Internet and signal in an elevator: why it disappears and how to fix it

Published 2026-11-03 · 6 min read · By the Alian Digital team

A metal elevator cabin shields radio signal, so mobile coverage and Wi-Fi often vanish there. It can be solved, with elevator safety in mind.

Why the signal disappears

The cabin and shaft act as a screen for radio waves, like a Faraday cage. The older and denser the metal body, the worse the signal.

What the solutions are

• An access point in the cabin on a cable: you need a flexible cable run together with the elevator's own travelling cable, and power, often over PoE.
• A mobile repeater: boosts the operator's signal in the shaft or cabin.
• A wireless bridge: carries the network into the shaft with no cable in the shaft, but needs line of sight and setup.
• A separate emergency line to the dispatcher: this is a different subsystem and should not be mixed with the internet.

What must be agreed

• Work in the shaft and on elevator equipment is done only by an organisation entitled to it. Agree with the elevator maintenance company.
• Consent from the board or owners and a budget.
• Power, outage protection and access for maintenance.
• Safety: nothing may interfere with elevator operation or with action in an emergency.

What works best

There is no single recipe: it depends on the shaft, the equipment and the operator. People start with an inspection, signal measurements and choosing a solution.