended
- Packet loss under 0.1% essential
- Stability most important
Recommended Configuration
- External router → LAN → PC/game console
- LAN cable: CAT6 or higher
- Connect game console and PC via wired
Wireless Operation Prone to Lag
- Wi-Fi can reach Ping value over 50ms
- Critical for FPS and fighting games
- Wired LAN essential
Budget and Effect
- Budget: ¥3,000-8,000 ($20-55)
- Effect: ★★★★★ (lag nearly zero)
Configuration ③: For Zoom/Remote Work#
Wired Most Stable
- Need 3-5Mbps up/down
- Uninterrupted stability important
- Audio/video latency also matters
Recommended Configuration (Wired LAN)
- External router → LAN → PC
- LAN cable: CAT5e or higher
- Budget: ¥2,000-5,000 ($15-35)
- Effect: ★★★★★
If Wireless, Add Mesh Wi-Fi Near Soundproof Room
- Place satellite near soundproof room door
- Prioritize 2.4GHz band
- Budget: ¥15,000-30,000 ($100-200)
- Effect: ★★★★☆
Configuration ④: Smartphone-Only Light Use#
First Move Router Nearby
- Install near soundproof room door
- Use 2.4GHz band
- Budget: ¥0 ($0) - movement only
- Effect: ★★★☆☆
Usable If Near Door
- No problem when door is open
- Light use possible even with door closed
- Sufficient for SNS and video watching
Summary: Soundproof Room Internet Is “Wired LAN as Basic Structure”#
Design soundproof room internet environment with wired LAN as top priority.
Basic Principles of Soundproof Room Network Environment Design#
Principle ①: Wireless has poor compatibility with soundproof rooms, prone to latency and instability
- Soundproofing materials, metal, multi-layer structure attenuate radio waves
- Signal strength drops by -30 to -50dBm
- Critical for streaming and gaming
Principle ②: Wired meets all requirements for speed, stability, and latency countermeasures
- Ping value: 5-20ms (1/3 to 1/5 of Wi-Fi)
- Speed: Always maximum (900-950Mbps with 1Gbps compatible)
- Stability: Packet loss nearly zero
Principle ③: Prioritize securing LAN port from design stage
- DIY soundproof rooms: Secure LAN port during design stage
- Unit-type soundproof rooms: Confirm drilling permission in advance
- Existing soundproof rooms: Utilize under-door gap and ventilation port
Principle ④: Can optimize by using wireless “supplementarily” as finishing touch
- Main connection: Wired LAN (PC, streaming equipment)
- Sub connection: Wi-Fi (smartphones, tablets)
- Wired + wireless hybrid configuration is ideal
Optimal Solution Summary by Usage#
| Usage | Recommended Method | Budget | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming/VTubers | Wired LAN essential | ¥5,000-10,000 ($35-70) | ★★★★★ |
| Online Gaming | Wired LAN essential | ¥3,000-8,000 ($20-55) | ★★★★★ |
| DTM/Music Production | Wired LAN recommended | ¥3,000-8,000 ($20-55) | ★★★★★ |
| Zoom/Remote Work | Wired LAN recommended | ¥2,000-5,000 ($15-35) | ★★★★★ |
| Smartphone Light Use | Router placement optimization | ¥0 ($0) | ★★★☆☆ |
For comfortable internet use in soundproof rooms in Japan, design with wired LAN as top priority. Secure LAN port from design stage and build optimal environment for streaming, gaming, and remote work.