10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Browsing slowing to a crawl, the inability to stream, dropped Wi-Fi signals, wireless dead zones-- every one of these issues is frustrating in a world where getting online has ended up being, for some, as needed as breathing. Well, maybe not that crucial, however essential. If the only way you can get decent reception is to be in the exact same room as your wireless router, these easy tips can assist enhance your network.

Range is the most obvious problem-- there is a certain optimal variation that the wireless signal can take a trip. If the network has to cover a location larger than the router is capable of transferring to, or if there are great deals of corners to go around and walls to penetrate, performance will take a hit. Disturbance is likewise a big issue, specifically for those who reside in largely populated areas. Signals from other cordless networks and electronic devices can affect speeds, as can physical blockages, such as walls. Numerous phone systems and other wireless gadgets can likewise hinder signals. This is a good thing to think about when you are looking for a brand-new phone system-- a lot of them utilize DECT 6.0 nowadays, which coexists really nicely with standard Wi-Fi networks.

It's likewise possible the problem isn't disturbance or other networks. Is there a possibility you have undesirable visitors piggybacking on your network? You can always take a look at your router's administrator interface to see how many gadgets are linked. Or use a network analyzer tool to see if you have unidentified makers on your network. If it's an open network, close it. Establish security-- preferably WPA2, as WEP isn't really as strong-- and put in a strong password that's hard for others to guess.

There are many other reasons why your connection might be less than suitable. Luckily, we have some troubleshooting tips to help, and a number of them won't cost you a dime.
1. Update Your Router's Firmware
Perhaps your router simply requires an update. Router makers are constantly tweaking software to eke out a little more efficiency and speed. How easy-- or how hard-- it is to upgrade your firmware depends totally on your device maker and design. The majority of current routers have the update process developed right into the administration interface, so it's just a matter of hitting a firmware upgrade button. Some designs, particularly if they're older, still require you to first discover and download the firmware from the router producer's site. It's tedious, but still a good idea to do.

In fact, even if your wireless network isn't ailing, you ought to just make it a point to update your firmware regularly. You will get performance enhancements, better features, and security updates that way. Here's the best ways to access your router's settings.

Move It, Move It
2. Optimum Router Positioning
Not all spaces and areas are created equal. The fact is, where you put the router can affect your wireless coverage. It may appear sensible to have the router inside a cabinet and out of the way, or right by the window where the cable comes in, but that's not always the case. A wired router can be hidden, out of sight, from mind. A wireless router, on the other hand, needs open spaces, far from walls and blockages. It's not simply physical blockages either; heavy-duty appliances or electronic devices running in close proximity can impact Wi-Fi efficiency.

If your router has external antennas, orient them vertically to bump up protection. Raise the router if you can. You can mount it on a wall, or put it on top of a shelf or a table to obtain a much better signal. There are lots of tools to help you envision your network protection. I personally like Heatmapper, or our Editors' Choice, inSSIDer for Workplace, which reveals you both the weak and strong areas in your Wi-Fi network. There are a lot of mobile apps, too, such as Netgear's WiFi Analytics.